In 2025 alone, the Sunlight Loan Fund provided $1.2 million in loans to 22 childcare centers and schools, with 73% of those dollars reaching institutions in low-income areas. The Girasol School is one of many powerful examples of how access to capital fuels educational opportunity.

Starting a Montessori school takes vision—and support. Wildflower’s Seed Fund provides grants to help educators take the first steps, covering essential startup costs as they prepare to open community-embedded, teacher-led schools.

Wildflower NY Charter School is transforming learning in the Bronx, with rising NWEA math & reading scores and a joyful community!

At Wildflower, we embrace the idea that “it takes a community to build a school.” This community includes the founding team of Teacher Leaders and stakeholders like parents, students, fellow Wildflower teachers, community members, and fundraisers.

Juneteenth reminds us that the journey toward freedom is ongoing, and it is our collective duty to uphold this legacy. Remembering the significance of historical moments to our nation, such as Juneteenth, is one of the motivations behind me having founded two Wildflower Schools, where those schools are now the most diverse child-led programs in our city.

How do we bring Montessori’s holistic, child-centered approach to the communities that need it most in Puerto Rico? How do we provide students who have experienced significant trauma a nurturing, safe educational environment where they can blossom and transform? These are the questions that catalyzed Mariposa Montessori. This innovative Montessori microschool operates in partnership with a shelter and care center for women and children who have survived domestic violence. Dow

While Montessori education is highly valued and sought after in Puerto Rico, residents have experienced significant disparities in access: Wealthier families historically have been able to choose and afford a high-quality Montessori education for their children, while families who earn lower and middle incomes have not.

“We want to make it crystal clear that Black educators have the experience and vision to transform the education system. They already know what works because they’ve seen it in the classroom and they’ve lived it. The more barriers that we can remove and get out of their way, the more it’s possible to create thriving learning environments for our children,” said Maia Blankenship, Co-CEO of Black Wildflowers Fund.

Fixing the Employer-Provided Child Care Credit could unlock new childcare funding and expand access for families, educators, and small businesses alike.