For more than 90 years, Nora Stewart Early Learning Center has cared for Columbia's children and families. Today, we need your help to keep our doors open.

Founded in 1933 as the first nursery school in the city to welcome African American children, Nora Stewart was created at a time when opportunities for many families were limited. Its mission was simple but powerful: to give every child a strong start in life and support the families raising them.

For generations, Nora Stewart has provided a safe, nurturing place where children learn, play, and build the foundation for a successful future while parents work to support their families.

This historic center is now facing one of the most difficult moments in its history.

Because of rising costs, funding changes, and economic pressures affecting early childhood programs nationwide, Nora Stewart is now facing a serious funding gap. Without immediate support to help bridge this gap, the future of the center is at risk.

Generations of families have walked through these doors. Children who once learned here have grown up and returned with children of their own. Right now, there are families on our waitlist who urgently need care, but because of the current financial situation, we are unable to expand and serve them.

If Nora Stewart closes, children will lose a safe, nurturing place where they develop the early academic and social skills needed to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Families will lose dependable childcare they rely on to work and support their households. And our community could lose an important piece of its history.

How Your Donation Will Help

Your donation goes directly toward essential operating costs, including:

Every single gift makes a difference.

Whether you can give $10, $25, $100, or more, you are helping ensure that children have access to a safe and supportive place to learn, grow, and thrive.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues can still make a meaningful difference by helping spread the word.

For nearly a century, Nora Stewart has helped children and families in Columbia thrive. But the mission it represents matters far beyond one community.

Every child deserves a strong start. With your help, we can continue making that possible for the next 100 years.

*Nora Stewart Early Learning Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible. For larger or alternative donation options, please contact us directly at [email redacted]