By 
U.S. National
Nearly 1,400 child care providers in 43 states and Washington, D.C., closed their doors on May 12 in a nationwide work stoppage to demand protections for all aspects of care – child care, health care, food support, education and home care. Thousands more parents, organizers and allies participated in more than 100 supporting events across 27 states in solidarity. This was the largest child care work stoppage in history and was organized by WKKF grantee Community Change Action. The work stoppage continued for a full week in Wisconsin in response to state legislators’ proposal to entirely eliminate $480 million in child care funding over the next two years. The campaign was widely covered in the media, including this Here and Now story carried on 34 NPR stations across the country.
Mississippi
At the Sanderson Farms Championship, something unexpected happened beyond the golf course: college students from across Jackson gathered for meaningful conversations about racial healing. COMMON GOOD JXN creates opportunities to inspire connection and trust across divides. See how these conversations show what racial healing can look like between college students who are finding connection across lines of race, class and experience.
Impact Investing
Propeller has announced the 15 ventures selected for its 2025 Impact Accelerator: Growth Track — a five-month program supporting entrepreneurs committed to equity, sustainability and community impact. This year’s cohort reflects the power of local innovation, from cultural anchors like Dooky Chase’s Restaurant to startups reimagining early childhood education, green infrastructure and holistic health. Supported by WKKF and other partners, Propeller continues to build a more inclusive economy in New Orleans — one led by those closest to the challenges and solutions.
Community Engagement
Access to broadband is critical for connecting us to the rest of the world. But in some states across the South and Southwest U.S., and in Native communities, up to 20% of households in these regions are without internet access. The Digital Equity and Opportunity Initiative (DEOI) found that this gap in digital access is primarily due to a combination of geographic limitations, systemic discrimination and the effects of disaster recovery. Since 2022, DEOI has leveraged federal and philanthropic dollars from funders like WKKF to bridge the digital divide. In partnership with nine state-based coalitions, DEOI has helped build local civic engagement and connectivity for thousands of people.
Education
Michigan is expanding its Great Start Readiness Program to offer no-cost, high-quality preschool to all 4-year-olds beginning in the 2025-26 school year. WKKF grantee, Policy Equity Group, helped shape the state’s PreK for All roadmap by engaging families, educators and providers across the state to ensure those closest to the early care and education system had direct input on shaping the changes to it. Local partners are now working together to implement the plan, strengthen community-based preschool options and ensure more children enter kindergarten ready to thrive.
Comments