Making a Difference
Kile And Virginia "Cuz" Johnson Create Endowment Supporting Early Childhood
Sitting across from Kile and Cuz Johnson, you can feel their great affection for our community. The couple met during their junior year at Lincoln Southeast High School, married, and began and grew their family and their businesses, all in Lincoln. Their fondness for one another and for the place they call home is a ‘forever’ kind of love – so much so that they’ve made an extraordinary investment supporting Lincoln’s youngest residents beyond their lifetimes.
Kile and Cuz worked with Lincoln Community Foundation to create an endowment that will prioritize early childhood education and care. The mission behind the Lincoln Early Childhood Education Support Fund is to support the work of Lincoln Littles as the organization tackles the complexities surrounding early childhood.
The forever nature of an endowment fund made sense to Cuz. “It was my parents who influenced my thinking on endowments,” she said.
“When you’re interested in making a difference, an endowment gives back much more than the initial investment, and it’s there in perpetuity.”
Kile agreed. “Endowments guarantee that your gift will continue and grow over time,” he said.
The Johnsons’ philanthropic passion for early childhood peaked when they learned more about the work of Lincoln Littles. With three children and seven grandchildren of their own, they understand the difference that quality early education and care can make in a person’s life.
“It is so important that everyone has that opportunity,” said Cuz.
“The early years are critical for future success,” continued Kile. “One of the things we hope to do is help these kids and their parents and make a true difference in their lives.”
The mission of Lincoln Littles is to provide opportunities for all children to have access to high quality early care and education ensuring they are ready for school and a life of learning. Lincoln Littles is transforming the landscape of early childhood by expanding high-quality choices and supporting families, early childhood providers, teachers, businesses, and our community.
Both Kile and Cuz hope that their endowment will inspire others to contribute and support Lincoln Littles or start their own fund that is meaningful to them.
Anne Brandt, Executive Director of Lincoln Littles, reflected on the Johnsons’ generosity and what it means for children and families
in Lincoln.
“We are so fortunate that Kile and Cuz see why this work is vital to our community,” said Anne. “They understand the return on this type of investment. Their gifts will have the power to change lives now and into the future.”
Are you interested in a Forever gift to Lincoln? Contact Vice President for Philanthropy Services, Tracy Edgerton, at 402-474-2345 or tracye@lcf.org.
Give to Our Littles. Help a Lot.
This February, Lincoln Community Foundation is raising awareness and funds for the important work of Lincoln Littles.
An investment in Lincoln Littles means more children in our great community will receive the high-quality early care and education they deserve. It means a more available workforce today and a smarter workforce tomorrow. It means elevating opportunities for all families in Lincoln to thrive.
To learn more about Lincoln Littles and donate, visit www.LincolnLittles.org.