Advancing Excellence | October 2026

The Elementary Playground Initiative is gaining momentum — and we’re ready to have a little fun while raising funds for new playgrounds!

Pins for Playgrounds, presented by Waukesha State Bank, is coming up on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at New Berlin Ale House. This community bowling event will raise funds to help replace one aging playground at each of the four SDNB elementary schools with an updated, more accessible play space.

Gather a team, sponsor a lane, or simply join us for a fun afternoon supporting our elementary students. Team packages start at $250, and sponsorship opportunities are available from $100 - $5,000.

With 2,300+ elementary students using these playgrounds each year, your participation can help make a lasting difference for students today and for years to come.

Register, sponsor, or learn more about Pins for Playgrounds

Some of the best ideas in SDNB classrooms start with educators who see an opportunity to do something more for their students.



Since 2021, EFNB’s Impact Grant Program has awarded more than $102,000 to 45 educator-led projects — supporting everything from hands-on HVAC training and makerspace equipment to computer science curriculum and music programs.

See Impact Grants in action:

🎵 Elementary Music [ ▶ ] 
See how an Impact Grant is helping expand students' opportunities to learn and create through music.

🔨 Electrical & Construction [ ▶ ] 
See how grant funding is supporting hands-on training and helping students build real-world skills.

These are just two examples of how Impact Grants help educators bring new ideas, tools and learning experiences to students and classrooms throughout the district. Grants of up to $5,000 support projects that go beyond what the district's budget can cover.



The 2027 Impact Grant cycle is now open, with applications due Jan. 15, 2027.



Learn more about EFNB Impact Grants

EFNB Director Julie Cordero named 
2026 Professional Fundraiser of the Year

Julie Cordero, Director of the Education Foundation of New Berlin, has been named the 2026 Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Southeastern Wisconsin (AFP SEWI). 

Nominated by the Board of Directors and supported by the School District of New Berlin and Waukesha County Community Foundation, the award recognizes Cordero’s leadership in building partnerships and growing philanthropic support for students and educators throughout the district. 



The award will be presented at National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 19 at the Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. 

Since joining EFNB in 2021, Julie has helped build a culture of philanthropy that has generated nearly $1.8 million in support for students, educators and schools, including scholarships, classroom grants, endowed funds and community partnerships.

Julie’s path to fundraising was anything but traditional. A professional tuba player earlier in her career, she first began fundraising to create educational opportunities for young musicians. That experience sparked a passion for mission-driven fundraising and ultimately led to a second career in the nonprofit sector.



“The success of EFNB is really about the success of our school district and community,” said Julie. “When our Education Foundation, parent organizations, student clubs, businesses and community partners all succeed in supporting students, the entire district is stronger.”