Cooper Foundation Awards $20,000 Grant to Support Willard Community Center's Infant & Toddler Expansion

July 27, 2026

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Willard Community Center is proud to announce that it has received a $20,000 grant from the Cooper Foundation in support of the expansion of its Early Explorers Early Childhood Program. The funding will help increase access to high-quality infant and toddler care for families in Lincoln, addressing one of the community's most critical early childhood needs.

As the demand for infant and toddler care continues to outpace available openings across Lincoln, many families face lengthy waitlists and limited options for dependable, high-quality care. Willard Community Center's Early Explorers expansion was developed to help meet this growing need by creating additional infant and toddler classrooms that provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children.

The grant from the Cooper Foundation will support the resources needed to establish and enhance the new classrooms, ensuring children receive exceptional early learning experiences during the most important years of development. Expanding access to quality early childhood education also provides working families with reliable care, allowing parents to pursue employment and educational opportunities while knowing their children are in a supportive environment.

Willard Community Center remains committed to strengthening the Lincoln community by providing affordable, high-quality programs that help individuals of all ages grow, connect, and thrive. The organization extends its sincere appreciation to the Cooper Foundation for partnering with Willard to make this important expansion possible.