Over Six Decades of Play, Learning, and Community
For more than 65 years… Monona Grove Nursery School (MGNS) has been a place where children grow, explore, and discover the world through the magic of play. Families return year after year because they know that MGNS isn’t just a school — it’s a place where children are nurtured, valued, and inspired. You probably know someone whose child attends MGNS, attended themselves, or is connected to our wonderful community. While the heart and soul of MGNS is not changing, our building is, and… we need your help!
–James Heckman, Nobel Prize-winning economist specializing in early childhood development
Same Heart: Why we Love MGNS
● Child-Centered Play-Based Screen-Free Learning
● A Supportive and Affirming Environment for All Families
● Longevity and Expertise of Our Teaching Staff
● Parent-Co-op That Fosters Community
–Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers)
New Start: Moving to LELC
MGNS will soon be moving to Lake Edge Lutheran Church…just one block away! In our new home, the heart of MGNS will remain unchanged, including our parent co-op structure and commitment to play-based learning. Our new space — both indoors and out — will support and amplify this philosophy, offering even more opportunities for discovery, joy, and growth, while maintaining the warmth and familiarity our families love. Thoughtfully remodeled to align with our mission, the new space will foster creativity, exploration, and play-based learning at the heart of MGNS.
–American Academy of Pediatrics
State and Local Licensing
Our Capital Campaign is designed to support the renovations at our new location which are necessary for state and local licensing. Funds from the campaign will help us to:
● Provide Continuity in High-Quality Early Childhood Education
● Ensure a Safe, Engaging, and Secure Environment
● Help Address Madison’s Early Childhood Education Shortage
● Set Children on the Path to Lifelong Success
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
In order to complete our phased renovations and ensure the long-term success of our new home at LELC, we must raise a total of $750,000 from supporters by August 2026. Our renovations include a new playground, the addition of several bathrooms and a cubby room, and the moving of some walls to make our classrooms big enough!
As of March 2025, MGNS has secured over $160,000 toward our goal. We have launched this Capital Campaign to raise the remaining funds to complete our phased renovations and ensure the longevity of our school.
We are in the early stages of planning a donor recognition feature, which may include naming opportunities for large gifts, a tile project for families to leave their mark, and an annual report naming all of our donors.
Ways to Give
● One-Time Donations: Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference.
● Multi-Year Major Gift: Make a long-term impact by committing to annual contributions such as:
‣ Stock Transfers: Contribute appreciated securities directly to MGNS.
‣ Donor-advised Funds: Receive immediate tax benefits while distributing funds over time.
‣ Monthly Giving: Become a recurring supporter to help us build a sustainable future.
‣ In-Kind Donations: Contribute supplies, materials, or services that support our renovation.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today!
MGNS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Checks can be made payable to MGNS and mailed to PO Box 6061, Monona WI 53716.
Contact Us
Click here to contact MGNS today! (On the contact form, you can specify in “Questions/Comments” that you are reaching out to Kathryn Premo Mingione, Capital Campaign Lead and Former MGNS Board President, with questions and/or to discuss a possible gift to support MGNS.)
