Ballard Center Announces $1 Million Endowment to Bolster Living Wage and 7% Tuition Model Initiatives

Ballard Center Announces $1 Million Endowment to Bolster Living Wage and 7% Tuition Model Initiatives

The Ballard Center has received a $1 million gift to establish a permanent endowment at the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF), creating a lasting source of annual support for educator living wages and Ballard’s innovative 7% Tuition Model.

Structured as an endowed fund, Ballard may access up to 10% of the fund balance annually while preserving a majority of the principal for long-term growth. The goal: protect affordability for families and sustainable wages for educators for generations to come.

The gift was made by a Lawrence resident who wishes to remain anonymous publicly. The fund honors the memory of his late wife, a mother, grandmother, and lifelong believer in the power of children and learning.

In a statement shared through Ballard, the donor said:

“As my wife was struggling with terminal cancer we talked about making a significant contribution aimed at children and their families.  I promised her that when I found such an organization I would make that contribution.  A good friend introduced me to the Ballard Center, and soon I was introduced to Kyle and given a tour of the facility. That tour was all it took. I learned the history of the Center, the trials and tribulations they have survived and was moved by the care and compassion shown by the staff to the children.  It was an easy decision to make.”

Ballard’s 7% Tuition Model caps childcare costs at no more than 7% of a family’s household income, aligning with federal affordability standards. At the same time, Ballard has committed to building a sustainable living wage pathway for its early childhood educators, a profession critical to child development yet historically undercompensated.

More than 60% of Ballard’s operating budget comes from private donations. The locally driven organization does not receive guaranteed annual allocations from federal, state, county, or city budgets.   Leaders emphasize that the endowment strengthens long-term stability but does not replace annual community support.

Kyle Roggenkamp, CEO of the Ballard Center, said the investment reinforces two promises Ballard has made to the community. “This endowment protects commitments we’ve already made, that childcare should never cost more than 7% of a family’s income, and that the educators shaping our youngest children deserve a living wage. It creates stability beneath those promises. But our daily work continues to depend on a community that believes in children and shows up for them.”

In partnership with DCCF and Ballard, the donor is inviting the community to grow the fund and expand its long-term impact.

Chip Blaser, Executive Director of DCCF, added, “This wonderfully generous gift directly supports young families and our professional educators, now and in the future.  As DCCF’s founder, Tensie Oldfather, said, ‘Together, we can make a difference.”

Community members can learn more or contribute through the Douglas County Community Foundation portal:
https://dccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=7504

Investing in Educators: Workforce Development Through Peaslee Tech

A key component of Ballard’s living wage strategy is its partnership with Peaslee Tech.

Through Peaslee’s Child Development Associate (CDA) apprenticeship program, Ballard educators complete an intensive six-month credentialing pathway combining instruction with hands-on professional development. Graduates earn nationally recognized credentials and complete the program earning at least $20 per hour.

To date, six Ballard educators have participated in the apprenticeship.

The partnership strengthens classroom quality while building a leadership pipeline, equipping educators not only to excel in early childhood classrooms, but to pursue future roles as education directors and nonprofit leaders.

Kevin Kelley, CEO of Peaslee Tech, added, “High-quality early childhood education depends on high-quality educators — and that means investing in their professional growth and earning potential. Our partnership with Ballard Center reflects a shared belief that workforce development must extend to every sector, including early childhood. Through the CDA apprenticeship, we are helping educators build nationally recognized credentials, increase their wages, and strengthen the learning environments that shape our community’s youngest children. When we invest in educators, we invest in the long-term vitality of Douglas County.”

Ballard leaders say long-term affordability for families must be paired with long-term investment in the workforce serving them, and that sustainable change requires both.

About the Ballard Center

The Ballard Center is a Lawrence-based nonprofit serving children and families through high-quality early childhood education, community services, and food security programs.

Learn more at: www.ballardcenter.org

About the Douglas County Community Foundation

The Douglas County Community Foundation connects donors with causes that strengthen Douglas County through endowed funds for local organizations, donor-advised funds, and community initiatives designed to create lasting local impact.

Learn more at:

About Peaslee Tech

Peaslee Tech is a nonprofit workforce development organization offering accessible, hands-on technical training and apprenticeship programs.

The organization is currently leading a $10 million campaign to ensure students can pursue high-quality career and technical training debt-free.

Learn more at: www.peasleetech.org