posted October 7, 2025
ADVOCAP is grateful to be the recipient of a $300,000 grant over three years from the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. The Partnership is supported by the U.S. Venture Open and generous donors, including the J. J. Keller Foundation, Oshkosh Corporation, ThedaCare, and the Thrivent Foundation.
This investment will support the operations of ADVOCAP’s Childcare Incubator, to be built in Oshkosh, which focuses on expanding access to childcare while helping local entrepreneurs start and grow their childcare businesses. The Incubator is designed as an innovative solution by providing aspiring childcare providers with low-cost space, business coaching, licensure support, purchasing efficiencies, and curriculum assistance. The Incubator removes financial and logistical barriers for individuals — critical for those with limited incomes — to open licensed childcare programs.
“This grant represents an investment in both families and our workforce,” said Tanya Marcoe, ADVOCAP Executive Director. “Quality childcare is essential to a strong economy and thriving communities. By supporting new business owners, we’re helping parents stay in the workforce, children access quality care, and communities meet a critical need.”
The Basic Needs Giving Partnership supports organizations and collaborations across Northeast Wisconsin that are addressing the root causes of poverty through long-term, community-driven solutions. ADVOCAP’s work aligns with this mission by improving housing stability, addressing homelessness, increasing food security, building community connections, creating workforce opportunities, and supporting children and families.
ADVOCAP is grateful to U.S. Venture, Inc., the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, and all the donors and corporate partners who make this grant possible. We also congratulate the other recipient organizations for their dedication to reducing poverty and creating lasting change across Wisconsin.
Learn more about the Childcare Incubator project here.
To read the full announcement and see the list of 2025 grant recipients, visit the U.S. Venture Open website.
