Investing in possibility: The Tate Family Foundation’s lasting impact
August 25, 2026
Supporting an organization in its early years takes more than generosity. It takes belief in what that organization can become.
The Tate Family Foundation saw that potential in SecureFutures almost from the beginning. Starting in the organization’s second year, the Foundation invested in a vision of young people equipped with the financial knowledge and confidence to build the futures they wanted for themselves. Two decades later, that early belief has grown into one of SecureFutures’ longest-standing partnerships.
At SecureFutures’ 20th Anniversary Celebration, the Tate Family Foundation was honored with the Lloyd Levin Organization Difference Maker Award, recognizing its extraordinary commitment to the mission and the thousands of teens reached along the way.
Behind that support are three longtime champions of SecureFutures: Jenifer and Joe Tate and their daughter, Casey Tate Mahoney, who first introduced her parents to the organization.
“We really liked the mission and believed that financial education makes a huge impact in people’s lives,” Joe and Jenifer recall.
For the Tate family, that impact is about much more than understanding dollars and cents. It’s about giving people the confidence and ability to pursue their own definition of success.
“I believe that everyone is capable of understanding their finances and making moves that set them up for success — whatever that looks like to an individual — starting a business, owning a home, continuing education, supporting a family,” Joe says. “Financial education makes dreams come true.”
“It can be overwhelming to think about finances when one does not understand them well,” Jenifer adds. “Knowledge is power and for many, financial capability can build security, wealth, and maybe more importantly, confidence.”
That belief has kept the Tate Family Foundation committed to SecureFutures year after year. Joe has been particularly inspired by the volunteers who bring the mission directly into the community, while Jenifer points to something equally important: results.
“SecureFutures has a very clear, attainable mission,” she says. “Its success is measured in the success of its students.”
Over the years, the Tate family has watched SecureFutures evolve from an emerging organization into one reaching thousands of teens each year. For Joe, seeing programs expand has meant seeing more young people gain the knowledge to fulfill their dreams, and Jenifer has found it meaningful to see that impact ripple outward.
“I love seeing the ranks of the financially literate grow in Milwaukee,” she says. “You can see the impact it has when you see young people with positive outlooks for the future.”
As they look to the future, Joe and Jenifer want their support to help SecureFutures remain strong for years to come, continuing to build financial knowledge that can open doors for individuals, families, and the broader community.
Receiving the Lloyd Levin Organization Difference Maker Award is especially meaningful to the family. Joe and Jenifer reflect the same spirit of partnership that has defined their support of SecureFutures for nearly two decades, recognizing that lasting impact is made possible by many people working together.
“It is an honor, and we are humbled. Honestly, we are in awe of the people at SecureFutures who do the work. We are pleased that we found such a great organization worthy of support right here in Milwaukee.”
For two decades, the Tate Family Foundation has done something invaluable: believed in the work, invested in its future, and stayed for the journey. And for anyone considering becoming part of that work, Joe and Jenifer have simple advice:
“To quote the Nike ads, ‘Just Do It.’ This is a wonderful organization to support. You will see the impact you are making, and you will know someone has walked a little easier because of your involvement. Get involved. We are thrilled we did.”
To learn more about SecureFutures programming, or to make a gift, visit our website.