THE CHANGEMAKER FUND

In 2021, Step One embarked on a fundraising campaign to honor our Founder and Director, Sue Britson’s retirement, and to expand access for families who would not be able to attend Step One without full financial aid. 

The Changemaker Fund was designed as a spend-down fund to raise sufficient funds to provide full financial aid for four to five families each year over ten years. The campaign was a resounding success—we surpassed our initial $500,000 goal and raised $865,000. 

Thanks to the Changemaker Fund, the school began awarding 100% financial assistance to five families starting in the 2023–2024 school year. Four years in, we’re proud to report that Step One has awarded $329,000 to Changemaker families.

In August of 2026, the first group of Changemaker Fund recipients graduated from Step One. Their graduation marks an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and ensuring that more families have access to a Step One education.