Funders & Sponsors
We are grateful to the funders and sponsors who invest in leadership as a strategy for long-term school improvement. Their partnership makes it possible for Accelerate Institute to deepen our work, respond to emerging needs, and support leaders serving communities across the country.
Our funders share a belief that strong leadership is essential to strong schools—and that sustainable change requires both accountability and trust.
Thank You To Our Funders
Founding Partners
Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation
Since 2013, the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation’s visionary investment has been the cornerstone of Accelerate Institute's growth. Thanks to this partnership, Accelerate Institute has trained and supported more than 600 school leaders across 450 schools nationwide — impacting the academic journeys of more than 225,000 students, most from historically under-resourced communities.
- Shirley & Pat Ryan
- Pat & Lydia Ryan
- Robert Ryan
- Corbett Ryan
Champions
$100,000 and above
- The Gies Foundation
- Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
- Mike & Lindy Keiser
Leaders
$50,000–$99,999
- Craig & Janet Duchossois
- J. Christopher & Anne N. Reyes Foundation
- The Scoby Family
- Square One Foundation
- Valor Equity Partners
- Anonymous
Partners
$25,000–$49,999
- Annie & Greg Jones
- Bill & Kittie Devers
- Kirkland & Ellis
- Polk Bros. Foundation
- Segal Family Foundation
Investors
$10,000–$24,999
- Anonymous
- Betsy & Dave Bradley
- Carol & Larry Levy
- The Catalyst Schools
- Clarence Wallace & Dolores Lynch Family Foundation
- Greg Schulson
- Kent & Liz Dauten
- Madigan Family Foundation
- Rebekah & Ilan Shalit
- Stuart & Karin Larkins
Supporters
$5,000–$9,999
- Dag & Leslie Kittlaus
- David & Daryl Nelms Fund
- Henry E. Niles Foundation, Inc.
- Hoeflich Family Fund
- Joshua Hale
- Robert J Welsh
- Suzanne & Brendan Mulshine
- Tom & Alissa King
Friends
$1,000–$4,999
- Alice Phillips Topping
- Charles Bobrinskoy
- Daniel & Tracy Welsh Family
- Henry & Leigh Bienen
- Jeanette Butala
- Jim Stone
- Joe & Karen Roddy
- Joe & Kassy Helme
- Joshua Rogers
- Marlene Welsh Phillips
- Michael & Erlinda Conway
- Michael & Sarah Alter
- Michael Blackshear
- Mike & Judy McGarvey
- Mike Smith & Cynthia Ballew
- Mitzi & Cyrus Freidheim
- Paul J Adams
- Rita & Robert Havey
- Steve & Monica Perlman
- Thomas Ryan
- Tiny & Peg McLaughlin
- Trisha Rooney/R4 Services, LLC
Community Supporters
We are grateful for the philanthropic support of our alumni and community members.
- Allison Hansen Sussna
- Bailey Edmund III Family Fund
- Bridget Albertson
- Carolyn Phillips
- Charles Young
- Chris & Amy Stecher
- Christina & W. Scott Burns
- Danny Welsh, Jr.
- Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Puntillo
- Elizabeth Pfieffer
- Gordon Segal
- Greg & Katie Mooney
- James Gammill
- Janis Wellin Notz
- Jim Palos
- Joe Hemphill
- Joshua Newsome
- Kathleen Long & Kevin Acton
- Kim Martiny
- Lindsay & Mark Jadwisiak
- Mara Holland
- Martha Swanson
- Mary Phillips Ainsley
- Nora Ligurotis
- Patrina Singleton
- Tom & Gail Regas
- William Rudnick
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this donor list. If we have made an error or omission, please contact us at kpillai@accelerateinstitute.org so we may correct our records.
