Housing is a vital foundation for strong families and thriving communities. Rising prices, a shortage of available housing stock, and other factors have combined to make housing -- renting or owning -- a challenge for many families. We have been proactive in leveraging Foundation assets through impact investing that brings together public and private partners to address this challenging issue.

We are proud that our partners have been innovative in leading much-needed solutions with a portfolio of projects scattered throughout Dodge and Jefferson Counties. One of those projects is Rock River Ridge, a partnership between the Foundation, the City of Watertown, ThriveED and area developers.

Learn more about our housing strategy at our website.

Rock River Ridge: 188 new units in Watertown

A model neighborhood that promotes community wellbeing, Rock River Ridge is a model for communities seeking to attract development and add housing that meets the full

continuum of needs across the life-cycle. Located along the Rock River on the Foundation's Collective campus, the neighborhood creates 78 for-sale single family homes, 18 for-sale twin homes, and 92 for-rent multi-family homes. Occupancy for some units is expected as early as this summer.

The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and Wisconsin Head Start Association hosted Child Care Advocacy Day on April 16.

The day began at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governors Club, with speakers and training to prepare for legislative visits. In the afternoon, attendees met with their state representatives and senators at the Wisconsin State Capitol, where they discussed the importance of high-quality early care and education.

In what has become an annual presentation to the city council in honor of Strengthening Families Month, Watertown Family Connections' Executive Director Stephanie Curtis highlighted achievements of the past year.

In February, Watertown Family Connections received hard-earned accreditation as a family resource center of quality.

Over the past year, the center has supported over 326 families, a 56% increase compared to the previous program year. 72% of parents reported a positive change in their child’s behavior due to attending Watertown Family Connection programs.

In addition, outreach to the Hispanic and Latino community is resulting in more families accessing tools and resources, as well as greater use of the Watertown Public Library, where the Watertown Family Connections is co-located.

Farmers in Dodge County, Wisconsin wanted! Researchers are looking for farmers to participate in a confidential interview and a short survey about how they problem-solve for financial and mental well-being on the farm and at home. Receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for your time. For more information call: 814-865-4982 or email: sarah.ruszkowski@psu.edu. To sign-up to participate, visit this link or call the number above.

The Foundation provides resources, tools and support to changemakers who work toward measurable improvement in community health. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $51.1 million in its strategic priorities.

We empower community change leaders with the tools they need to build strong families and thriving communities, helping local organizations learn, grow, collaborate, and move their missions further.

We accept most grant requests year-round so that opportunities are available to our partners when the time is right for them.

Community Collaboration Grants support collaborative efforts that build a sense of connectedness between people or create/enhance community spaces where individuals can be active together.

Capacity Building Grants help local organizations further advance their impact. Grants can support research and development, needs assessments, strategic planning, technical skills, board development, and grantwriting.