The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) is proud to recognize Cindy Tang, Executive Director of Inspiring Community Inc., as the 2026 WiRSA Community Partner of the Year.
Tang has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students and families in the Platteville School District and surrounding rural communities. Through Inspiring Community Inc., she has helped generate more than $5 million in community-supported funding over the past three years, supporting scholarships, educational opportunities, facilities, and community initiatives.
One of Tang’s most significant contributions is the Platteville High School Scholarship Fund, which she helped found in 2010. The fund has grown to include 34 named scholarship endowments valued at nearly $2 million and has awarded more than $1.79 million to 1,041 graduates. Each year, approximately 80 to 93 students receive scholarships through Inspiring Community Inc.’s efforts.
Her impact extends well beyond scholarships. Tang has championed projects including an inclusive playground, public library expansion, outdoor learning and recreational spaces, student arts and activities, and facility and equipment improvements.
Tang’s influence is especially significant because she has worked to create support that will continue well into the future. Rather than focusing on one-time contributions, she has helped establish endowments, engage additional community leaders, and create annual fundraising efforts such as the “It Takes a Village Auction.” She also shares her experience by mentoring others in fundraising, grant writing, and nonprofit leadership. Through these efforts, Tang has helped build a broader culture of philanthropy—one that strengthens the entire community while creating lasting opportunities for rural students and families.
For more than a decade, Tang has remained a consistent and trusted partner to the Platteville School District and community. Her leadership brings people together, identifies needs, and creates sustainable ways to support students and families—reinforcing an important message that their education, opportunities, and future are worthy of community investment.
“Cindy represents what the WiRSA Community Partner of the Year Award is all about. Someone who sees the potential of rural students and communities and then turns that belief into meaningful, lasting action,” said Jeff Eide, Executive Director of WiRSA. “Her commitment to Platteville demonstrates the tremendous difference one dedicated community partner can make.”
WiRSA is honored to recognize Cindy Tang as its 2026 Community Partner of the Year on October 29, during lunch at the Stevens Point Convention Center, in celebration of her exceptional commitment to rural students, families, schools, and communities.