JANESVILLE — The Children’s Museum of Rock County announced the Alliant Energy Foundation as a major donor on Tuesday, securing the naming rights for its highly anticipated Inventor’s Lab.
The envisioned Inventor’s Lab at the Children’s Museum of Rock County.
COURTESY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF ROCK COUNTY
This significant partnership was revealed just weeks after the official groundbreaking for the museum, located at 100 W. Milwaukee St. in downtown Janesville. Hundreds gathered for that celebratory ceremony on June 24.
“The children’s museum will do great things for our community,” Kent Anderson, the museum’s executive director, said in a release Tuesday. “And, that commitment is clear by the support we continue to receive from organizations like the Alliant Energy Foundation. With their pledge, we cannot only build an amazing experience but continue to promote STEM education and innovation for years to come.”
The Alliant Energy Foundation’s commitment includes an initial capital campaign donation and an in-kind donation spanning several years. The in-kind contribution will enrich the museum’s offerings with historical items for displays, presentations, and other educational opportunities once it opens its doors, according to a press release.
“Capital fundraising has been crucial to get this project off the ground,” Anderson said in the release. “But, continued support will be vital to the children’s museum. We were thrilled that the Alliant Energy Foundation was interested in pioneering these efforts.”
The Alliant Energy Foundation has a strong legacy of community investment, having contributed over $76 million to local organizations and initiatives since 1998.
“At the Alliant Energy Foundation, we believe in sparking curiosity and empowering the next generation of innovators,” Andy Kitslaar, the executive director of Alliant Energy Foundation said in the release. “As a parent, I know firsthand how formative hands-on learning experiences can be. We are proud to support the Children’s Museum of Rock County and the Inventor’s Lab, a space where children can explore, imagine and invent. This support reflects our commitment to childhood development and to building stronger, more vibrant communities for all.”
The Inventor’s Lab, to be located on the first floor of the museum, is envisioned as a dynamic and ever-evolving space. It will be designed to encourage children to explore and experiment, fostering a lasting passion for science, technology, creativity, and innovation.
While plans remain flexible, the lab will feature workbenches, a projector for interactive programming, and display cases where young inventors can showcase their creations and share their ideas.
To date, the Children’s Museum of Rock County has raised $14.8 million for its “Let’s PLAY Together” capital campaign. The museum has also announced its “Transform Tomorrow” matching campaign, which will double all donations received dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000 until August 31.
To learn more about the Children’s Museum of Rock County visit .
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