Get Involved
The Community is Listening, Our Momentum is Growing!

Led for and by the Black community: Over 300 Black donors and their honorees kicked off our fundraising effort.
In less than nine months, The Center has raised well over 60% of our $36M capital campaign goal, and we’re raising more dollars every day. We are so grateful for generous public and private support.
Join us in this historic moment for Madison and its Black community.

When the Black Community Thrives, the Region Benefits
Madison’s need for The Center is clear, and we can only make it a reality if the city’s philanthropic community, business community, and individual donors come together to build this project that will benefit all of us from Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, and beyond. To learn more about the project, download our case statement.
The Black Excellence Campaign
More than 300 Black community members and their honorees donated the first, foundational gifts and with your help we plan to open the doors of The Center in 2024.
The Capital Campaign Leadership Committee
The Capital Campaign Leadership Committee is in charge of raising the $36 million necessary to bring The Center to life.

Brian Burns

Susan Pierce Jacobsen

Anthony Cooper, Sr.

Marla Frank

Maurice “Mo” Cheeks

Mike Victorson

Peter Feigin

Ray Allen

Sverre Roang

George Austin

John Milton

Kesha Bozeman

Kim Sponem

Neil Heinen

Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper

Hon. Rick Phelps

Rev. Dr. Alex Gee

Jim Bower

Cedric Ellis

Alan Fish

Jim Yehle

Betty Harris Custer

Michelle A. Behnke
A Word from Our Co-Chairs

“It’s time! We are ready to showcase intergenerational Black achievement from yesterday, today, and for the future. Are you ready?”
– Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper, Capital Campaign Co-Chair

“I am thrilled to be working with Rev. Dr. Alex Gee on one of the biggest ideas in the city’s history, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. The Center will be transformative, changing the narrative of the Greater Madison region and its future to one that is truly inclusive and welcoming. It will celebrate the culture and contributions of the Black Madisonians who have been a part of the fabric of Madison since its inception. And it will be a Black inspired and designed space where all can gather, learn, create, celebrate, and promote Black excellence and culture.”
– Neil Heinen, Capital Campaign Co-Chair
With this campaign underway, we’re a step closer to improving the quality of life for Black Madisonians and enriching the region’s culture. You too can become a part of building The Center by contributing to its success today.
Thank You to Our $100,000+ Donors
$5,000,000 and higher
State of Wisconsin
$1,000,000 – $4,999,999
American Family Insurance
Ascendium
Summit Credit Union
CUNA Mutual Foundation
Rep. Mark Pocan earmark
(Supported by Sen. Tammy Baldwin
$250,000 – $999,999
Dane County
Oscar Rennebohm Foundation, Inc.
Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation
W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation
Dave & Terri Beck-Engel
Comer Family Foundation
Bill & Jan DeAtley
Bankers’ Bank
City of Madison
Lau & Bea Christensen
BMO Harris Bank
Evjue Foundation
Madison Gas & Electric Foundation
Green Bay Packers Foundation
$100,000 – $249,000
National Guardian Life Insurance
Company
TDS Telecom
Jack & Sarah Salzwedel
Marla & Larry Frank
M3 Insurance
Betty Harris Custer & Corkey Custer
Jim & Jessica Yehle
Mike & Karin Victorson
Dan & Patti Rashke TASC Family Foundation
UW Health
Peter Tropman and Virginia Graves
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