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We must be the village
TThe featured story in BizTimes Media’s 16th annual Giving Guide highlights the significant, lifechanging impact organizations like Neu-Life Community Development, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and PEARLS for Teen Girls can have on young people.
hey say it takes a village to raise a child. From family to friends, it’s important to lean on the support of others. In Milwaukee and across southeastern Wisconsin, that support often also includes nonprofits.
If the 83 nonprofits profiled in this publication represent the community support that our region’s young people and others need, then the businesses in southeastern Wisconsin – including readers like you – represent the village for these nonprofits. Investing your time, talent and treasure today shapes the kind of community we will live in tomorrow.
Supporting nonprofits does not have to be a purely altruistic. The stronger our region is the more our economy grows, and that ultimately benefits everyone. The benefits may also be more immediate. Students once mentored by volunteers from local companies like Regal Rexnord are now employees. Executive support for employee passions sends a powerful message and aids retention at Milwaukee Tool. Giving back is also not only the purview of large corporations with resources. In this issue, leaders from Saz’s Hospitality Group, Carnevor, 3rd Street Market Hall and Amilinda share stories of how smaller businesses can move quickly to make a big difference.Lannon Stone’s Hans Dawson is also among the leaders of relatively small businesses who shared their stories for this issue. We’ve had the opportunity to get to know Hans in recent years and we’ve been impressed with the focus and accountability he brings to his philanthropic work, in addition to his willingness to tithe 10% of company profits. He is only able to bring the focus he does because of the intentionality he and his family have applied to their giving.
Our region’s nonprofits do not need you to blindly write checks to any organization that comes calling. Yes, they need financial support, but they also need your time, energy and focus. They need our business community to be a village for them so they can be the village for our region. We hope that by reading this year’s Giving Guide, you will find inspiration to give what you can and that the nonprofit profiles on pages 27-193 help you make intentional choices about that giving. Together, we can all support these organizations working to make our community, our village, a better place.
GIVING GUIDE - 2026 EDITION
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There has been a lot of noise coming out of Washington and lot more noise from around the world. National and world affairs have little real impact on our children. What happens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, however, can have a profound impact on our children, on their future and our community.
Milwaukee’s crime rate is terrible. Our police force has not gotten a contract in three years, and we have hundreds of unfilled police positions in Milwaukee. The crime rate continues to skyrocket, and no one wants to take responsibility for it. The answer has been: If you don’t report the crimes, the crime rate goes down.
Our public schools in Milwaukee have over a 50% delinquency rate. That delinquency rate creates two problems: over half the kids in Milwaukee are not getting an education and over half the kids in Milwaukee are probably getting into trouble on the streets. Our children are not being prepared for work and prosperity. They are being prepared for prison. Milwaukee has the highest juvenile incarceration rate per capita in the country. We can lower the incarceration rate by improving education and by fixing the schools.
There are schools that are successful. You will find them in this issue. High attendance rates. Accelerated learning programs. Engaged parents. Above average test scores. Please focus on these organizations and help them succeed.
St. Marcus Lutheran School has initiated an early learning program for K3, K4 and KS. They are engaging their parents and children in the program as they better prepare their kids for first grade.
Reading and doing math at grade level is the solution and will provide hope for the future. The State of Mississippi has improved their schools and reading scores. Why can’t we?
ROB KIECKHEFER Founder and Managing Partner
The Kieckhefer Group
Complacency is not the answer. Accepting failure only promotes more failure. Changing the tests and lowering the passing scores is an attempt to cover up our failure. We cannot let that happen in our town and to our children.
Becoming the village
Southeastern Wisconsin is a great place to live and do business, but our community also faces many challenges, big and small. Addressing those challenges requires us all to come together in our own ways to make things better.
The nonprofits profiled in this publication are working every day to improve our communities, but they need supportive businesses and individuals to make their work possible.
The stories on pages 4-26 offer a chance to draw inspiration as you learn about the difference nonprofits can make and how businesses and individuals can have a significant impact. In the remainder of the issue, you will find nonprofit profiles to serve as a guide as you consider your own giving.
‘They need somebody’
BY SAMANTHA DIETEL, staff writer
JNONPROFITS PROVIDE SAFETY AND SUPPORT FOR MILWAUKEE’S YOUTH
and found a place of comfort where he “could just be a teenager,” he said.
aQuawn Seals thinks he would be dead or in jail if he had not found his way to Neu-Life.
He was a child when his father, who was a gang member in Chicago at the time, introduced Seals to a life of crime. His mother, wishing to keep Seals on a better path, took him away to live in Milwaukee when he was 14 years old.
But Seals found a group of guys involved in the same criminal activity he experienced in Chicago. Connected with the wrong crowd, he continued down that road of illegality until he decided to look for a job.
“Outside of Neu-Life, I would be in these environments where I was around gang activity, I was around gunshots,” Seals said. “I was around violence. I was around domestic violence. My mom was at work a lot, so I had to step up and take care of the kids in her absence. (Neu-Life) was really a safe space for me to escape the everyday hazards that I was facing and to come and fill my life and mind with some positivity.”
Through Neu-Life programming, Seals was able to visit Wisconsin Dells and Six Flags Great America as well as participate in community service projects.
“I grew up in this box that people would consider the hood, and that’s all I saw my entire life,” Seals said. “That’s all I knew, so I became a product of my environment. I started to believe that this is the way life goes, but going to Neu-Life opened my eyes and showed me that life is bigger than this little box.”
Neu-Life transformed his mindset and his way of living, said Seals, who is now 32 years old and works as a site coordinator and basketball coach for the nonprofit. He has been involved with Neu-Life for 16 years.
When Seals was about 15, he went to what was then known as the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board – now Employ Milwaukee – to apply for a job. A couple of months later, the agency connected him with Neu-Life Community Development, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization providing youth programming and education. Seals started participating in multiple programs
“I honestly feel like if it wasn’t for Neu-Life, I would have ended up dead or in jail,” Seals said. “Coming to Neu-Life, I was involved in gangs, I was stealing cars … I’m so grateful for Neu-Life because I strongly believe that I would have continued down that road. I have so many friends and family members that lost their lives going down that track.”
The adults he met at Neu-Life served as positive role models that kept him on a better path. Now as a Neu-Life staff member, Seals is passionate about guiding young people who are experiencing many of the same struggles he endured.
“I can have a good grasp on the best ways to reach the youth because I was once in their shoes,” Seals said. “I know that feeling to be in a situation where there’s no hope and there’s no guidance. I know the importance of having that one person leading you in the right direction and how impactful that can be. I understand that some youth have nobody and they need somebody, and I like to be that somebody for those youth.”
JaQuawn Seals (third from left) poses for a photo with Neu-Life Community Development youths during a Neu-Life youth summit event focused on mental health in October 2024.
Neu-Life Community Development
‘THE NEED FOR A SAFE PLACE’
Numerous organizations throughout Milwaukee are focusing their efforts on supporting youth who are growing up around poverty, housing instability, violence, crime, drug use and other hardships.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is the largest youth-serving organization in the city and among the largest Boys & Girls Clubs in the nation. Since its founding in 1887, BGCGM has worked to bring kids in, make them feel welcome and provide a sense of belonging.
Once their basic needs are met and they are comfortable, BGCGM can work with youth to help them become socialized, responsible and productive, said Jeff Snell, who leads the organization as president and CEO. That has been at the core of what the BGCGM has done in its 138-year history.
But today’s youth face profound safety challenges, Snell said.
“The need for a safe place based on the danger of the streets has grown exponentially,” Snell said.
Growing up in these circumstances, many of Milwaukee’s youths are committing crimes themselves. According to a Wisconsin Policy Forum report, felony offense referrals to Milwaukee County Children, Youth & Family Services increased 13% from 2018 to 2023. Violent felonies such as armed robbery and homicide grew more significantly.
During that same period, about 78% of referrals involved a youth with a mental health condition, an alcohol or drug-use condition, or both, according to the report. Black youth are also overrepresented in the youth justice system.
When Snell first grew interested in BGCGM back in the 1990s, he became aware of how many children in Milwaukee have minimal access to opportunity, go without parental or adult guidance and feel “like there’s two strikes on them and they don’t even know the third pitch is on the way,” he said.
“It is quite real that there are a lot of kids in the (Boys & Girls Clubs) that have never seen the lakefront,” he said.
Social media and a dependence on screens have also stunted social and emotional developmental milestones for today’s youth, who are “driven to isolation and a sense
CRIME IN MILWAUKEE
This chart shows how Part I offenses have trended in the city of Milwaukee since 2023, according to data from the Milwaukee Police Department. Part I offenses include serious crimes that threaten public safety and are reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
Source: Milwaukee Police Department
of self-despair” as a result, Snell said.
“Those areas of need, the physical violence and also the psychological challenges for safety and a positive developmental period, are just blinking neon compared to what they were 20 years ago,” Snell said. “The needs have grown so much more acute.”
PEARLS for Teen Girls, another Milwaukee-based youth development organization that focuses on empowering girls and young women, has needed to “take a step back” and evaluate how it serves girls in the post-pandemic era, said Tiffany Tardy, president and CEO.
This is because social media has created new challenges for Milwaukee’s youth, from cyberbullying and social pressures to issues with self-image, she said.
JEFF SNELL
to work through that with them,” Rhodes said.
“All those types of things impact our girls and how they see themselves in the world around them, which really, I think, directly relates to many of the challenges that we see around mental health,” Tardy said.
A Wisconsin Policy Forum report released in April found that student homelessness across Wisconsin public schools has reached a new high point since 2019, when DPI began tracking that data. During the 2023-‘24 school year, 20,195 public school students were identified as homeless. Milwaukee Public Schools serve about 23.7% of the state’s population of students experiencing homelessness, according to the report.
MPS also serves 23.9% of the state’s public school students who are unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
“Unaccompanied students are a particularly vulnerable subset: those without stable housing often have poorer educational outcomes, but unaccompanied students have the additional burden of not having an adult to advocate for their needs or offer guidance and support,” the Wisconsin Policy Forum report says.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, administered to students statewide in 2023, reported that heavy social media use may be negatively affecting the overall mental health and wellbeing of students.
More than half of Wisconsin students reported feelings of anxiety – about a 40% increase from 2017. One in three students felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row, according to the survey.
In Milwaukee, many youths carry trauma from living in unstable neighborhoods and environments of violence. The trauma they experience also comes from housing instability and underperforming schools that do not meet students’ needs, said Neu-Life executive director Jody Rhodes.
City Forward Collective, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit advocating to improve the city’s education system, has compiled a data dashboard from DPI’s school report cards released last year. Of the 243 Milwaukee public, publiccharter and private schools with a DPI rating, nearly 40% do not meet performance expectations, according to CFC’s dashboard.
Additionally, fewer than 10% of Milwaukee students met the NAEP’s proficiency benchmark this year. NAEP is also known as the Nation’s Report Card.
Students have also been displaced as MPS campuses have had to temporarily shut down for lead remediation. This further instability has been traumatic for children at Neu-Life, Rhodes said.
“We’re here to help support them through that, give them what they need – the love, the guidance, the support and any referrals we need to do to help the families,” Rhodes said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
“They bring that heavy heart here to Neu-Life, and we try
Joann Harris-Comodore, founder and CEO of NeuLife, said working with the city’s youth and identifying their needs has taken the organization into a new stage as it plans to build a $16.2 million facility, called NeuVue, just west of downtown Milwaukee.
The NeuVue project, expected to break ground in late fall at North 12th and
JODY RHODES
JOANN HARRIS-COMODORE
A PEARLS Group gathered at Nathan Hale High School.
PEARLS for Teen Girls
include three major components: housing, programming space and community space. The housing component will include 36 studio, one- and two-bedroom units that will be split availability for Neu-Life employees and other young professionals between ages 18 to 24.
GUIDING MILWAUKEE’S YOUTH
The individuals working directly with the children and young adults are at the heart of the work these youth development organizations do each day.
“Our staff (at PEARLS) play all of the roles,” Tardy said. “We are not who we are without our programming team and our direct service staff. They are the heart of what we do and critical to the work.”
During the 2023-‘24 school year, PEARLS for Teen Girls served 860 local girls in fifth through 12th grade. PEARLS programming, which is offered in schools and communitybased organizations across Milwaukee, includes support groups, one-on-one coaching and college and career readiness resources and opportunities ranging from college visits to helping the girls understand different career paths.
The support groups allow girls to connect with peers and professionals to build sisterhood and talk about the challenges they may be facing. Through these support groups, girls build confidence, self-esteem and leadership, and work to understand the world around them, Tardy said. The goal is to ensure girls feel that they can be “genuine, authentic and honest.”
“We always have a professional team member as well as somebody who’s near peer in each of our groups to help create that trusted space for girls, which is one of the things that really comes out of our work, is that girls feel safe as they’re navigating the things that they navigate,” Tardy said.
The staff members who work directly with the young people BGCGM serves are ultimately the driving force behind the organization’s outcomes, such as stronger grades and high school graduation rates and fewer brushes with the law, Snell said.
A rendering of NeuVue, Neu-Life Community Development’s planned six-story, 106,000-square-foot facility just west of downtown Milwaukee.
PEARLS and Neu-Life both prioritize recruiting individuals who are alums of their respective programs.
“That’s the kind of growth and evolution of leadership that we like to see as they’re building and growing and learning, and then giving back to the girls that are coming after them,” Tardy said.
“It comes out of the smart but really caring and loving voice of an adult that dotes on that young person,” Snell said. “It makes them feel like they’re capable and that they have people who believe in them and they don’t need to succumb to the negative influences to feel like they belong, or that they have somebody who respects them. We work really hard to make sure they experience that at the clubs every day.”
The BGCGM has a wide range of programs available to the 30,000 local youth the organization serves annually. But the Ready Center is the “crown jewel” of the BGCGM’s offerings, Snell said.
While the BGCGM’s programmatic experiences matter significantly, “it’s not a substitute for the person” who interacts with the youth, Snell said. BGCGM staff members work to build trust that encourages young people to open up and initiate conversations about their struggles.
“Who does those sports leagues, who does the arts and crafts – that’s going to matter first and foremost,” Snell said.
The Ready Center, located at 518 W. Cherry St. near the organization’s headquarters, provides youth programming focused on leadership, community service and college and career readiness. The Ready Center houses the BGCGM’s Grad Plus Program, which supports students completing college and scholarship applications, preparing for the ACT, planning for financial aid and more.
“If there was an alphabet, A to Z for college access, we’re covering every letter of that alphabet to ensure that students and families are fully aware of what it means to
Neu-Life Community Development
“We are stronger together,” she said. “We all don’t have to be the solution, or acknowledging that we all won’t be the solution, right? Each organization has a role that they can play in that ecosystem.”
take advantage of a college education, get an affordable college education, and then be living in Milwaukee as college graduates, productive citizens to eventually give back to the city of Milwaukee,” Andre Douglas, assistant vice president of Grad Plus and Leadership & Service at the BGCGM, told BizTimes earlier this year.
The BGCGM’s goal is to build a broader on-ramp for young people interested in two-year associate degrees, apprenticeship programs and the trades as well as the military.
“Those are all beautiful, viable options for pathways in life, so we’re opening up that on-ramp for more kids instead of focusing almost exclusively on the four-year college pathway,” Snell said.
The BGCGM and PEARLS for Teen Girls, for instance, have been expanding their partnership this year. They have been working on what Tardy calls their “neighborhoodbased strategy,” which will host PEARLS group services and programming within BGCGM sites.
The goal is to meet girls where they are and “hit every corner of the city,” Tardy said.
“I think that the work that we’re doing with the Boys & Girls Clubs is going to be a really great example of what partnership can look like,” Tardy said.
PARTNERING WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
The BGCGM has a long history of joining forces with the business community to improve future outcomes for young people.
This summer, Associated Bank and the BGCGM launched a new six-week curriculum aiming to equip local youths with skills in artificial intelligence, data science and financial literacy. The program, known as the Associated Bank AI Academy, is designed for students in grades six through eight. It provides hands-on learning using ChatGPT and other platforms.
The BGCGM is also focusing on reaching children sooner and keeping them longer.
“We just need to continue to be relevant and do the best job we can of attracting kids to come on in and, frankly, have a childhood,” Snell said. “And then when we’re done and moving into adolescence, to have a productive pathway that instills hope, meaning and purpose, because they know that they have gifts and skills to bring to the marketplace – things that are going to lead to their self-sufficiency, which is so critically important.”
Terry Williams, Associated Bank’s chief information officer, leads the program.
“The world is changing,” Williams said. “You have to be technologically savvy in the world today, and with the emergence of things like AI, it’s going to be important for our youth to understand how to survive in that world.”
It’s about more than just survival, Williams said. Associated Bank is investing in Milwaukee’s communities and youth so that they can thrive.
‘WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER’
If local organizations come together to identify their respective strengths in the community and share resources, “we can go so much further,” Tardy said.
“We want to see them thrive and excel in the next phase of their life,” Williams said.
The idea for the Associated Bank AI Academy came after a lunch meeting with Snell.
“It was clear the passion that (Snell) has. I walked away
TERRY WILLIAMS
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is the largest youthserving organization in the city and among the largest Boys & Girls Clubs in the nation.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
from that lunch really excited, and I said, ‘Hey, look, what about an AI program?’ And he was on board immediately,” Williams said.
Associated Bank’s partnership with the BGCGM extends beyond the new AI program. Over the past decade, Associated Bank has done mentoring and financial literacy programs with the BGCGM.
“You can invest in a lot of things, but the best long-term investment for us is investing in our youth,” Williams said.
The BGCGM partners with Milwaukee-based law firm Foley & Lardner for its annual Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline program. The program is a six-week curriculum designed to encourage local high school students from low-income families to pursue professions in the legal field.
“We teach them about what it’s like to be a lawyer, what you need to understand when you’re a lawyer and what your job is as a lawyer,” said Tim Patterson, senior counsel at Foley & Lardner.
The goal is to also help students “understand that they can do this,” Patterson said.
“This is something that students who attend the Boys & Girls Clubs should think about, and we encourage them to use the attorney volunteers who are there as mentors,” he said.
This includes expanding partnerships with and rallying more engagement from the business community.
Nick Welle, partner at Foley & Lardner, leads the Street Law program. He says it is important for him to use his position to help make a legal career more accessible for others.
“My personal look at this is, I was born into privilege,” Welle said. “I think becoming a lawyer is a lot of work, but I think it was made a lot easier for me, relatively speaking, because I had a lot of resources at my disposal. Not everyone is given that chance or has that starting point.”
Because of the Street Law program, local students have achieved full-ride scholarships and have gone on to attend law school.
“I think the judicial system in this country works better if it’s more representative of the people in this country,” Welle said. “If we can even do our small part in that, even if it’s helping four or five kids who otherwise wouldn’t have become lawyers to become lawyers over a 10-year stretch, I think it’s all worthwhile then.”
‘ALL HANDS ON DECK’
Lifting up Milwaukee’s youth amid all the challenges they face is an “all hands on deck” mission, Snell said.
“There’s a whole lot of really bad news and really bad press about what’s happening with the youth in Milwaukee, and that’s unfortunate, because there’s so many incredible things that are being overshadowed,” Tardy said. “That’s where I think that I would love to see the business community take more of that asset-based approach and really get on the ground and get activated and energized in the organizations and the work that we’re doing, and that’s so much more than providing money.”
Seals, who has served as a role model at Neu-Life, says Milwaukee’s youth need to see more Black male leadership. Once he started to see positive role models that looked like him, “it started to transform the way I think,” he said.
“If you have a space in your heart for the youth, if you understand how important it is to be a positive role model for the youth – especially Black youth – I challenge you to step up to the plate,” Seals said. “The youth need us, people that look like us, people that have been through what we’ve been through, people like me, people that come from where I came from. The youth need us more than ever today. If you have a heart or you have the thought in your mind to help the youth, now it’s time for us to step up and do so.”
Tim Patterson (left) and Nick Welle (right) pose for a photo with a graduate of Foley & Lardner’s annual Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline program in 2024.
Foley & Lardner
Q&A: Lannon Stone CEO discusses his company’s history of giving back
HValerie Hill
named the Dawson Family Foundation, or something like that, and we focused, in their generation, on drug rehabilitation. It was predominantly through Teen Challenge at the time. Then we did change the name to match Lannon Stone … because we did a lot of philanthropy around our operations of our business.
“We operate quarries and gravel pits, and we try to invest in the communities right around where our company operates. We have since pivoted. We still support Teen Challenge in a sustaining role, but we’ve pivoted more towards three pillars. The first pillar is supporting the communities around our operations. The second are some legacy interests by our family. The third and biggest pillar is education, urban education, particularly in the Milwaukee area.”
ans Dawson can’t imagine his life without philanthropy. Dawson is the owner and president of Lannon Stone Products, a Sussex-based company that tithes 10% of its annual profits to nonprofit organizations. Dawson serves on boards for St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, City Forward Collective and Bridge Builders. BizTimes reporter Samantha Dietel spoke with Dawson about his company’s philanthropy and his advice for other business leaders looking to give their time, talent and treasure. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
BIZTIMES: TELL ME ABOUT THE LANNON STONE FOUNDATION AND ITS HISTORY OF SUPPORTING LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.
WHAT COMMUNITY ISSUES DO YOU AND THE FOUNDATION FOCUS ON?
“Around our operations, it tends to be public safety and then community spaces. One of our biggest initiatives in the last couple of years is the groundwater quality around our quarries. … We’ll also support a fire department or a safety department, but it ends up being a lot of community spaces as well. We do a lot with the Village of Sussex, which is close to our headquarters. On the second pillar, which is sort of the collection of my family interests, it tends to be a mix of veterans things and then things to help women and babies. Locally in America, it’s to support returning veterans; a handful of organizations like Hometown Heroes. Around the world, we support an organization called Global Partners for Child Health, which is in Nepal, to try to increase infant survivability. … We worked with a team of American and Nepali doctors in the public health system there to increase the likelihood that moms and babies will survive.
Dawson: “It was started by my grandparents, (James) Dale and Goodie (Gudrun), and they started it after they lost a son to drug addiction. Obviously, it was very painful for them, but they tried to turn that into preventing other people from going through the same thing. It was originally
“Education is our biggest bucket, and that’s a mix. We support schools right around our operations, mostly through small scholarships for students serving and pursuing STEM careers. In urban education, because the schools need to improve so significantly, it’s a mix of public policy advocacy. We work with groups that are trying to advocate for more funding or higher-quality schools at the state level. But then also we do a deep dive with individual schools that are trying to expand or improve their programs. I ended up serving on St. Augustine Preparatory Academy’s board, but then I help a number of other
Hans Dawson
schools figure out what the next step is for them.”
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU PERSONALLY THAT THE FOUNDATION TACKLES THOSE ISSUES?
“This might sound cheesy, but I was raised to do it. I was taught to tithe at a very early age. (At) my first job, I made $2 an hour, and I tithed 20 cents. Because we started so early, I was just so used to having the resources set aside to tithe, and then our family does the same with our business. We tithe 10% of our company’s profit, and when you sort of put that into a pool, then you’re almost by default forced to think about what would help the community the most.
“We’ve helped a lot of different organizations that have served people at different stages of their life, but we’ve come to believe that the highest impact is to catch people as early as possible so that they’re able to have a good life from the beginning. … Especially with schools, it’s really a joy to see these kids go across a graduation (stage) and just to know that we got to be part of that. It’s just a lot of fun. I get a lot of joy out of it.”
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND EDUCATION IN MILWAUKEE?
“Right now, literacy in Milwaukee, especially for minority students – it’s deeply unfair to them. We are not setting them up for success. What that’s going to do is it’s going to keep this cycle of poverty going, and we have to break that, because it’s not fair to these children. It’s not fair to these families. I think all of us in the area should feel compelled to give every young person a wonderful opportunity, right? We can’t guarantee success for everybody … but we should be able to guarantee that each person has a strong foundation to launch their life from. I think that’s why education is so important. In particular, literacy really is the key that unlocks the door to almost anything you want to do in life.”
“Specific to urban education, if we could see students that come from disadvantaged backgrounds have the same or better academic results as any other kid around the state … That makes me feel like we’ve done right by all the kids in our state. When all the kids in our state have a great education, no matter where they’re born, that would be a tremendous life goal.“
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER BUSINESS LEADERS LOOKING TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN THEIR GIVING, WHETHER THAT’S THEIR TIME, TALENT OR TREASURE?
“Start anywhere. It’s an overwhelming process, and you can feel like, ‘I don’t know what to fix,’ or ‘the problems are too big.’ But anywhere you start is a good place to start. As long as you start.
Hans Dawson participates in a panel discussion during BizTimes Media’s Milwaukee Education Spotlight event in February 2025.
WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS AND FOR THE EFFORTS OF THE LANNON STONE FOUNDATION?
“Very broadly, we want to leave the world better than when we found it. We want the communities where our quarries operate to be able to say very clearly that they’re much better off because Lannon Stone is there.
“If you’re a privately held business, look at committing some percentage of your profit to philanthropic efforts, because once you have that money in an account, it’s sort of a forcing mechanism to help you think about, how could I help my community? Because if the money is always going somewhere else, we never have a budget for it. But when you actually set a budget for giving, it allows you to open up your heart and look for things.
“Once you sort of crack that bubble of, ‘hey, I want to help, I’m willing to put in my time, I’m willing to put in my treasure,’ then I would say to use your business skills to actually drive for results. Because it’s pretty easy to start a nonprofit that has a nice name and has a nice mission but not actually accomplish results.”
From proceeds to impact
HOW SMALL BUSINESSES CAN STRUCTURE CHARITABLE GIVING
BY ASHLEY SMART, staff writer
Chef Gregory León, owner of Milwaukee restaurant Amilinda, hosted a brunch event during Pride Month in support of the nonprofit Courage MKE. León regularly donates a portion of his proceeds to charitable causes.
Donating a portion of sales is one of the quickest, most efficient ways business leaders can get involved in causes that are important to them.
But some business owners have concerns that make it challenging to give back as much as they’d like.
A recent Fidelity Charity survey found two-thirds of donors in the U.S. want to give more but are concerned about organizing and tracking their giving.
Having a more structured approach to giving is one way Milwaukee-based Saz’s Hospitality Group was able to launch its Saz’s Gives Back program in 2020.
Hannah Kitzerow, director of festivals and community engagement at Saz’s Hospitality Group.
While the company’s philanthropic calendar is planned out several months ahead, there’s still room for flexibility if a community need arises.
Last fall, after an employee at Saz’s State House died by suicide, the entire team came together to raise money for Suicide and Prevention Awareness Month in September. It’s not uncommon for Saz’s to donate proceeds to causes that are deeply personal to its employees, Kitzerow said.
The event was a success because the company let employees run the show, she explained.
“I was just there as support. I kind of let the (Saz’s) State House team take that on as their initiative,” said Kitzerow. “We had to do a quick pivot because we wanted to support them, and obviously it affected all of them emotionally.”
Each month, a portion of the company’s sales goes to a different partner or nonprofit. A specialty food and beverage item is created to represent each month’s charity. One dollar from each item sold is donated.
At first, Saz’s focused on charities that aligned with months dedicated to awareness. In October, which is breast cancer awareness month, the business partners with ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis. From there, Saz’s began branching out to fill up its calendar of charitable events.
Getting employees involved at the start of planning any charitable event is critical to its success, Kitzerow said. Being clear with your intention and messaging and showing employees that you’d also like to support their causes will earn their support.
“We want our fellow employees to feel appreciated,” she said. “How can we give to them, after all their hard work that they give to us? This is just another way of supporting causes that are near and dear to their hearts.”
GIVING BACK FOLLOWING A TRAGEDY
“We try to plan four to six months in advance for those groups. That way we can collect all their logos and our marketing team can work with the organization,” said
Moving quickly to raise money following a community tragedy has become second nature to Milwaukee restaurateur and developer Omar Shaikh. He’s the owner of downtown steakhouse Carnevor and a partner for 3rd Street Market Hall.
Most notably, both businesses helped raise $40,000 for Sade Robinson’s memorial. Robinson, a Milwaukee native, was murdered in early 2024.
After Milwaukee County withdrew plans for a Sade Robinson memorial in early 2025, with one county supervisor citing a “flurry” of racist emails over the proposal, Shaikh knew he needed to step in.
Amilinda
Through his own network, Shaikh was able to get an introduction to Robinson’s family.
“I said I’d do a dinner at Carnevor with my friends, and we’re going to raise the money,” said Shaikh. “She’s going to have that memorial for herself. I’m not stopping. We’re not going to allow Milwaukee to look like this.”
After news of the fundraiser went viral, the event was relocated to 3rd Street Market Hall.
Shaikh credits the willingness of his staff to pour in extra hours of work for the success of the event. Sometimes the fundraisers that take place at 3rd Street Market Hall are planned in a matter of days.
Since the restaurant began as a pop-up at The National Cafe, León tied that concept into some of his first philanthropic efforts. He began by letting smaller restaurants use Amilinda’s space. From there, more people began approaching León to ask for help.
“It just kind of happened organically, as far as causes go,” he said.
“It’s an insane amount of work that we all have to put in, but the (employees are) always willing to do it. It’s a culture that we built,” he said.
Business owners don’t have to throw a massive event to make an impact, Shaikh said. They should closely examine their current infrastructure and capacity before taking on any event that will redirect a portion of proceeds. Smaller events do make an impact. Donating just 10% or 20% of proceeds can help, Shaikh said.
He picks charitable causes based on his own life experiences and interests. León says he has a soft spot for dogs, so any nonprofit working with animals is a winner for him.
He also hosts fundraisers for Vivent Health, a local organization that serves 85% of all Milwaukeeans living with HIV. Donating a portion of sales is one of León’s go-to fundraising formats.
“We don’t have a certain list or criteria people need to meet before I decide to donate money or raise money,” said León. “Whoever comes to my door and asks for help usually gets it.”
“Every little bit counts,” he said. “If you don’t have infrastructure through these massive events, you can get creative and do different things to give a small percentage back.”
He makes sure to schedule fundraisers on nights Amilinda is already open, so staff don’t need to work an extra shift on an off day. León also makes sure to leave some space in between fundraising events so his employees get a break.
He recommends business owners take advantage of digital payment methods, like a QR code or GoFundMe page, so community members can still donate without attending an event.
Reaching out to media partners to help spread the word about fundraisers is also a great way to spread awareness, he said.
The most useful strategy he’s found for running a successful fundraiser is finding a way to make the cause relatable to the average person. For example, as an individual living with HIV, León makes sure to highlight his personal journey when raising funds for Vivent Health.
“Usually it’s my face on (promotions) saying, ‘Hey, these people keep me healthy and alive. Let’s give them some money so they can continue their work,’” said León. “I try to make it relatable.”
Helping sponsor other fundraising events is another strategy smaller businesses with less capacity can use to get involved. Donating items like food or promotional expertise can have a big impact, Shaikh explained.
He emphasized the fact that business owners should only give within their means and not get carried away with giving.
“Every time something disastrous happens that touches our hearts, we’re in almost every single time, but you just can’t do every single (fundraiser),” said Shaikh.
ALIGNING INTEREST WITH GIVING
As the sole owner of his business, León has more flexibility in when and how he donates. He also highlighted the importance of businesses making sure they are financially stable before donating any proceeds. In some instances, León chooses to donate 100% of his proceeds to organizations like Vivent Health.
“It’s financially tight for a couple weeks after that, but it’s worth it,” he said.
Donating time and resources to the community was a natural evolution for Gregory León, chef and owner of Milwaukee-based restaurant Amilinda.
Above all, León said it’s important to follow through on any promises made to a nonprofit organization if you hope to continue building a strong relationship.
“Do what you say: don’t promise things and then don’t follow through,” he said. “I think this is the biggest piece of advice. And just continue to do it year after year.”
Its “Fridays on the Farm” initiative sends employeevolunteers to Hunger Task Force’s 208-acre farm in Franklin on Fridays in September to harvest half a million pounds of produce for families with limited access to fresh food. Coinciding with Hydrite’s annual “Month of Giving” in September, Fridays on the Farm has grown steadily since its first year in 2023, from about 10 volunteers to now about 15 to 20 each Friday, said Erin Lau, who is Hydrite’s director of recruiting and helps run the Hydrite Helps program.
Brookfield-based Hydrite Chemical has increased its investment in the Milwaukee area and other communities in recent years through its Hydrite Helps philanthropy initiative.
The company is one of the largest independent manufacturers of chemicals and related services in the U.S. and has plants in Milwaukee, Oshkosh, La Crosse and Cottage Grove, plus facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, California, Colorado and South Carolina.
At each Hydrite location, a designated Hydrite Helps ambassador orchestrates volunteer initiatives and oversees a dedicated budget for donations to selected nonprofits. The program, launched in 2019, targets four areas: children’s needs and development, education, environmental conservation, and local needs, with a particular emphasis on combating food insecurity in the Milwaukee area.
The initiative is run by Hydrite corporate, but it’s open to employees at the company’s Milwaukee plant and technical center. Volunteers spend the day harvesting and washing produce – and connecting with co-workers.
“People get to meet folks from locations that they don’t normally work with, which is good from an employee engagement perspective as well,” said Julia Danes, HR generalist, who runs the Hydrite Helps program alongside Lau.
EMPLOYEE BUY-IN
In 2024, Hydrite employees volunteered a total of 3,736 hours at 87 organizations across the company’s geographical footprint. That includes 1,965 hours at 33 organizations in southeastern Wisconsin. So far this year, employees from Hydrite’s Milwaukee locations and its corporate office in Brookfield have collectively supported 20 area nonprofit organizations through volunteer events, contributing over 1,130 hours of service.
Hydrite’s focus on combating food insecurity has given way to a host of new initiatives in partnership with Feeding America and Hunger Task Force as well as other local food banks. This year, Hydrite has contributed 382 volunteer hours to support efforts addressing food insecurity.
Employee participation in Hydrite’s philanthropic efforts is on the rise. Company-wide volunteer participation increased 13% from 2023 to 2024. The goal is to get 100% participation company-wide, meaning every one of Hydrite’s 1,000 employees would contribute at least one hour of volunteer service per year. As of mid-October, participation for this year was about 65%.
Of course this wouldn’t be possible without leadership setting the tone. The company is owned by the Honkamp family and is now in its third generation with Kevin Honkamp as president.
Employees are encouraged to take time out of the work day to get involved in the community, said Lau. And what’s more, Hydrite incentives volunteer service through its wellness program, with the understanding that volunteering not only supports local needs but also promotes employees’ emotional and mental well-being.
“I feel very grateful that I am able to work for a company that is so involved in the community and that our owners are actually on the same page and in alignment with getting out there and getting involved,” said Danes.
Hydrite employeevolunteers at Hunger Task Force.
Milwaukee Tool’s support helps Veterans Community Project move forward
BY ARTHUR THOMAS, staff writer
Bill Malzewski got goosebumps as he thought about the journey that brought him to the groundbreaking for the Veterans Community Project development on Milwaukee’s far northwest side.
“I first started looking at land with the city six years ago,” Malzewski said.
In October, VCP held a groundbreaking ceremony on a 7-acre site at 6767 N. 60th St. where it plans to build 40 tiny homes for veterans along with a center to provide services to those veterans.
said, ‘Hey, could we help them purchase the land?’ They didn’t even blink an eye. They said yes. It was literally three weeks from the time I asked to the time we got the check to give to the organization to buy the land. So, the fact that they were able to just say, here’s a check and walk away from it knowing that this was going to come of it, that’s huge support from a corporation.”
VCP is a Kansas City-based nonprofit that has built similar projects in its hometown, St. Louis, Arizona, Colorado and South Dakota.
Malzewski chairs the capital campaign for the Milwaukee project. As of the groundbreaking, the project had raised about $5 million of the $11.7 million needed. Donors have included the Milwaukee Brewers, We Energies, Phillip Morris International U.S., Generac, Delta Defense, the 2024 RNC Host Committee, West Bend Insurance, U.S. Venture, Schmidt Family Foundation, Pieper Power, U.S. Bank, Molson Coors, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the Otto Bremmer Trust. The state of Wisconsin has also invested $2.5 million in the project.
Malzewski’s employer has also played an outsized role in supporting the project. In his day job, Malzewski is senior manager of quality engineering at Brookfield-based Milwaukee Tool.
In reality, the company hardly walked away. Multiple members of Milwaukee Tool’s top executive team were on hand for the groundbreaking along with other leaders and company employees.
“All these guys coming to support me in this project, it’s amazing,” Malzewski said. “These guys, they’re all heart … I can walk into any one of their offices and they would say yes.”
In reflecting on the journey of the VCP project, Malzewski credited Steve Richman, at the time president of Milwaukee Tool and now CEO of its parent company Techtronic Industries, with putting him in front of Milwaukee 7 officials “with a dream and a hope in the back of my head.”
The visible level of support from the company’s top leaders is intentional, according to Tim Albrecht, group president at Milwaukee Tool.
“This is not something that we want to hand over to a subcommittee,” Albrecht said. “This is something that we are funding as a corporation, and we think that it’s important that we show our support from the top down.”
Albrecht acknowledged that Milwaukee Tool does receive a lot of requests for donations and support. At the same time, the company wants to give in areas where it can make a measurable impact. To help focus its community involvement efforts, Milwaukee Tool established four areas where it invests: housing, hunger, education and veterans issues.
Milwaukee Tool’s support didn’t end there. The company contributed $250,000 to the capital campaign, donated thousands of dollars’ worth of tools and helped facilitate the purchase of the land for the project.
“Milwaukee (Tool) never batted an eye,” Malzewski said. “Once they believed in the project and I went to them and
“As we narrowed our scope down, we were able to focus our efforts more effectively on those four buckets,” Albrecht said.
Employees are also encouraged to use 16 hours of paid volunteer time each year.
“We try to be disruptive in the way that we think about the reinvestment in the communities that we are involved in,” Albrecht said. “By being intentional about what we focus on and then making sure that we’re aligned on those four pillars, the bureaucracy of approving things becomes very low.”
Wish List
For this year’s Wish List, we asked the nonprofits featured in the 2026 Giving Guide to tell readers what they need. Read about their most urgent needs on the next two pages – and then connect with the organizations directly to support them. You’ll find their profiles on pages 27-193, which include numerous ways for you and your company to volunteer, attend events, fundraise or make donations.
On behalf of these nonprofit organizations and their various missions, thank you for your generous support.
Dan and Kate Meyer, BizTimes Media
We believe that nothing matters more than our customers and the communities they care so deeply for. With a focus on giving back and building strong partnerships in the communities we serve, we’re proud Committed
Our Community to be part of the 2026 BizTimes Giving Guide.
Nonprofi t Excellence Awards honors region’s top nonprofi ts, corporate citizens and philanthropists
BCORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – LEGACY LEADER
» Baird » Milwaukee Tool
» Winner: Northwestern Mutual
» Landmark Credit Union
izTimes Media’s annual Nonprofit Excellence Awards program recognizes southeastern Wisconsin’s top nonprofit organizations, leaders, corporate citizens and philanthropists. Like the Giving Guide, it is part of BizTimes Media’s commitment to covering the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors and seeks to help connect our influential and affluent audience with the organizations in the region that are working to make this a better place to live.
The 12th annual Nonprofit Excellence Awards program was held on July 24, 2025, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. Award finalists were recognized and winners announced in 12 categories, split into two main groups: corporate citizenship and nonprofit awards. Here’s a recap of the finalists and winners in each category:
CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – COMMUNITY CATALYST
» Rebel Converting
» Winner: Lannon Stone Products
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
» Robert Arzbaecher, Carmen Schools of Science & Technology and City Forward Collective
» Amber Cochran, StaffWyze
» Julie Tolan, Lauber Business Partners
» Winner: Phyllis King, Waukesha County Technical College
IN-KIND SUPPORTER
» Bader Rutter
» Garland Alliance, Inc.
» iLevel Media
» Winner: Mueller Communications
NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP
» Max Mann, Baird
» Adam Puzach, Pack Logix
» Winner: Paige Radke, UMB Bank
NONPROFIT AWARDS
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
» LAUNCH, School District of Elmbrook
» LUMIN Schools
» Messmer High School
» Winner: 3DE of Junior Achievement
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
» Winner: Geri “Nana” Fotsch, president, Fotsch Family Foundation
NONPROFIT COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
» FUSE – MKE Tech Hub, Higher Education Regional Alliance, MSOE, Marquette University, UW-Milwaukee, Associated Bank, Northwestern Mutual, Molson Coors, Rockwell Automation, WEC Energy Group, Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute
» Rogers Behavioral Health and Ronald McDonald House
The 2025 Nonprofit Excellence Awards winners and finalists.
Valerie Hill
Charities of Eastern Wisconsin
» Winner: Harambee Homeownership Initiative, led by Community Development Alliance and allies
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
» Kurt Owens, Bridge Builders
» Tiffany Tardy, PEARLS for Teen Girls
» Brandon Hill, Vivent Health
» Winner: Patrick Landry, Notre Dame School of Milwaukee
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE
» i.c.stars Milwaukee
» Rooted & Rising Washington Park
» Winner: Meta House
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL
» City on a Hill
» Eras Senior Network, Inc.
» Winner: Bay View Community Center of Milwaukee, Inc.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
» Kinship MKE, Inc.
» St. Vincent de Paul of Waukesha County
The 13th annual Nonprofit Excellence Awards program will be held on July 23, 2026, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.
» Winner: Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation
Above: A crowd of nearly 500 attended BizTimes’ 2025 Nonprofit Excellence Awards.
To nominate an individual or organization for a 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Award visit biztimes.com/npawards
Below: Individuals involved in the Harambee Homeownership Initiative: (left to right) Alice Pugh, Timothy Scott Sr., Oby Nwabuzor, Virginia DuPriest and Valerie Langston.
Above: Nonprofit Executive of the Year winner Patrick Landry (second from left), president of Notre Dame School of Milwaukee, with nominees Brandon Hill (far left), Kurt Owens and Tiffany Tardy.
Below: Julie Granger (left), president of Junior Achievement Wisconsin, and Betsy McGinnity, director of school leadership for 3DE by Junior Achievement.
Lifetime Achievement award winner Geri
“Nana” Fotsch.
Valerie Hill
Big gifts with big impact from 2025
Many generous individuals and companies across southeastern Wisconsin support a wide range of causes in our community. While gifts of any size can make a big impact, here is a roundup of some of the biggest gifts and fundraising efforts from the past year:
PHILANTHROPISTS JOE AND ELLEN CHECOTA COMMIT $15 MILLION IN CHALLENGE GIFTS TO THREE LOCAL FINE ARTS INSTITUTIONS
Joe Checota, former chairman and CEO, and principal owner of Milwaukee-based Landmark Healthcare Facilities LLC, along with his wife Ellen, promised three, $5 million challenge gifts to the endowments of the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. The challenge gifts required one-for-one planned or cash-matching gifts, not to exceed $350,000, to the endowment funds of the three organizations as part of an effort to expand the base of donors who support the arts in Milwaukee. Donors had the ability to choose the endowment fund that will receive their matching gift. Once complete, the challenge gifts were intended to provide $30 million to the three Milwaukee fine arts organizations.
THE ADVANCING A HEALTHIER WISCONSIN ENDOWMENT AWARDS NEARLY $11 MILLION IN GRANTS TO STATEWIDE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment awarded roughly $10.9 million in grants to 44 new projects focused on improving health in Wisconsin. Recipients received grants up to $250,000, 26 of which are led by communitybased organizations and 18 of which are Medical College of Wisconsin faculty-led research projects. The projects will be funded over a 24-month period beginning Nov. 1, 2025. The grants will support community-based projects that seek to improve mental health for Wisconsin veterans, sustain Wisconsin’s health care workforce, fill gaps in social services for seniors, reduce underage drinking and protect children from lead exposure. The MCW-led projects will receive nearly $4.5 million in total. These projects are focused on breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, obstructive sleep apnea and increasing the pipeline of students pursuing education in STEM.
Medical College of Wisconsin
Ellen and Joe Checota
Milwaukee
Repertory Theater
Medical College of Wisconsin
MADISON-BASED NONPROFIT ASCENDIUM GRANTS MORE THAN $17 MILLION TO TWO METRO MILWAUKEE NONPROFITS
Milwaukee-based WRTP | BIG STEP received a five-year, $10 million grant to lead its Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative, a program which connects individuals with certified pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships statewide. All-In Milwaukee, a nonprofit that provides financial aid, advising and career-focused support for low-income college students, received a five-year, $7.4 million grant to expand its reach to 1,000 students annually by 2029. Currently, 90% of All-In’s students are on track to graduate within six years, 85% are debt free and 88% of graduates remain in Wisconsin for employment or graduate school. Ascendium’s investments reflect its mission to remove barriers for individuals from low-income backgrounds seeking education and training beyond high school.
RNC HOST COMMITTEE DONATES OVER $5 MILLION TO MILWAUKEE AREA NONPROFITS
The host committee for the 2024 Republican National Convention, held in Milwaukee, donated more than $5 million to Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations. The leftover funds that had been raised to support the RNC were donated to support youth, veterans and shelters, such as sober living and halfway houses. The $5 million donated by the MKE 2024 Host Committee will go to over 80 organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy and Fisher House Wisconsin, among others.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT GIFTS ANNOUNCED IN 2025
• The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation totaled $14.5 million in grants to 120 local and state organizations, according to its annual end-of-year roundup for 2024. Local recipients include $100,000 to 4th Dimension, a sober living community in Milwaukee; $100,000 to JobsWork MKE; $1.4 million to Kingdom Prep Lutheran High School in Wauwatosa; $450,000 to Milwaukee Academy of Science; $275,000 to the Pabst Mansion; and $50,000 to the Racine Literacy Council.
• The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee received $2.5 million from the Kohler Trust for Clean Water for Great Lakes research. This year’s gift tops the trust’s $1.3 million donation to the university last year. The gift will initially fund research on water quality and ecosystem health.
• Northwestern Mutual, through its Northwestern Mutual Foundation, pledged to give $4.5 million across 70 Milwaukee schools and nonprofits in 2025, topping its 2024 donations by $600,000. Its donation will support 220 teachers across 17 area schools through its Summer Teacher Grant program.
• The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin committed $4.2 million to support water education and water research programs across all 13 Universities of Wisconsin system campuses. The funding supports 19 projects for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. These projects focus on increasing research and training opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students while addressing Wisconsin’s biggest water challenges.
• An anonymous donor gifted $3.5 million to the Milwaukee Art Museum to provide free admission for kids 12 and under. The gift, which establishes an endowment to support free admission for young children, came from a donor who has previously funded MAM education and outreach programs.
• United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County was granted $3.3 million from BMO to support the United Way’s Community Fund. The fund focuses on initiatives, programs and resources that can help address community needs. The grant will also support the Financial Empowerment for Women initiative, which focuses on helping women achieve financial stability and sustainability.
• For the second consecutive year, St. Paul-based Otto Bremer Trust selected the Greater Milwaukee Foundation as a philanthropic partner to distribute $3 million to local nonprofits. The GMF served as an intermediary to distribute grants up to $75,000 from Otto Bremer Trust’s Community Responsive Fund.
• Alverno College in Milwaukee received a six-year, $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support STEM students from low-income families. The funding will support Alverno College’s initiatives to increase the number of women with low incomes enrolled in its STEM programs, increase the retention and graduation rates for those students, and increase the number of women entering STEM graduate programs or careers.
• Alverno also received a $1.1 million gift from Gwen and Rudy Godinez that fund scholarships for first-generation undergraduate students.
• Two anonymous donors have gifted $1.5 million to create an endowment for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Milwaukee. The donation will provide future scholarships and funding for teacher and staff retention efforts.
Chasity Glosson, a participant enrolled in WRTP | BIG STEP’s YouthBuild program.
WRTP | BIG STEP
Engineers step up as mentors for local robotics teams
BY HUNTER TURPIN, staff writer
Walk into a high school robotics lab during competition season, and it might look more like a startup than an after-school club.
Students are huddled over CAD models. Software code is being debugged on one side of the room while a group of teens is testing a robot designed to complete a complex engineering challenge. Elsewhere, others are editing social media posts to promote the club or planning the team’s next fundraiser.
This is the world of FIRST Robotics across the Milwaukee area, where more than a thousand students participate each year. The teams are technically extracurricular, but in practice they operate more like small companies with design, engineering, marketing, outreach and leadership.
Keeping it all running are adult mentors from major Milwaukee-area employers like Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee Tool and Regal Rexnord. These individuals don’t just view their role as mentors; they see it as a way to sharpen their own skills and help build a pipeline for future workers in their field.
Robin Olson didn’t plan to get involved in robotics when her son joined a team at Oak Creek High School in 2016. At the time, she told her husband he would be the one to go to the meetings.
Olson works with student leaders on building a sustainable team culture. Recruitment and mentoring are integral to the program’s success, which Olson said pays off when students get ready for their careers.
Alumni from her team have landed internships and jobs at well-known companies like Disney and Tesla and others have found work at local companies or in the military.
Dave Woods first joined a robotics team as a student at Sussex Hamilton High School. Now a senior design engineer at Regal Rexnord, he mentors the same high school team he once competed on in Sussex and over the past decade he’s helped launch two other FIRST teams in the area. He says each team is like “its own small business.”
“He couldn’t make it to one meeting, and I went, and they said they really needed somebody that knew a little bit about mechanical design, which is what I do for a living,” she said. “I ended up getting hooked.”
Her son has since graduated college, but Olson is still mentoring students in Oak Creek in addition to her job at Regal Rexnord, where she’s a director of engineering. She’s one of 11 employees from the company currently mentoring local teams.
“My career path, my life has been improved by this program,” Woods said. “I remember how inspired I was from the mentors that I had, and I saw how much of a leg up this hands-on experience gave me.”
Now as a team leader, Woods still finds benefits in his own career. Trying to explain engineering principles to a 14-year-old who hasn’t taken algebra yet forces clarity and empathy.
The FIRST Robotics season kicks off in January. Students have just six to eight weeks to design, build and program a robot that can execute that year’s task – anything from navigating obstacles to simulating coral reef restoration.
In addition to guiding mechanical design and machining,
“It forces me to really understand the material a lot better,” said Woods, who also serves on the board of Wisconsin FIRST Robotics. “It’s forcing me to become a better leader, to become better a communicator and to become a better engineer, ultimately.”
He sees firsthand how robotics is preparing students for high-demand careers, citing that more than 90% of students on his robotics team pursue careers in STEM.
Earlier this year, Woods watched a former student –whom he had coached through four years of high school robotics – accept a full-time engineering job at Regal Rexnord after interning there throughout college.
“He said that his time on the FIRST Robotics team inspired him as a student,” Woods said. “That’s the full-circle moment.”
NONPROFIT PROFILES
BUILDING A DYNAMIC COMMUNITY
ABCD: AFTER BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS
ADDRESS: 5775 N Glen Park Rd, Ste 201 Milwaukee, WI 53209
With a fully virtual platform, ABCD helps people worldwide, ensuring no one faces breast cancer alone. Now in its 26th year, ABCD has supported 111,000+ people nationwide and beyond.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Founded in Milwaukee by Emmy award-winning journalist Melodie Wilson Oldenburg, ABCD inspires hope and transforms lives by providing emotional support to anyone impacted by breast cancer, anywhere, at any stage. This includes people who are newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with metastatic/Stage IV disease, at high risk of developing breast cancer, and family members, friends, or caregivers of a breast cancer patient.
GOALS
A breast cancer diagnosis can feel isolating. As a complement to medical care, ABCD carefully matches people with a trained volunteer Mentor who has a similar lived experience, providing compassionate support based on diagnosis, treatment, age, and lifestyle. With 300+ diverse Mentors around the country, ABCD can make truly personalized connections between someone who needs support and an ABCD Mentor who is just like them. Connection is our superpower.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Every day, people are diagnosed with breast cancer. For 26 years, ABCD has offered the invaluable gift of free emotional support to anyone who needs it. Demand for our services is up 46% compared to this time last year, making donor support more vital than ever. Contributions ensure our services are always available and always free. Donations also help fund Mentor recruitment, training, and continuing education, crafting educational and outreach materials for healthcare professionals, and establishing meaningful partnerships with communities in Wisconsin and beyond. Our signature fundraising event—A Night Out for ABCD—is held annually in Milwaukee.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
ABCD Mentors are volunteers who are at high risk of developing breast cancer, survivors at least one year past completing treatment (with the exception of hormone replacement therapy), living with metastatic disease, or a friend, family member, or caregiver of a breast cancer patient. Every Mentor is vetted by ABCD staff and participates in comprehensive training to learn how to provide emotional support.
Volunteer opportunities beyond mentoring include helping with outreach fundraisers and in-person events.
Cindy Moon-Mogush (Treasurer) ★ Marketing and Communications Executive
Gina Rich (Secretary) ★ Freelance Journalist
Bonnie Anderson
Trinity Senior Services
Cheryl Biro
Harley-Davidson Inc. (ret)
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We rely 100% on the generosity of donors—individuals, corporations, and foundations—to ensure that ABCD’s free services will always be available to provide hope, compassion, and understanding when it’s needed most. With 80% of donations directed to service delivery, please consider making a gift today to ABCD through:
Wayne C. Oldenburg (Past President) Oldenburg Group Incorporated
Kim Somenske, SHRM-CP Fiserv
Sandra Underwood, RN, PhD
UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing (ret)
Leslie Waltke, PT, DPT
Aurora Cancer Center
Billie Jean Smith Board President
Ellen Friebert Schupper Executive Director
Founded in Milwaukee
For anyone, anywhere, at any stage.
For 26 years, Milwaukee has been home to ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis—the only nonprofit that delivers FREE, virtual, one-to-one emotional support to anyone impacted by breast cancer.
From right here in our hometown, we’ve supported 111,000+ people nationwide and beyond by matching them with an ABCD volunteer Mentor who shares a similar lived experience.
Connection is our superpower.
We rely 100% on the generosity of donors to ensure ABCD’s vital support services are always available and always FREE. With your help, no one has to face breast cancer alone.
Give to our growing organization today at ABCDBreastCancerSupport.org/give or scan
ACTS HOUSING
ADDRESS: 270 E Kilbourn Ave, Fl 5 Milwaukee, WI 53202
PHONE: (414) 933-2215
WEBSITE: actshousing.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 48
ANNUAL REVENUE: $10,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1995
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/actshousing
INSTAGRAM: @Actshousing
SERVICE AREA
Acts is a one-stop shop for homeownership, surrounding families who have barriers to homeownership with a team of coaches that provide timely and individualized guidance throughout their homeownership journey.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Families who work hard and live on modest incomes have tremendous strength, yet they’ve long been locked out of homeownership—and the safety, stability, and opportunity it provides. A home offers a foundation for family success and a pathway to long-term security. Homeowners also take pride in their communities, strengthening and improving their neighborhoods.
GOALS
For more than 30 years, Acts Housing has empowered over 4,000 families in Milwaukee and Beloit to achieve lasting security and stability through homeownership. Each year, we provide financial coaching to more than 300 families, and our Rehab team supports those ready to take on fixer-uppers. In 2022, we launched Acts Homes to expand this impact—purchasing properties for owner occupancy with a goal of selling 100 homes annually to families participating in our coaching program.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to make a difference with Acts Housing. You can refer a family who may benefit from our services or connect us with a community partner who shares our mission. Volunteers can also lend their expertise by offering professional services to support our work. Whether through referrals or sharing your skills, your involvement helps more families achieve the dream of homeownership and build stronger, more stable communities.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Join us for a “Tour of Homes” to see and understand more of what we do and how homeownership can be a building block to stability.
Our annual Neighborhood Table at the Discovery World Museum, brings together supporters, alumni families and community partners in a celebration of homeownership. More information can be found on our website: actshousing.org
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
You can support Acts Housing in several meaningful ways. Make a one-time or monthly gift to help families achieve homeownership, or attend one of our events to connect with others who share your commitment. You can also call us to discuss planned giving options, IRA distributions, or contributions through a donor-advised fund. Every act of generosity helps more families build stability, equity, and brighter futures through the power of homeownership.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ★
John Beagle (Board Chair) ★ Grace Matthews
Marvin Bynum Godfrey & Khan
Michael Floyd
Glenn Rieder LLC (retired)
Anthony Franda Burke Properties
Vanaya Grice Northwestern Mutual
Rae Johnson (Engagement Committee Chair) ★ Esri
Robert LaGrant BMO Private Bank
Doug Levy (Lending Commitee Chair) ★ Trustee
Michael Mack PS Capital Partner, LLC
Tim Mattke MGIC
Marc Perry Community Action, Inc.
Heather Ramirez (Immediate Past Chair) ★ Marquette University Law School
Joe Schlidt (Past Chair) ★ Godfrey & Kahn
Allison Steinhafel Hammes Holdings
John Syburg (Board Vice Chair) ★ Blackthorne Partners, Ltd.
Oscar Tovar City of Milwaukee
Cristina Crogan VP Philanthrophy
Michael Gosman President & CEO
ADVOCATES OF OZAUKEE
ADDRESS: PO Box 80166, Saukville, WI 53080
PHONE: (262) 284-3577
WEBSITE: advocatesofozaukee.com
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,898,397
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1980
YEAR ESTABLISHED: facebook.com/ AdvocatesofOzaukee
SERVICE AREA
Our shelter is located in Ozaukee County, a mixed rural and urban area; however, our clients come from Ozaukee County as well as the Greater Milwaukee area.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The mission statement of Advocates of Ozaukee is to end domestic and sexual violence through education, prevention, and intervention activities. They aim to support and empower individuals and families by providing safety, advocacy, education, and resources. Their vision is to transform the community so that domestic and sexual violence no longer exists, promoting respect, dignity, and appropriate behavior.
GOALS
To provide a range of services, including education, advocacy, and resources to help victims rebuild their lives and to offer shelter services and support for children affected by domestic violence, ensuring that victims receive the necessary assistance and resources to thrive.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Children’s Support Group:
• Childcare
• Transportation for individuals and their children
• Donation Organization
• Donation Pick Up
• Landscaping/Maintenance
• Professional services needed
• Preparing and cooking meals to be frozen for our shelter guests
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kate Bechen
Dykema Gossett PLLC
Lynn Hawkins
Stein Garden Centers, Inc.
Lucia Francis
Retired MATC
Christy Knowles
Ozaukee County Sheriff
Patty Eubanks
Keller Williams Realty
Jim Bohn, PHD
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Our services are powered by generous and concerned individuals like you. Thank you for getting involved, making a difference, and joining us to help end domestic violence. There are several easy ways to participate in supporting the work of Advocates and healing the impacts of domestic violence.
Use PayPal to make a donation: paypal.com/ donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_ id=GG3T28AEXRRUG
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Donations of health, beauty, household, and lifestyle items.
• Gift Cards to Grocery stores
• Gas Cards
• Shared Ride Taxi Vouchers
Please follow our Facebook account for monthly updates or check out our list on Amazon under Advocates of Ozaukee, Inc.
Doctoral Coach and Organizational Advisor
Tom Czaja
Sec. Retired Law Enforcement
Rachelle Gillen
Rite-Hite
Amanda Mack Grafton Schools
Dawn Faucett
Aurora Health
Chelsea Iker
Landmark Credit Union
Allan Starkman
APIS, Chief Revenue Officer
Barb Fischer (Executive Director) ★
Kristen Nicholson Associate Director
Barb Fischer Executive Director
1,085
MILWAUKEE, WI
ALL HANDS BOATWORKS, INC.
ADDRESS: 621 S 12th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
PHONE: (414) 404-8213
WEBSITE: allhandsboatworks.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 8
ANNUAL REVENUE: $500,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2013
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/allhandsboatworks
X: @StokedOnBoats
SERVICE AREA
AHB serves youths, ages 10-24, schools, and community organizations with hands-on experiential education throughout the greater metro Milwaukee area.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
All Hands Boatworks exists to build the skills, talents, resilience, and hopes of Milwaukee-area youths through wooden boatbuilding projects, work-based learning experiences, and on-the-water activities. AHB teaches the art, science, and craft of wooden boatbuilding to support well-rounded youth development, STEM understandings, and workforce preparation.
GOALS
AHB passionately believes that the art, science, and craft of building and using small boats have unlimited potential as powerful teaching tools. Youths are inspired and mentored to build confidence and transferrable skills to help them reach educational, career, and personal goals. We accomplish this through six layers of program services:
• STEAMboat Learning – Boatbuilding; Woodworking; Shop Tours (gr. 5-9)
• RAFT – After-school boatbuilding and internship (ages 13-17)
• Stem2Stern Shop Classes (gr. 9-12)
• TradeWorks – a foundational job-skills training (ages 17-22)
• Summer weeklong camps (ages 10-15)
• Hands-on workshops and team-building rowing for youth and the public
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Board and committee service opportunities
• Mentor teens in the RAFT evening program as they learn new skills and gain valuable work experience
• Host a field trip for the job-skills trainees to learn more about careers at your company
• Open shop assistance on Tuesdays
• Hands-On Benefit work committee
• Corporate team-building opportunities either at the shop or on-water rowing
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe Hughes (President) ★ Associated Bank
Sean Keenan (Treasurer) ★ Huntington Bank
Deb Pietsch (Secretary) ★ Kradwell School
Robert B. Brumder (emeritus)
Robert W. Baird (retired)
Araceli Arevalo Safe & Sound
Paul Bargren Attorney (ret.)
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
There are many ways to become part of the AHB Community, nationally recognized as a leader in hands-on, experiential education in the manual arts. Our friendraising and fundraising generates participation and support for direct program expenses (i.e. instruction, project materials, intern and trainee stipends, meals, and supplies):
• Annual Big Huzzah! Hands-On Benefit features activities as well as a live and silent auction
• Annual spring fund drive
• Volunteer training year-round
• Community workshops
• Community rowing
• Holiday Craft Sale
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Help us build every youth with the skills, resilience, and confidence to succeed:
• Make a secure donation at allhandsboatworks.org
• Host a boat-in-a-box-lunch friend-raiser at the shop
• Participate in corporate matching gift programs
• Make gift to AHB or name a boat in honor/memory of a loved one
• Make a stock gift
• Corporate sponsorship of a youth or an entire project
• Donate new or slightly used tools and equipment
• Event sponsorship
• Remember AHB in your estate planning
Myron El Carlo Edwards
Milwaukee Water Commons
Mark Kuehn
Creative Director (retired)
Chris Mortonson
Trident Advisory LLC
Lynn M. Rix
Plein Air Oil Painter
Thomas N. Tuttle Jr.
Provident Trust Co.
ALL-IN MILWAUKEE
ADDRESS: 600 W Virginia St, Ste 100 Milwaukee, WI 53204
PHONE: (414) 405-3013
WEBSITE: allinmilwaukee.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 19
ANNUAL REVENUE: $4,172,347
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2018
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/AllinMilwaukee
SERVICE AREA
AIM scholars are limited-income, high-potential Milwaukee college students attending one of AIM’s eight University Partners (Alverno, Carroll, Marquette, MSOE, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Whitewater, and Wisconsin Lutheran).
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
All-In Milwaukee’s mission is to ensure its scholars complete college, build careers, and transform the community to create more sustainable economic opportunities.
All-In Milwaukee (“AIM”) is a college-completion program providing financial aid, advising, and career support for Milwaukee students. AIM supports 600 college students and 140 graduates, 100% from limited-income families, 98% students of color, and 86% first-generation college students, helping them excel through college and enter the Milwaukee workforce.
GOALS
All-In Milwaukee launched in 2018 to dramatically improve post-secondary opportunities for limited-income, highpotential Milwaukee students. The AIM promise is to ensure its scholars complete college, build careers, and transform the community to create more sustainable economic opportunities. AIM targets at least 75% of its scholars to graduate college in six years or less, with less than $16,000 in student loan debt, and secure meaningful employment or continued graduate studies in Wisconsin.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Last year, 566 eligible students applied for the 185 spots in AIM Class of 2025. The demand is clear and the need is urgent. Our goal is to welcome 200 new scholars into the Class of 2026 and to serve 1,000 total college students (freshman through senior) by 2029.
You can make this possible. A four-year commitment of $20,000 ($5,000 annually, invoiced each July) will open the door for the next class of scholars to access college, persist to graduation, and launch their careers here in Wisconsin.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Be All-In: Support All-In Milwaukee’s scholars by contributing at any level. Your gift supports limitedincome students through college and into their careers. Become a Career Partner: Local employers who invest gain direct access to AIM’s portfolio of scholars through the the AIM Resume Book (July), Career Fair (August), Talent Development Sessions, biannual reports, and yearround promotion of opportunities on the AIM Job Board. Together, we connect employers with local talent and strengthen Milwaukee’s workforce.
ADDRESS: 275 W Wisconsin Ave, Ste 230 Milwaukee, WI 53203
PHONE: (414) 271-9999
WEBSITE: heart.org/Wisconsin
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 2800+
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1 Billion
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1924
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/AHAWisconsin
X: @AHAWisconsin
INSTAGRAM: @AHAWisconsin
SERVICE AREA
Our metro Milwaukee office serves the greater Southeastern Wisconsin area, including: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Ozaukee, Washington and Sheboygan counties.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
To be a relentless force for a world of longer, heathier lives.
GOALS
The American Heart Association has set a goal of doubling the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030. We must increase the number of people who respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911, delivering high-quality CPR and getting and using an AED as soon as it is available. Join us in turning from a nation of bystanders to a Nation of Lifesavers!
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Please join the American Heart Association at one of our many events throughout the year aimed at raising awareness and funds to help build a healthier community, here in Milwaukee.
• Milwaukee Heart & Stroke Ball: Feb. 21, 2026
• Go Red for Women Luncheon and Expo: May 8, 2026
• Hard Hats with Heart: June of 2026
• Southeastern Wisconsin Heart & Stroke Walk: September of 2026
• Kids Heart Challenge Events: Throughout the School Year
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Sign up for our Heart Powered network & advocate for grassroots policy change in local government:
• Become a social media ambassador
• Join our Support Network
• Make a positive impact on health in faith-based, multicultural and underserved communities as an ambassador for EmPowered to Serve
• Help bring the mission of the American Heart Association to life by sharing your heart/stroke story
• Volunteer your time at one of our events
Email volunteerMKE@heart.org
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to support the mission of the American Heart Association. Here are a few ways that you can join us in being a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives:
• Honor a loved one by starting a memorial or tribute
• Make an individual contribution
• Leave a lasting legacy and give through your will, trust or estate plan
• Become a local corporate sponsor
• Participate in one of our local events
• Volunteer!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amanda Baltz Spaulding Medical
Derek Bartle
Heck Capital
Kate Bechen
Dykema
Andreas Beyer, Ph.D. Medical College of Wisconsin
Chantel Byrd
Veolia
Dr. Art Coffey ProHealth Care
Katie Connolly American Heart Association
Linda Crawford BizTimes Media
Brandon Drusch
Marcus Hotels and Resorts
Randy Hoppe
Johnson Controls
Jessica Kolstad
GE Healthcare
Kathy Koshgarian Food for Health
Erin Levzow Community Advocate
Joy Lincoln, Ph.D. (Board President) ★ Children’s Wisconsin and Medical College of Wisconsin
Ben Lorber WISN 12
Niki Marcelle
Ascension Wisconsin
Cindy Milgram (Board Chair) ★ Community Advocate
Chad Robinson United Health Care
Charles Socci
Froedtert Health and Medical College of Wisconsin
Christy Stone
Milwaukee Public Schools
Joy Lincoln Board President
Cindy Milgram Community Advocate
BERNIE’S BOOK BANK
GREATER MILWAUKEE
ADDRESS: 5235 N Ironwood Ln, Glendale, WI 53217
PHONE: (847) 780-7323
WEBSITE: berniesbookbank.org/greater-milwaukee
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 2
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,500,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2009
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/berniesbookbank
LINKED IN: linkedin.com/berniesbookbank
INSTAGRAM: @berniesbookbank
SERVICE AREA
Currently, Milwaukee county, but by the end of 2027, will serve the six-county Greater Milwaukee region.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
We supply children who need them with free high-quality books to build in-home libraries of their very own, and we do so driven by a passionate collective of volunteers and partners.
GOALS
• Enhance existing literacy services in the community by providing free, high-quality books for children to build at-home libraries
• Provide a meaningful volunteer experience for all ages and abilities and allow young people to make service a habit from an early age
• Be a partner and not just a charity. Provide a mutually beneficial relationship by inviting people to take part in a simple action that has a big impact
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Preparing books for distribution - sorting, stickering, bagging (all ages and abilities!)
• Distributing books to children in schools
• Serving on an event committee to recruit attendees
• Hosting a book drive to collect like-new children’s books
• Host a virtual book drive and set a fundraising goal
• Become a book drop partner to collect books on an ongoing basis
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MSI Data
Brian Adamson
ICAP Development
Elissa Bowlin
Habush Habush & Rottier, Secretary
Megan Cerbins
Seton Catholic Schools
Warren Corrado
Retired, Hellerman Tyton North American
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
• Grand Opening of Processing and Volunteer Center - TBD late spring 2026
• Book Lover’s Lunch - May 28, 2026
• Bernie Cup Golf Event - June 29, 2026
• Booksgiving - Nov 14, 2026
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Giving Tree Society sustaining membership programstarting at $24/month
• Corporate partnership
• One-time annual gift
• Attend/Sponsor an event
• Allocate United Way contribution to Bernie’s Book Bank
• Legacy Giving, Honorarium and Memorial gifts
Kevin Duffey (Treasurer)
Baird
Jeff Formeller
William Blair
Meena Held
Rockwell Automation
Joe Rock
KPMG Milwaukee
Jenna Renno Executive Director, Greater Milwaukee
Geoff Surkamer Advisory Board Chair, National Board Vice Chair
Geoff Surkamer (Board Chair, Vice Chair - National Board of Directors) ★
Better futures begin with books.
Reading is the single most important skill a child needs to succeed. Yet millions of children lack access to books at home.
BERNIE’S BOOK BANK IS HERE TO CHANGE THAT.
We source, process, and distribute free, high-quality books to children who need them most—ensuring every child has access to a home library of their very own.
Founded in 2009, Bernie’s Book Bank distributes 2.5 million books a year — hand-delivered directly to children in under-resourced communities.
Fueled by thousands of volunteers and generous donors, our scalable model ensures children receive 8 free, age-appropriate books each year from birth–6th grade.
For more information and ways to support, visit berniesbookbank.org or contact:
ADDRESS: 770 N Jefferson St, Ste 200 Milwaukee, WI 53202
PHONE: (414) 278-4778
WEBSITE: bbbsmilwaukee.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 38
ANNUAL REVENUE: $2,921,131
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1975
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/bbbsmilwaukee
SERVICE
AREA
Milwaukee and Waukesha counties
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
To create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
GOALS
For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee has made a profound impact in the areas of Academic Success, Mental Wellness, Crime Prevention, Workforce Readiness, & Economic Mobility. Youth in our community are facing complex social issues. Given the growing demand for our mentoring program and its proven impact, we are preparing for ambitious growth within the next decade. With more than 500 youth waiting for a mentor, our goal is to nearly double the number of youth served. We aim to secure additional funding, partners, and volunteer mentors.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Community-based mentoring: Mentor a youth ages 6-16 years old, meet 2-4 times/month, explore the community together.
• School-based mentoring: Mentor an elementary/ middle school student, meet 1 hour weekly at partner school, have fun together.
• Mentor2.0 mentoring: Mentor a high school student, communicate online weekly, meet once/month at partner school, focus on college/career readiness.
• Inquire or Apply today at bbbsmilwaukee.org/ volunteer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tony Bartell (Executive Committee At Large) ★
Pamela Bell
Christiana Bleadsoe
Seth Broidy
Liz Caldwell
Andrea Corona
Mahesh Damodar
Kevin Delahunt
Kimberly K. Dodd
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
• Bowl For Kids’ Sake
• Art of Pairing
• Paddles for Potential Pickleball Classic
• Big Brothers Big Sisters NFL Alumni Golf Classic
• The Big Gala: A Celebration of Mentoring
Taheréh DeLeón
Michael J. Francis
Carissa Gingras
Dan Kieffer
Drew Glaubke (Chair) ★
Chloe Kinsey
Kevin Klimara (Executive Committee At Large) ★
Amar Kothapalli
Jeffrey J. LaValle
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The BIG Village Monthly Donor Program:
• Our youth have BIG vision, and it takes a Big Village to help them reach their full potential.
• By becoming a monthly donor, your gift each month provides stability in programming and allows us to serve more youth and strengthen our community. Even the Littlest monthly gift can make a BIG impact! Learn more or sign up to support BBBS with a monthly gift at bbbsmilwaukee.org/support/the-bigvillage
Katie Lott
Melinda L. Mahdasian
Duane Maier
Kate McDonald (Treasurer) ★
Matthew Meuleners (Vice Chair) ★
Saurav Mukherjee
Vijay Narayan
Stephanie Nook
Ahmad K. Qawi
John Reisel (Secretary) ★ Ryan Tamminga
Molly Thiel
Stephanie Warren
Jodi Weber
Dominick Zarcone (Executive Committee At Large) ★
Mr. Neil Willenson President & CEO
IMPACT
EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS AND POST-SECONDARY READINESS
76%
of youth reported having a positive attitude towards school.
83%
of youth maintained or improved their grades.
91%
of seniors graduated from high school
70% of graduates enrolled in postsecondary education.
8% of graduates went straight into the workforce or military.
100% of high school youth received workforce development preparation, financial literacy, and post-secondary readiness.
Big Brothers Big Sisters evidence-based mentoring program provides youth with the resources, structure, and support they need to succeed in life. In 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters delivered the following transformative results:
PERSONAL BEHAVIOR AND PREVENTION
MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL CONNECTION
91% of youth reported having positive emotional regulation.
73% of youth reported feeling connected at school.
94% of youth reported feeling connected to their community.
HEALTHY AND RESILIENT RELATIONSHIPS
82%
maintained or improved parental trust and their connectedness to their parent(s).
94%
maintained or improved social acceptance and positive peer relationships.
84%
indicated their mentor is someone they can count on and who cares about what happens to them. 98% of youth avoided using alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. 99% of youth avoided involvement in the juvenile justice system. 100% of girls avoided teen pregnancy. 90% of youth did not engage in bullying behavior.
To review sources for statewide and comparative data, scan the QR code.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS
OF GREATER MILWAUKEE
ADDRESS: 1558 N 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
PHONE: (414) 267-8100
WEBSITE: bgcmilwaukee.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 508
ANNUAL REVENUE: $35,090,462
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1887
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/bgcmilwaukee
X: @bgcmilwaukee
SERVICE AREA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee serves youth across Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and operates a 300+ acre camp on Lake Keesus in Merton, Wisconsin.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is to inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
GOALS
For more than 139 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee has been doing whatever it takes to support youth in Milwaukee. We have over 45 Club locations in the city and with your help, we can continue to ensure every kid has access to safe spaces, positive role models and the tools and resources they need to achieve success.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee offers corporate partners and community organizations the opportunity to volunteer at the Clubs and Camp Whitcomb/Mason. Volunteers engage in fun and educational activities with our staff and Club members and experience our mission firsthand
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee hosts special events throughout the year to engage the public in our mission and to raise funds to support our programming. Events Include but are not limited to our MVP gala in the spring, S’more Fun at Camp Whitcomb/Mason in August, and Holiday Gift Drive at year-end. We welcome sponsor support and hope to see you at one of our events in 2026.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Making a financial gift, attending a special event, volunteering, and including the Clubs in estate plans are just a few of the ways individuals can help give Club members the resources they need to work toward productive futures. Your investment will create a ripple effect in the community as today’s young people become tomorrow’s leaders.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anne Zizzo (1st Vice Chair)
Kevin L. Anderson (2nd Vice Chair)
Linda Benfield (Vice Chair, Legal)
Marc Vandiepenbeeck (Board Treasurer)
Michael H. Lappin (Board Secretary)
Ronald Adams
Griselda Aldrete
James T. Barry III
P. Shannon Burns
Marc Cadieux
Tina DeGustino
Coreen Dicus Johnson
Giacomo Fallucca
Peter Feigin
Charles B. Groeschell
Brian Grossman
Dana Guthrie
Patrick Hammes
Andy Harmening
Thomas J. Hauske, Jr.
John Heimsch
Renée Herzing
Tanya M. Hines
Michael Hooper
Daniel Jackson
Jennie Kent
Carrie Killoran
Earnell Lucas
Keith Mardak
Jeff McLean
Patti Brash McKeithan
Sal Miosi
Donald Mondano
Blake Moret
Jeffrey Norman
Richard R. Pieper, Sr.
Alison Prange
Mitchell W. Quick
Steve Raasch
Daniel Sinykin
Mary Ellen Stanek ★ Bryce Tolefree
Ronald A. Troy
Harris Turer
Gregory M. Wesley ★ Jay Wigdale
David Gay Board Chair
Jeff Snell President & CEO EXECUTIVE
Company Ad
CARMEN SCHOOLS OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ADDRESS: 1501 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53215
PHONE: (414) 837-3973
WEBSITE: carmenschools.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 242
ANNUAL REVENUE: $31,014,183.50
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2007
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/carmenschools
SERVICE AREA
Carmen Schools is a free public charter school network serving students in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We believe that all students deserve access to a free, high-quality education.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Graduating all students as critical thinkers and self-directed learners prepared for success in college, meaningful careers, community involvement, and family life.
GOALS
Our goal is to successfully open a state-of-the-art campus in fall 2026 that supports academic excellence and holistic student development. Designed with input from students, families, and educators, the new facility will feature innovative learning environments, labs, arts and athletic spaces, and areas for community engagement. This campus will further our mission to prepare students for college, careers, active community involvement, and fulfilling family lives. In addition to launching this new campus, we aim to strengthen the student experience and increase academic excellence across all our existing campuses, ensuring every student thrives while at Carmen!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Carmen Schools offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for community members across our campuses. Volunteers can support college and career programming through mock interviews, helping students strengthen their professional skills and explore potential career paths. Additionally, we welcome individuals and businesses to host site visits, where small student groups spend a half day at your workplace learning about your organization, its departments, and the range of careers available. Your involvement makes a real impact!
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
You’re Invited: Carmen Southgate Hard Hat Tours
Be among the first to see progress at Carmen Schools’ new Southgate Campus! Join us for a Hard Hat Tour to get an inside look at the spaces that will soon inspire the next generation of Carmen scholars.
• When: The third Thursday of every month at 4:00 PM
• First Tour: Thursday, November 20
• Where: Carmen Southgate Campus (location details shared upon RSVP)
To reserve your spot, please RSVP by calling Tracey at (608) 201-0908. Tour sizes are limited, so early registration is encouraged!
Come see how your support is helping to build the future of education on Milwaukee’s South Side.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Carmen Schools of Science and Technology has launched Building on Our Legacy, a $15 million capital campaign to build our first purpose-built Southside high school campus—Carmen Southgate—opening in fall 2026.
This state-of-the-art facility will bring together students and staff from Carmen South and Carmen Southeast, expanding access to innovative STEAM labs, a College & Career Center, and spaces that inspire growth, leadership, and community.
Supporters can make a measurable and lasting impact by contributing to the development of this new campus. Naming opportunities are available for classrooms, labs, arts and athletic spaces, and community areas. Donors may also invest in programs that enrich the student experience and drive academic excellence across all Carmen campuses, such as college and career readiness initiatives, extracurricular enrichment, and educator development.
Every gift helps prepare our students for the future, ensuring that thousands of Milwaukee students have the opportunities, resources, and environment they deserve to achieve their dreams.
Join us in shaping the future. Learn more and make a gift at carmenschools.org/support-us/capital-campaign.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ivan Gamboa (Board Chair) ★
Jason Kohout (Treasurer)
Javier Montes de Oca (Class of 2015)
Todd Reardon
Alicia Dupies
Betty Hill
Bob Arzbaecher
Alberto Maldonado
Glen Hackmann (Board Emeritus)
Steve Booth
Jon Biorkman
Fabiola Ramirez Chief of Staff (Class of 2012)
Aaron Lippman Chief Executive Officer
Building On Our Legacy
In fall 2026, Carmen Schools will open Carmen Southgate—a state-of-the-art high school campus designed to elevate student learning and strengthen our impact across Milwaukee. Carmen Southgate will feature:
This is more than a building—it’s an investment in our students’ futures. Help us prepare the next generation to be college-bound, career ready, and community engaged.
CENTER FOR URBAN TEACHING, INC.
ADDRESS: 2600 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
CfUT supports private, charter and public schools in Milwaukee, Racine and Madison with plans to expand to additional urban districts such as Green Bay and Kenosha.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) is a Christian nonprofit organization that exists to identify, prepare and support highperforming teachers, leaders and schools.
GOALS
CfUT’s primary goal is to attract aspiring top-tier teachers and leaders to Wisconsin schools and help ensure they thrive in their careers. Our educator pipeline includes more than 700 students from 88 colleges, along with adults pursuing second careers. We partner with more than 50 schools to provide recruitment, coaching and professional development. Eight of Milwaukee’s 10 highestscoring schools on the Wisconsin state report card are CfUT partners. Our summer school programs serve 1,500+ children across 21 schools, nearly 90% of which Exceed or Significantly Exceed expectations on the state report card.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We want students to be so excited about learning that they can hardly wait for school. That feeling starts with you. CfUT has numerous ways for you to use your gifts, including volunteering for our:
• Summer School Teacher Training Program
• Leader Training Program
• Urban Teaching and Leadership Conference
• UNITE Conference
• Trivia Night Fundraiser
To learn more, email info@cfut.org or call (414) 433-9180.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Wisconsin’s teacher and school leader shortage is real – and growing. CfUT is helping cultivate and sustain the state’s educator pipeline, and we invite you to be part of the solution. Each year, CfUT hosts events that offer sponsorship, exhibitor and volunteer opportunities for individuals and businesses. Join us in shaping classrooms where every child is known, loved and challenged to achieve their best by investing in teachers and leaders who make it possible. To learn more, email info@cfut.org or call (414) 433-9180.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Help strengthen Milwaukee’s teacher and leader pipeline –and invest in the children in our community – by partnering with CfUT:
• Sponsor summer programming at Milwaukee and Racine schools
• Provide classroom resources and supplies
• Host an event that raises funds and awareness
• Donate online at cfut.org/donate
• Offer in-kind event space for CfUT trainings, conferences and celebrations
To learn more, email info@cfut.org or call (414) 433-9180.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jamie Luehring (Board Chair) ★
Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
James Goldschmidt (Secretary) ★ Quarles & Brady LLP
Brad Kurtzweil (Treasurer) ★ Stecker Machine Co.
Rob Adams Hydrite
Ryan Rogers Nouvelle Marketing
Allen Ruppel Unity in Hope School
Henry Tyson St. Marcus Lutheran School
Krysta DeBoer
The Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) is known for our summer training program for aspiring teachers and future school leaders.
CfUT’s teacher training program is life-changing. When I returned to college classes, the practical skills and classroom experience with actual students made my classes even more meaningful. Highly recommend!
Emerald Collier
CfUT Alumna & Dean of Students, HOPE Fidelis
Colleges & universities represented Where are CfUT’s 2025 teacher candidates coming from?
Countries
The 2025 cohort comes from 28 states 24 countries
Colleges
CfUT’s training increased my confidence, competence and character development. Annual Candidate Survey
CFI serves people in Wisconsin and beyond who have developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, behavioral health needs, and barriers to health and safety.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
We support and advocate for people with disabilities and behavioral health needs.
GOALS
CFI offers many programs and services that build healthy, inclusive communities where people with disabilities and behavioral health needs can thrive. We offer behavioral health and crisis resources, enrich the lives of people with disabilities, remove barriers to meaningful employment, help communities access nutritious food and support children’s health and well-being.
CFI is known for and has proven success in working with clients with the most challenging and complex disabilities and needs. We are committed to total health with a trauma-informed care approach that supports the wellness of individuals, families, and communities across their lifespan. By leveraging value-added partnerships within the health care delivery system and community networks, we provide integrated services that are not available through any other agency or government organization in southeast Wisconsin. This holistic approach uniquely positions CFI to address social determinants of health (housing insecurity, food insecurity, health disparities, and unemployment) in the communities we serve. We offer sliding-scale fees that ensure access to care regardless of a client’s insurance status or ability to pay.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Whether you’d like to receive services, support our mission or build a career in a field that helps people, there are many ways to connect with CFI. Find your fit at cfihope.org.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on donor support to fill gaps and provide vital, life-changing services. Your gift today helps create healthy and hopeful communities where people with disabilities and other complex needs thrive. Learn about ways to help at cfihope.org/donate.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Morgan Tilleman (Chair)
Robin Reese (Vice Chair)
Heidi Chad (Interim President & CEO) ★
Steven DeVougas (Secretary, VP of Public Policy) ★
Nick Pomponio (Treasurer, CFO) ★
Jordan Boehm
Morris Cain
Lyah Holmes
Norah Johnson
Tobias Kaemmerer
Morgan Phelps
Heidi Chada Interim President & CEO
CHILDREN’S WISCONSIN
ADDRESS: 999 N 92nd St, Ste 220, Milwaukee, WI 53226
PHONE: (414) 266-6100
WEBSITE: giving.childrenswi.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 7,000+
PHILANTHROPIC REVENUE: $38,339,542
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1894
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/childrenswi
X: @childrenswi
LINKEDIN: linkedin.com/company/childrenswi
INSTAGRAM: @childrenswi
SERVICE AREA
Through our Milwaukee and Fox Valley hospitals, primary care offices, specialty care and mental health clinics, and community services locations, Children’s Wisconsin serves kids and families across Wisconsin.
TOP PHILANTHROPIC REVENUE
*Revenue and funding sources represent philanthropic revenue of the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation
MISSION
Our mission is CARE — Care, Advocacy, Research and Education. The heart of our mission is our vision to make Wisconsin’s kids the healthiest in the nation. To achieve our vision, we embrace an expansive definition of health and well-being to include kids’ physical, dental, social and mental health.
GOALS
In September 2024, Children’s Wisconsin publicly announced Brighter Than Ever, a comprehensive engagement and philanthropy campaign, which began in 2020 to galvanize the community’s generosity, volunteerism and advocacy for kids and families. With philanthropic support, we aim to reach our $300 million goal by the end of 2025 and continue to power a holistic approach to caring for kids’ physical, dental, social and mental health. Much of this work is not reimbursable, and we provide it because it’s the right thing to do. Community support is essential to ensuring brighter futures for kids, families and communities.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Individuals and businesses can help kids by:
• Donating online at giving.childrenswi.org
• Considering a gift in honor or memory of someone
• Including Children’s Wisconsin in their estate plan
• Hosting an event that raises funds and awareness or sponsoring one of our existing events
• Starting an employee workplace giving effort
• Volunteering in our hospital weekly, in our office for one-time occasions or on a committee that rallies the community around the Children’s Wisconsin mission Search at volunteer.childrenswi.org.
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stacey Walthers
Naffah (Chair) ★
Mark Theine (Vice Chair) ★
Tom Arenberg
Souheil Badran
Julie Ann Bittner
Mark Blutstein
Renee Boldt
Meg Brzyski Nelson ★
Dan Buehrle
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Tune in May 7-8, 2026 for the 28th annual Miracle Marathon presented by Mars Family Foundation with Milwaukee’s Hometown Morning Show. You’ll hear parents, patients and care providers share remarkable stories of hope and healing live on WKLH 96.5 FM and wklh.com.
Join us for the second annual Rally Round for Children’s Wisconsin on Sept. 19, 2026 at the Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Featuring entertainment, activation zones, delicious food, and the opportunity to run, walk or roll on the track in honor of loved ones with care providers, Rally Round offers something for all ages and abilities.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Children’s Wisconsin was founded more than 130 years ago by the community: seven women volunteers and philanthropists who believed kids deserved a special kind of care and a pastor who helped kids find safe and loving homes.
With incredible community support, Children’s Wisconsin has grown into a top-ranked pediatric health system. Every dollar donated goes directly to support the physical, dental, social and mental health of kids and teens.
Jim Caragher
Kelly Cleary-Rebholz
Meg Dean
Barri Drury
Raquel Filmanowicz
Rick Florsheim
Kelly Grebe
Patrick Hammes ★
Mary Hosmer
Jerry Jendusa
Ted Kellner
Bernie Kubale
Norm Kukuk
Dave Luczak
Dave Margolis, MD
John Miller
Chad Noel
John Noel
Ugo Nwagbaraocha
Jim Ostrom
Gil Peri ★
Greg Renz
Michael Sheppard
Mary Ellen Stanek
Shelly Stayer
Jill Timm
Dave Werner
Gail Yabuki
Portia Young
Meg Brzyski Nelson President, Children’s Wisconsin Foundation, and Senior Vice President, Children’s Wisconsin
Gil Peri President & CEO
Together
help kids shine.
At Children’s Wisconsin, we care for kids’ overall wellbeing — their physical, dental, social and mental health. But we can’t do it without you. Please donate today and help us create futures that are Brighter Than Ever for kids, families and communities. childrenswi.org/brighterthanever
Thank you to our generous partners
We are so grateful to the many corporations, foundations and organizations that care about Wisconsin’s kids as much as we do. That’s why we’re honored to recognize those who helped us help kids with cash gifts of $100,000 or more in 2024-2025:
Anonymous (3)
Advocate Aurora Health, Inc.
A Giving Heart Foundation
Bergstrom Automotive
The Bleser Family Foundation
Common Ground Foundation
Dairy Cares of Wisconsin, Inc.
Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation
Every Day Good Foundation
Fotsch Family Foundation
Gaxx Worx LLC
GE HealthCare Foundation
Greater Lombardo Open Foundation, Inc.
B.A. and Esther Greenheck Foundation
Hanni Family Foundation
The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc.
The Hearst Foundation, Inc.
Hyundai Motor America
Herb Kohl Philanthropies
Kohl’s Cares
Landmark Credit Union
MACC Fund
Miron Construction Co., Inc.
Nast Family Foundation
Lynn S. Nicholas Family Foundation
Nicholas Family Foundation
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.
Project Bubaloo
Reiman Foundation
Slaggie Family Foundation
Spierings Cancer Foundation
Spirit of Children
St. Baldrick’s Foundation
Tee Up Fore the Cure, Inc.
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Thunder Bay Foundation
U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation
We Energies Foundation
The Windhover Foundation
Zurn Foundation
Includes gifts received before our publication deadline of 8/1/2025.
CITY FORWARD COLLECTIVE
ADDRESS: 700 W Virginia St, Ste 604 Milwaukee, WI 53204
PHONE: (414) 988-5359
WEBSITE: cityforwardcollective.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 7
ANNUAL REVENUE: 1,800,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2019
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/CityForwardCol
X: @cfc_mke
SERVICE AREA
We serve the 110,000 students in the City of Milwaukee and the schools they attend. On average, 82% identify as students of color and 82% are categorized as low-income.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
City Forward Collective’s mission is to secure Milwaukee’s future by transforming the city’s educational ecosystem. CFC’s approach is grounded in four core pillars: Inform, Engage, Advocate, and Catalyze. We serve as a credible source of information through policy and data analysis, engage stakeholders to improve student outcomes, catalyze the launch of high-quality schools, and advocate for supportive policies at both the local and state levels.
GOALS
Our goal is to increase the number of students attending high-quality schools. This effort will (1) place Milwaukee on a short list of cities that have closed state proficiency gaps; (2) catalyze charter growth to drive citywide improvements across all school sectors; (3) ensure Milwaukee changes its long history of underserving students of color.
In the next year, we will strengthen our Collaboratives and extend the reach of our High-Quality School Metric and School Finder Map.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
City Forward Collective is always looking for dedicated Board members to help us achieve our mission. To bring our vision to fruition, we value the thoughts, opinions, and contributions of the diverse voices who have a stake in the Milwaukee educational landscape.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
We look forward to meeting one on one with those interested in supporting our critical work here in Milwaukee. If you are interested in learning more about ways that you can contribute financially to our mission please contact our Development Director, Blaque Robinson, blaque.robinson@cityforwardcollective.org.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We are able to help secure Milwaukee’s future through the generous contribution of our donors. Individuals, corporations, and foundations can help us achieve our mission by making a one-time donation, recurring donation, or donation of appreciated assets.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Sheehy (Chair) ★ Retired Executive
Steve Radke (Chair-Elect) ★ Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Austin Ramirez (Past Chair) ★ HUSCO International
Joe Gessner (Treasurer) ★ Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Michael Aldana Quarles & Brady, LLP
Bob Arzbaecher Retired Executive
Lafayette Crump City of Milwaukee
Leslie Dixon Retired Executive
Nancy Hernandez The Hispanic Collaborative
Mary Kellner
Kelben Foundation
Don Layden
Retired Executive
Deborah McKeithan-Gebhardt Troika Ventures, LLC
Mr. Colleston Morgan Jr. Executive Director
COA YOUTH & FAMILY CENTERS
ADDRESS: 909 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212
PHONE: (414) 263-8383
WEBSITE: coa-yfc.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 58
ANNUAL REVENUE: $8,518,395
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1906
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/COAYFC
X: @COAYFC
SERVICE AREA
We have two locations serving the Amani Neighborhood (53206) and the Riverwest Neighborhood (53212). We also have Camp Helen Brachman in Almond, Wisconsin (54909), which primarily serves Milwaukee campers.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
COA Youth & Family Centers nurtures children, supports families, and builds strong and resilient communities — one child, one family, one community at a time.
COA’s programs are designed to meet the needs of Amani and Riverwest families through the advancement of our three core areas of focus: early education, youth development, and community development.
GOALS
COA’s goal is to ensure that every child, every family, and every community throughout Milwaukee has access to year-round high-quality early education, engaging youth development, impactful teen programming, and family resource centers. We surround children, youth, and families with the support needed to build thriving lives from birth onward.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
COA offers many opportunities to support our mission and programs. Our annual Night with the Stars Gala is our most exciting and impactful event. Your participation--whether through sponsorship, donations, or attendance--ensures COA’s ability to continue providing life-changing opportunities to children and families throughout Milwaukee. We also offer an array of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, and various community-based events like our Safe Summer Kickoff, Summer Meals, and Beyond the Book Bag. Supporting COA means joining a 119-year tradition of creating stronger, brighter futures for all.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
COA offers a carefully curated volunteer experience across our organization--from classrooms to the boardroom, there is a place for you to get involved. Volunteers help host a variety of child and family-focused events every year. We have opportunities for individuals or groups, one-time or ongoing. Reach out and we’ll work with you to help you find a fulfilling connection through community service at COA.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dina Abercrombie (President) ★
Amanda Boynes (Immediate Past President) ★
Jason Eggert (Treasurer, 1st Vice President) ★
Nancy Farino (2nd Vice President) ★
David Feiss (Secretary) ★
Maggie Atkinson
Robert Barnard
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in supporting COA Youth and Family Center’s mission, the easiest way to give is through our website. There you will find a form for direct donations where you can give once, or sustain your impact with recurring donations! We also encourage you to follow us on our social media accounts to watch for events that you can participate in, such as our annual Beyond the Bookbag drive or Safe Summer Kickoff.
Timothy F. Busalacchi
Michael Gilbert
Jack Jacobson
Kellen Kasper
Andrew Komisar
Mindy Kramer
Vanessa Morgan
Diana Pathammavong
Chanell Royston Župac
Iesha Sanders
Jeff Schaefer
Sean Scullen
Angela Stenklyft
Dr. Amy Rowell Executive Director
COMMUNITIES OF CROCUS
ADDRESS: PO Box 580165, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
COMMUNITY ADDRESS: 7521 S 31 St, Franklin, WI, 53132
Communities of Crocus is an inclusive community in SE WI, open to serving adults of various support level needs from across the State. Everyone deserves a place to call HOME.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The mission of Communities of Crocus is to create a sustainable housing community for adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities that gives them a sense of pride, accomplishment and dignity through providing housing, services and supports in an inclusive, natural environment.
GOALS
Our goal is to provide the following housing and service opportunities:
• CARE at CROCUS - 16 Individual apartments in 4 shared homes for residents that need 24/7 support
• APTS at CROCUS - 34 affordable apartments for individuals with various levels of support needs
• THE CENTRE: A gathering place where individuals with high support needs can access services they are currently unable to attain in the greater community including social, recreational, health & wellness, physical fitness, life skills and creative arts
• SUPPORT HUB: An on-site resource where our partners can collaborate and serve residents, their families, caregivers and the greater community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Communities of Crocus is grateful for all volunteers and can specifically use help in the follow areas:
• Event planning/Coordination/Setup/Tear Down
• Marketing and Media
• General Outreach and Awareness support
• Fundraising/Donor Outreach/Capital Campaign
• Partnerships/Sponsorships
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Upcoming opportunities to partner with us in serving unique individuals so they can have a place to call home:
• Giving Tuesday Campaign: Tuesday Dec 2, 2025
• Friends of COC: ONGOING, Supporting the COC mission on a yearly basis
• Gift Table Opportunities: ONGOING; Sponsorships and Naming Rights
Please check our website at communitiesofcrocus,org for additional events and fundraising opportunities.
Thank you for supporting us in creating life-long supportive homes of choice for special needs adults!
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Communities of Crocus serves individuals who are extremely low income and who without stable housing with wraparound services are at risk for homelessness, abuse and neglect, exploitation, food insecurity, and chronic health issues. To continue our mission we need:
• A lead donor with naming rights for each of the four CARE HOMES
• A lead donor with naming rights for The CENTRE
Please consider supporting us by being a lead donor, becoming a recurring donor, making a one-time donation or including us in your planned giving.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amy Hansel (President & CEO) ★
US Federal Government
Emily Peters (Vice President) ★
Xerox
Brian Beeghly (Secretary)
Johnson Control
Andy Palec (Director)
Palec Project Development
Rechelle Chaffee (Director) Autism United
Nancy Lewis (Ex-Officio)
Living as a Leader (Ret)
Chris Zirbes (Emeritus) Horicon Bank
Emily Peters Vice President
Amy Hansel President & CEO
Everyone deserves a place to call HOME
Join us in creating supportive housing opportunities for adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Inclusive, dignity-centered housing.
“The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
— Maya Angelou
Communities of Crocus is a pioneering model for inclusive, dignity-centered housing. By offering a blend of independent supportive apartments, fully supported community homes, family-inclusive housing, and shared community amenities, COC fosters an environment where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all levels are supported to live purposeful, integrated lives.
communitiesofcrocus.org • (864) 593-2457
Community Address: 7521 S. 31St. Franklin, WI, 53132
Mailing Address: PO BOX 580165, Pleasant Prairie, WI, 53158 amy.hansel@communitiesofcrocus.org
COMMUNITY ADVOCATES
ADDRESS: 728 N James Lovell St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
We help low-income individuals in Milwaukee County with utilities assistance, housing stability services, supportive housing, emergency shelter, homeless outreach, domestic violence services, behavioral health recovery supports, and substance use prevention.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
Community Advocates’ mission is to provide individuals and families with advocacy and services that meet their basic needs so they may live in dignity.
GOALS
Community Advocates offers a continuum of services to ensure families and individuals can meet their basic needs. The Basic Needs Division provides housing, energy assistance, and disability benefits services. The Milwaukee Women’s Center Division provides emergency and domestic violence shelter and support services, addiction treatment, and employment attire for individuals entering the workforce. The Behavioral Health Services Division offers outreach, Safe Haven, and permanent supportive housing for individuals with disabilities experiencing homelessness. Our Public Policy Institute works toward preventing and reducing substance misuse and improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join our amazing Volunteer Corps today! Community Advocates offers several volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. Opportunities include volunteering in our Children’s Program, preparing and serving a meal for residents at our Emergency Shelter or Autumn West Safe Haven, and organizing our clothing bank. Please get in touch with Jeri Kavanaugh at jkavanaugh@ communityadvocates.net to learn more about current volunteer opportunities! Thank you!
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Please join us as we celebrate our 50th anniversary on September 18, 2026, at the Baird Center! Community Advocates’ role as a cornerstone in our community enables 60,000 people to live with dignity each year. Please go to communityadvocates.net for sponsorship opportunities. We also gratefully accept financial and wish list donations at the How to Help section of communityadvocates.net. If you would like to organize an in-kind donation drive for daily essentials, contact Jeri at jkavanaugh@communityadvocates.net. To get more involved in policy, prevention, and community engagement on our core issues, join the PPI Member Network at ppi.communityadvocates.net.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Help us achieve our mission by visiting communityadvocates.net/how-to-help. We gratefully accept:
• One-time or recurring donations
• Donated items on our wish list
• Support for the Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center
• Nevermore Support Network engagement
• Contributions to the Public Policy Institute
• New individual and organization members of the Public Policy Institute Network
To join our mailing list, please fill out the form at communityadvocates.net/news-events/mailing-list.html.
households received financial support and help making payment plans to maintain their utilities through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
97
homeless families were assisted with assessment, case management, advocacy, and flexible housing-related financial assistance through the Homelessness Prevention Program
1,882
individuals obtained employment through the FoodShare and Employment Training Program (FSET)
41
12,417
individuals sought resources, assessments, and support for basic needs challenges during daily walk-in hours at Community Advocates’ Lovell Street Building
adults received temporary financial support while their disability benefits were being processed
98
6,659
residents accessed resources through the Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center to prevent or divert eviction
21
individuals experiencing street homelessness received critical outreach through the Homeless Outreach Program
5,917
landlords and tenants received support resolving issues related to rental housing through the Housing Department
1,267
85
individuals with disabling conditions received protective payee and financial management services
142
men participated in the Nevermore Batterers’ Prevention and Intervention Program to break the cycle of intergenerational violence
35
individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and mental illness received stable shelter and supportive services through the Autumn West Safe Haven while working to secure permanent housing
200
fathers enrolled in the Milwaukee Fatherhood FIRE Program to become more effective and engaged partners
500
101
Milwaukee residents experiencing chronic homelessness and living with a disability received immediate access to safe and affordable housing through the Autumn West Permanent Housing Program
86
individuals striving to overcome substance use disorders received in-home, outpatient, or day treatment
shelter and assistance through the Family Support Center Emergency Shelter 42
people seeking new employment opportunities received free careerappropriate clothing through the Bottomless Closet
and assistance through the Older Abused Women’s Program
COMMUNITY SMILES DENTAL
ADDRESS: 210 NW Barstow St, Ste 305 Waukesha, WI 53188
PHONE: (262) 522-7645
WEBSITE: communitysmiles.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 45
ANNUAL REVENUE: $3,179,111
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2007
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/CommunitySmilesDental
SERVICE AREA
Community Smiles Dental proudly serves Waukesha, Milwaukee, Washington, Ozaukee, and 10 other counties across southeastern Wisconsin - reflecting the widespread need for accessible, high-quality dental care in our region.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The mission of Community Smiles Dental is to improve the lives of the underserved through dental healthcare services, preventive education, and advocating for systemic healthcare change – Because everyone deserves a healthy smile.
GOALS
Community Smiles Dental aspires to continuously improve the dental health of the patients and communities we serve in the Greater Milwaukee four-county area. Over the past 17 years, we have prioritized serving low-income families while expanding our service continuum to respond to unmet needs in the community.
We aim to expand our services to open a third clinic in the city of Milwaukee to meet this need.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Laugh for a Smile
Each spring, guests enjoy an evening of comedy and community while hearing powerful patient stories and supporting access to life-changing dental care.
Cheers to Community Smiles
Presented by our Board of Directors, this intimate fall gathering inspires meaningful conversation as guests connect with patient ambassadors and sustain our mission to transform access to care.
Tooth Fairy Day
A one-day celebration honoring the “tooth fairies” in our clinics who provide compassionate care all year round.
Smiles for the Season
This December campaign unites supporters to give the gift of a smile.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Community Smiles Dental has volunteer opportunities for professional dental healthcare providers, including dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. We also have a variety of volunteer opportunities for non-direct patient service, including help at our fundraising events and dental health kit-building for outreach events.
Tammy Cantillon Vice President of Development & Communications
Scott Marshall Chief Executive Officer
CONVERGENCE RESOURCE CENTER
ADDRESS: 2323 N Mayfair Rd, Ste 400 Milwaukee, WI 53226
PHONE: (414) 231-3058
WEBSITE: convergenceresource.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 9
ANNUAL REVENUE: $760,462.86
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2003
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/conresctr
X: @CrcBlast
SERVICE AREA
Our physical offices are located in Milwaukee and Madison. Due to our collaborations and partnerships using technology we are able to provide services or connections throughout the country.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Convergence Resource Center provides support services for women rebuilding their lives after trauma with an emphasis on human trafficking survivors and justice involved women. Convergence realizes that the families of individuals with the lived experience of human trafficking need more than material support so we walk with them through the unthinkable. CRC understands that human trafficking is a supply and demand business so we provide an avenue for men to take a visible stand against human trafficking. Convergence values collaboration so we provide training, education, awareness and partnership to the community at large. It is our mission to be a beacon of hope in the storm for women that need our help.
GOALS
• Enhance services by expanding the hours for our Solace Support Line - a warm line of support for human trafficking survivors
• Expand our Through The Eyes of a Parent program and train more facilitators to eliminate the waiting list
• Increase staff to handle the increase in individuals needing our assistance
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Solace Support Line Operators - training will be provided and criminal background checks are mandatory
• Front Office Administration and Case Management in our Madison office
• Special events assistance (administration, setup, etc)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Arnold Cifax, Sr (Board Chair) ★
New Testament Church of Milwaukee
William F. Sulton (Vice Chair) ★
The Sulton Law Firm
Kenneth Hayes (Board Treasurer) ★
Mondelez International
Jason Fields
COO - Center of Black Excellence and Culture
Dr. Debbie Lassiter
Board Member
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Annual Gala - Primary fundraiser (Sponsorships and Auction items needed)
The Epidemic and The Game - annual event raising awareness and providing solutions for the community at large in relation to human trafficking. (Sponsorships and Donations)
CRC Walk to Win - 3 mile walk to raise funds for services to our clients
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We put needed items on our Amazon wish list. Also we continue to make blankets and donate them to children. We sent 4 boxes of blankets to the children in Minnesota and have donated them to children’s organizations in our area. We would prefer gifts cards to Michael’s because we use a specific type of yarn
Shirley Mallett Board Member
Carla McKiver
Board Member
Rose Murack
Board Member
Tamara Remington Acuity Insurance
Carla McKiver Chief Financial Officer
Dr Debbie Lassiter Chief Executive Officer
Sherriff Barrett, State Representative O’ Connor and Jason Fields taking a stand against human trafficking.
The Epidemic and The Game 2025 at the UWM Continuing Education Center.
The Epidemic and The Game 2025 at the UWM Continuing Education Center.
Dr Lassiter and Priscilla presenting to Menomonee County Human Services Personnel.
CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
ADDRESS: 1818 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
PHONE: (414) 436-4600
WEBSITE: crjmke.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 86
ANNUAL REVENUE: $11,100,00
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2015
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/CristoReyMKE
SERVICE AREA
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School serves 450+ students from families with limited financial means in grades 9-12 annually living within the greater Milwaukee area with affordable Catholic, college preparatory education.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Cristo Rey Jesuit, a Catholic high school for young women and men of all faiths and limited financial means, integrates rigorous academics, professional work experiences, and spiritual development to empower graduates to succeed in college and life.
GOALS
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (CRJ) opened its door in 2015 as a part of a nationwide network of 40 Catholic, college preparatory high schools for students from households with limited financial means. 100% of CRJ seniors are accepted into college, and 95% are the first in their families to attend a college. Our innovative model empowers students to pursue higher education, instills confidence they need to thrive, and provides four years of invaluable professional work experience through our Corporate Work Study Program. A CRJ grad is a leader committed to a lifelong pursuit of learning, faith, and justice.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CRJ has many ways to share your gifts of time with students and the school. Volunteer opportunities include:
• Van drivers with daily and weekly routes
• Student tutors during the school day
• Coaches & supervisors for extracurricular activities
• Event volunteers
• Committee volunteers
• Board of Directors Section
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michelle Benishek
WEC Energy Group
John Borgen
Trusted Fraternal Life
Cindy Cervantes Hatco Corporation
Hon. Pedro Colon Milwaukee County
Patrick DiStefano Deloitte, LLP
Hon. M. Joseph Donald Wisconsin Court of Appeals
John C. (Jay) Mack Town Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank
Fr. Michael Marco, S.J. Marquette University High School
Cheri McCourt Northwestern Mutual
Jay McKenna North Shore Bank
Gerard Randall Milwaukee Education Partnership
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Make a gift to the Trailblazer Fund. This fund supports rigorous academics, arts, athletics, counseling support services needed for the 2025/26 academic year. Each November, CRJ holds Milwaukee Stars Merengue: its annual benefit gala to celebrate and support transformational education. Corporate sponsorship and individual philanthropy opportunities are available. Contact CRJ Advancement at (414) 436-4600 ext. 2202 for more information.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We are grateful for the generous support received from individuals, corporations, and foundations that provide students of modest means with college preparatory education rooted in Catholic Jesuit tradition and combined with professional work experience to ensure future success. Here’s how you can help:
• Make an individual or corporate donation
• Sponsor a classroom, a student, or work study job
• Participate in or sponsor a CRJ event
• Include CRJ in your estate plans
Susan Ranft
Johnson Controls
Michael Reardon Allspring Global Investments
Kris Ropella, Ph.D. ★ Marquette University Opus College of Engineering
Will Schultz Quarles & Brady, LLP
Jay Schwister Baird
Ian Schwartz, M.D. Froedtert & MCW Health Network
Vanessa Solis Nativity Jesuit Academy
Andrew Stith
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Milwaukee
Mark Toth
ManpowerGroup North America
Fr. George Winzenburg, SJ
St. Camillus Jesuit Community
Dr. Kris Ropella Board Chair
Andrew Stith President
CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATIONWISCONSIN CHAPTER
ADDRESS: 10425 W North Ave, Ste 324 Wauwatosa, WI 53226
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization focused on both research and patient support for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the quality of life for adults and children living with IBD.
GOALS
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
The Foundation is dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and to improving the quality of life for those living with these diseases. To fulfill this mission, we raise funds to heavily invest in research on the treatment and cures of IBD. We also work to support patients through education programs, support services, advocacy, quality of care initiatives, and a clinical trials community. We also host a weeklong overnight camp in Elkhorn, WI for children with IBD called Camp Oasis. At camp, kids create lifelong friendships with people who truly understand their struggles.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Plan and participate in Take Steps walks
• Volunteer for Evening of Hope special event planning committee
• Serve on Chapter leadership board
• Participate on advisory board of healthcare professionals
• Organize and facilitate patient support groups
• Mentor newly diagnosed patients through Power of 2 program
• Participate in Team Challenge endurance program
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jennifer Hardin (Chapter Board President) ★ GI Associates
Kelly Barlow-Eichman (Volunteer Engagement Chair) Alverno College
Dr. Poonam Beniwal-Patel
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Todd Ericksrud MatchBack Systems
Ken Greve
The Boldt Company
Jason Holtman Pure Integrity Homes
Essential to the Foundation’s mission, our ongoing fundraising efforts enable us to fund further research, as well as educational and patient support activities. We encourage teams and individuals to participate in Take Steps walks in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay. Our annual special event in Milwaukee, Evening of Hope, is an elegant soiree with cocktails, dinner, and auctions to raise funds for our mission. We also have Team Challenge, an endurance training fundraising program, including half marathons and triathlons.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Individual contributions
• Corporate sponsorship
• Workplace/employee giving
• Planned giving and bequests
• Event participation
Dr. Joshua Noe
Children’s Wisconsin
Kevin Schalk
Baker Tilly
Dr. Mike Schmalz
GI Associates
Dr. Daniel Stein (Healthcare Pro Engagement Committee Chair)
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Wally Stelzer Retired, ITW ARK-Les Corporation
Jennifer Hardin Chapter Board President
Maggie Seer Executive Director
MISSION
Curative Care Network, Inc. improves the function and quality of life for persons with disabilities or limiting conditions through high-quality care and services.
CURATIVE CARE NETWORK, INC.
ADDRESS: 1000 N 92nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53226
PHONE: (414) 259-1414
WEBSITE: curative.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 240+
ANNUAL REVENUE: $17,000,000+
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1919
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/CurativeCareWI
INSTAGRAM: @Curative_Care_WI
SERVICE AREA
Curative Care Network, Inc, is 100+ year old organization serving these greater Milwaukee/ Wisconsin counites: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Sheboygan, Washington, Ozaukee, Jefferson, Walworth, Racine and Kenosha.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
GOALS
Founded in 1919, Curative Care began as one of the nation’s first organizations dedicated to serving children with disabilities. Over the past century, we have grown into a trusted nonprofit providing pediatric therapies, adult day programs, employment services, and community-based support. Each year, thousands of children, adults, and families benefit from our mission-driven programs. With the generosity of donors and partners, Curative continues to empower individuals of all abilities to achieve greater independence, inclusion, and joy.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Curative Care welcomes passionate volunteers to support our mission! Individual and group opportunities include:
• Board of Directors and committees
• Collection drives to provide valuable resources for our families
• Special event support
• Activities that support our day-to-day operations
To explore opportunities, contact Tara Geiter at tgeiter@curative.org.
Jenny Hart (Chairperson) ★
Dan Brenton (First Vice Chariperson) ★
Corey Radulovich (Treasurer) ★
Joy Gravos (President) ★
Marita Stollenwerk (Secretary) ★
Steven C. Barney (Director Emeritus)
Stephanie Derks
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Support Curative Care in fulfilling our mission of providing high-quality services that promote independence, joy, and community inclusion for individuals of all abilities.
Consider sponsorship or contribute to our signature events, including:
• Annual Fundraising Gala – an inspiring evening bringing together community partners and supporters to raise critical funds.
• Friendsgiving Fundraiser – a gathering to give thanks while giving back.
• Client-focused celebrations – such as our Adult Day Summer Bash and Curative New Berlin Therapies Halloween Haunted Gym, where we create community and lasting memories for clients.
Donate at curative.org or contact Tara Geiter at tgeiter@curative.org.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
For over 100 years, Curative Care has empowered individuals of all abilities to achieve independence. Your support keeps this mission strong. Get involved:
• Make a Gift – Fund therapy, employment, and life-changing care.
• Join Events – Attend, donate, or sponsor to raise vital funds.
• Partner with Us – Sponsor programs or volunteer.
• Spread the Word – Share our mission.
Donate at curative.org or contact Tara Geiter at tgeiter@curative.org.
Marietta Luster
Matthew McBurney
Susan O’Connell
Ryan Parsons
Tom Nackers
Mike Wanezek
Joy Gravos President & CEO
Tara Geiter Director of Development
DANCEWORKS
ADDRESS: 325 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
PHONE: (414) 277-8480
WEBSITE: danceworksmke.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 43
$975,000
1992
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/danceworksmke
SERVICE AREA
Our new home at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC) houses our studio classes and dance companies. We bring dance performances, outreach programs, and classes to the Greater Milwaukee Area.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Mission: Founded in 1992, the mission of Danceworks is to enhance joy, health and creativity by engaging the community through dance.
Vision: to be a source for arts education and community collaborations. Purpose: to inspire lifelong interest and participation in the arts.
GOALS
Our classes, programs and performances are dedicated to helping every student of the arts reach their fullest potential, both physically and mentally.
We strive to increase our impact:
• Serving over 55,000 individuals annually, ages 3-83+ in our diverse classes
• Expanding our 50-Plus Dance Classes
• Holding 10+ performances per year, ranging from youth to professional
• Partnering with 60 senior living centers and schools annually, providing access and opportunity to arts education
• Building off our Dance for Multiple Sclerosis classes, we are collaborating with medical professionals to serve others with the researched based positive benefits of dance.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are always looking for volunteers for special events, performances, community outreach opportunities, and more. Our biggest event is our annual Mad Hot Rhythm Celebration and Competition hosted at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena each spring. For more information on volunteering, please email jcook@danceworksmke.org.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Your gift will help us to begin this next chapter in our new home - allowing us to expand access to dance, deepen our community impact, and work alongside outstanding partners in Milwaukee’s arts ecosystem. We have a strong foundation with earned revenue streams funding 55% of our programs. Additional funds allow us to grow our impact. This year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Mad Hot Rhythm Program in area schools. Sponsorship opportunities are available for both school specific scholarships as well as event sponsorships to truly make the celebration a memorable experience for students and families.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Giving to Danceworks in any amount truly makes a difference. Your investment supports the growth in outreach programs, scholarships, the creation of new work and expanding collaborations with other arts organizations. Donations can be made online or by mail, through stock or with Planned Giving. Event, Artist, Scholarship, and Program Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To learn more and to make a gift, please visit: danceworksmke.org/support-us/
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Renee Griswold (President) ★
Craig Bennett (Vice President) ★
Jason Wendt (Treasurer) ★
Erin Folstad (Secretary) ★
Kristin Bergstrom
Jeff McClellan
Lindsay Olson
Frank Krejci
Kelly Knoke
Dr. Alex Ng
Tim Hunter
T.J. Cobb
Zachary Wolff
Marla Poytinger
Kate Sorge
Robert Biersach
Dr. Mary Ellen Benzik
Renee Griswold Board President
Julieane Cook Executive Director
WE KEEP MILWAUKEE
MOVING.
As dancers, we understand that movement is necessar y to build and maintain strength. That’s why we never stop moving – to strengthen not only the work that supports our mission, but the communi ties we serve. Philanthropy plays a vital role in bridging the gap between what we earn and what we aim to achieve – your support keeps Milwauk ee moving…forward!
Danceworks’ New Location – MYAC Youth Studio Classes
Photo, top: Rae Zimmerli. Photos, inset left to right: Danceworks staff, Sarah Haas, Sarah Haas.
DR. HOWARD FULLER COLLEGIATE ACADEMY
ADDRESS: 4030 N 29th St, Milwaukee, WI 53216
PHONE: (414) 873-4014
WEBSITE: hfca.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 130
ANNUAL REVENUE: $15,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2004
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/HowardFullerCA
SERVICE AREA
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy is a K4-12 grade charter school serving predominantly AfricanAmerican students. Our goal is to graduate students prepared for college.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy’s mission is to nurture scholars capable of transforming their world by sending them to and through college.
GOALS
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy (HFCA) is committed to preparing students for success in college and beyond. Our goals include achieving a 100% college acceptance rate, maintaining excellent attendance and graduation rates, and expanding early college course enrollments. We aim to strengthen our STEM programs and increase student participation in extracurricular activities to enhance their educational experience. HFCA is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages academic excellence and personal growth. Through targeted initiatives and community partnerships, we strive to provide every student with the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in their future career endeavors.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy welcomes volunteers to enhance our vibrant school community. Opportunities include mentoring, tutoring in subjects like math and English, assisting in event planning, and supporting our arts and athletics programs. Volunteers can also help with administrative tasks or participate in community outreach initiatives. To make a direct impact on our students’ success and contribute to a thriving educational environment, please contact us. Your involvement will shape the future of our scholars.
Solomon M. Tesfai (Treasurer) ★ Molson Coors Beverage Company
Deborah Schultz (Secretary) ★ Northwestern Mutual
Rashida Evans ★ The New Teacher Project
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy (HFCA) offers diverse fundraising events and opportunities aimed at enriching our educational programs and supporting student success. From the annual Gala to Decision Day, each event helps raise vital funds for student scholarships, technology upgrades, and extracurricular activities. Community members can engage by attending events, sponsoring activities, or making a donation today. Each contribution directly supports HFCA’s mission to guide students to and through college, providing them with the tools necessary for future success. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our students and the broader Milwaukee community.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy invites your support to enrich our educational programs and student opportunities. Contributions can be directed towards scholarships, technology upgrades, arts and sports programs, or our capital campaign for facility improvements. Every donation makes a significant impact, helping us continue to offer top-tier education to our students. For giving opportunities, including sponsorships and matching gifts, please reach out. Your generosity fuels our mission to guide students to and through college.
Lauren Feaster ★ Professional Dimensions
Derek L. Tyus ★ Versiti
Tomás Clasen
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.
Kevin Joy KeyBank
Billy Mahler Apollo Global Management
Alison Prange
★
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Richaad Reed
Poclain Hydraulics
Micheal Rice
RCP Advisors
Linda “Lindy” Yeager
Community Volunteer
Michelle Nettles Board Chair
Rodney Lynk Jr. CEO
MISSION
At Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin, our mission is to create 100% equitable, inclusive, and accessible communities for people of all abilities across Southeast Wisconsin. We believe true community means everyone belongs — where differences are celebrated, potential is recognized, and every person is given the opportunity to live, learn, work, and play without limits.
EASTERSEALS SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
ADDRESS: 6737 W Washington St, Ste 4205 West Allis, WI 53214
PHONE: (414) 449-4444
WEBSITE: wise.easterseals.com
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 84
ANNUAL REVENUE: $6,478,263
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1934
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/eastersealswise
SERVICE AREA
We’re honored to support children, adults, and families in eight counties across Southeast Wisconsin — Milwaukee to Kenosha, Waukesha to Walworth — creating stronger, more inclusive communities wherever we serve.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
GOALS
Changing the way the world defines and views disabilities and empower individuals of all ages and abilities to achieve independence, maximize opportunities, and enhance quality of life. Our programs reflect a deep commitment to inclusion and community integration, providing personalized support that breaks down barriers and fosters meaningful connections.
Since opening our doors in 1934, Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin has been a vital partner to individuals and families throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha Counties. Each year, we support more than 1,500 individuals and their families through direct care, education, early intervention, job coaching, day services, recreation, and more.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin offers meaningful volunteer opportunities that make a lasting impact across our community. Opportunities are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., and at select community events throughout the year — all supporting programs that empower people of all abilities. To learn more or get involved, visit wise.easterseals.com/ take-action/volunteer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Steven Kulick (Board Chair) ★ United Healthcare
Mark Hoffman (Vice Chair) ★ Milborn Advisors
Eric DeGroot (Board Secretary) ★ Wispact
Ryan Lilly (Treasurer) ★ Citizens Bank
Cassie Alfheim
DCI Consulting Group
Joe Galbraith
Galbraith Carnahan Architects
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Check out our website at wise.easterseals.com/attendevent to stay up to date on fundraising events and opportunities.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to support Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin and help create communities where everyone belongs. You can make an impact by volunteering your time, making a secure online donation, or attending one of our community events. Every contribution strengthens programs that empower people of all abilities. Learn more at wise.easterseals.com/take-action
Tyler Horn
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Lora LoCoco Quarles & Brady
Brook Mayborne
YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
Michael Rosolino
Galanis, Pollack, Jacobs & Johnson, S.C.
Caroline Verbeten
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
Jesse Smith Vice President of Development & Engagement
Jenna Wampole President
CELEBRAT YEARS OF POSSIBILITY
For more than 90 years, Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin has worked to ensure that every person regardless of ability can live, learn, work, and play in our community.
From empowering early childhood development to supporting adults in finding meaningful work and connection, we’re building a more inclusive Southeast Wisconsin — one filled with opportunity, dignity, and belonging.
Because when everyone is included, our entire community thrives.
O U R
P R O G R A M S
Adult Day Services
Seasonal Youth Camps
Individual Placement & Support
Guardianship
Adult Recreation
Safe Babies Healthy Families
FATHER GENE’S HELP CENTER
ADDRESS: 5919 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214
PHONE: (414) 258-4357
WEBSITE: Fathergeneshelp.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 6
ANNUAL REVENUE: $250,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1969
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/FatherGenesHelpCenter
SERVICE AREA
We serve individuals and families in Milwaukee and surrounding areas (Although, we have seen people from Chicago, Kenosha, and St. Paul, MN)
TOP
FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
To provide dignity through free clothing in the Milwaukee community.
GOALS
While serving over 27,500 clients to date in 2025, our goals specific to 2026, are to increase our footprint in the Milwaukee area, including providing new underwear to people we serve 4 times a year. We are beginning to fundraise specifically for the Undergarment Promise. We have several smaller events planned with local schools, plus a year end Vintage Auction.
We partner with more than 30 local agencies including the Red Cross, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s department, the Milwaukee Police Department and FEMA, to provide clothing for our clients. We support residents in drug and alcohol treatment programs, mental health facilities and people experiencing homelessness, among others.
We serve all faiths and believe that every person deserves the right to clean clothing, and we strive to provide that right to those in need.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are always looking for volunteers, the lifeblood of our organization for more than 50 years. We have increased our regular volunteer base by 50% in 2025 and are continually looking to add mission minded people to our cause. We offer flexible shifts and are looking for people that want to help on the floor, in the donation center or use previous life/work skills to further Father Gene’s Mission. We welcome individuals and groups from corporations. To learn more, go to fathergeneshelp.org/volunteer.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Patrick McGartland (President) ★ Hadley
James Wozniak (Vice President) ★ RBC Wealth Management
CJ Murray (Secretary) ★ ACT Construction
Brian Kennedy (Treasurer) ★ Ernst & Young LLP
Jason Wilson (Executive Director) jason.wilson@fathergeneshelp.org
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We accept donations of new and gently used clothing for men, women and children. When looking to give to Father Gene’s, we have our quarterly Newsletter in which you can donate directly through. Financial donations can be made through our website. Donors can also support us through estate planning, employer matching programs and gifts of stock, mutual funds or other securities. Give online at fathergeneshelp.org, or at one of the many events we host.
Paul Christensen Christensen Law Offices LLP
Very Rev. Timothy Kitzke
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Sr. Jean Ellman, SSND
Casa Romero Renewal Center
Alice Wycklendt
Robert W. Baird
Irving Ibarra
All In Milwaukee
James Wozniak Vice President
Patrick McGartland President
GIRL SCOUTS OF WISCONSIN SOUTHEAST
ADDRESS: 131 S 69th St, Milwaukee, WI 53214
PHONE: 1-800-565-4475
WEBSITE: gswise.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 73
ANNUAL REVENUE: $9,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1917
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/GirlScoutsWISE
SERVICE AREA
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast serves more than 18,600 girl (grades K5-12) and adult members across Milwaukee, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Washington County.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The mission of Girl Scouting is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
GOALS
As the preeminent membership-based organization with more than a century’s legacy dedicated to helping all girls develop the confidence, determination, and skills needed to thrive in today’s world, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast provides relevant and expansive experiences for lives of impact. As a council, GSWISE is prioritizing reaching girls of all backgrounds and abilities with opportunities and programming that represents the interests of girls today, shows girls the potential they have within themselves, and provides girls with a competitive edge so they can move society’s edge further.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
You don’t have to have a child of your own to get involved – just a passion for empowering future leaders. Volunteer solo or with your team.
• Lead Girl Scout activities/programs: Share your story and mentor Girl Scouts
• Run Girl Scout starter troops or series: Lead 4-6 meetings with guided curriculum
• Provide event support: Help prepare and run fun, educational experiences
• Improve our properties: Assist with maintenance/ upgrades at camp locations
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
GSWISE offers various opportunities to support our community’s future leaders, including:
• Donor Dinner Series – Washington County: January 21 & Milwaukee County: April 22, 2026
• Breaking the Grass Ceiling Golf Outing – June 26, 2026
• Celebrate the Promise Gala – September 24, 2026
• Camp Rewind – October 16–18, 2026
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Your support helps Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life. Here are a few ways to contribute:
• Donations: Give online, by phone, or by mail to support member financial assistance, unique programming, camp, community outreach, and more.
• Daisy’s Circle: Make a recurring monthly gift for lifechanging opportunities.
• Corporate Giving: Support Girl Scouts through corporate sponsorships or corporate giving opportunities.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Nicole Best (Board Chair) ★
Kelly Fortier (First Vice Chair) ★
Devon Norwood (Second Vice Chair) ★
Kelli Wernlund (Treasurer) ★
Kerrie Hoffman (Secretary) ★
Theresa Barry
Sophia Beaudoin
Kischa Buford
Rachael Conrad
Audrianna Dellemann
Mike Gutzeit
Aaron Henry
Rebeca Lopez
Hannah Lybeck-Smoak
Amy Marquardt
Amy Miller
Jack Murphy
Kelly Ottman
Gina Passage
Elizabeth Rask
Ana Simpson
Krysta Venegas
Nicole Best Board Chair
Ana Simpson CEO
Why Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouting builds a lifetime of courage, confidence, and character and develops leaders who make the world a better place.
84% of Girl Scout alum hold leadership roles as adults.
86% of Girl Scout alum are registered to vote.
78% of Girl Scout alum attain higher levels of education than other women.
64% of Girl Scout alum say Girl Scouting encouraged them to set high goals for their life.
GIRLS ON THE RUN
SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN
ADDRESS: 5775 N Glen Park Rd, Ste 203 Milwaukee, WI 53209
Southeastern Wisconsin serving Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha Counties. TOP
FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Through fun, interactive lessons and running-based activities, the research-based program teaches essential life skills such as teamwork, empathy, goal-setting, and resilience. Girls on the Run is the only physical activity-based positive youth development (PA-PYD) program with compelling evidence of impact.
GOALS
Girls on the Run empowers girls in 3rd–8th grade to be healthy, confident, and strong. Research shows girls’ confidence begins to drop at age nine and physical activity declines at ten. Our after-school program builds life skills through fun lessons and movement, fostering teamwork, resilience, and emotional well-being. Volunteer coaches inspire girls to activate their limitless potential, and every season ends with a celebratory, non-competitive 5K that reinforces confidence through accomplishment. No girl is ever turned away due to financial hardship — our goal is for all girls to have the opportunity to participate.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Girls on the Run relies on passionate volunteers to inspire and support our mission. Opportunities include coaching a team (training provided, no running experience needed), helping at our 5K events, or assisting with fundraisers like the Sneaker Soiree Gala and Golf Outing. Volunteers can also serve as Community Ambassadors, joining a committee, Board, or Young Professionals Board. Your time and talents make a lasting impact! Learn more: volunteer@GirlsontheRunSoutheasternWI.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tenia Smith (Board Chair) ★ Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy
Kristin Rutter (Vice-Chair) ★ Milwaukee Brewers
Becky Miller (Treasurer) ★
NWM – Denise Beaulier Team
Glenna Scholle-Malone (Secretary) ★ Milwaukee Public Schools
Crystal Callahan
Callahan Palmer Charitable Trust
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Be part of our story as we empower strong girls across Southeastern Wisconsin!
• Celebratory 5Ks are family-friendly and open to all - each fall and spring. Sponsorships available with exposure to nearly 7,500 each year.
• Join us for our Annual Sneaker Soiree, February 27, 2026. Wear your sneakers with your gala attire!
• Fundraise for GOTR while training for your next race through our SoleMates program!
• Partner with us to provide individual donations, inkind, and volunteer support.
• Double your impact by checking if your employer offers donation matching.
Reach out at info@GirlsontheRunSoutheasternWI.org
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The generosity of donors and fundraisers ensures more girls experience the life-changing impact of Girls on the Run. Your gift helps girls feel accepted, build confidence, and discover their limitless potential. Over 50% of participants need financial assistance, plus we provide snacks and running shoes when needed. Giving options include individual donations, SoleMates fundraising, in-kind gifts, event sponsorships, grants, community fundraisers, and workplace campaigns. Together, we can help every girl unleash her limitless potential.
Chris Eisold Northwestern Mutual
Camille Ffrench
Concordia University
Laura Hackbarth
KPMG
Darrell Hines II
Christian Faith Fellowship Church & Plaza
Alicia Lantz UW Credit Union
Ashley McNulty Godfrey & Kahn
Anna Ramirez Baritt
Community Ambassador
Julie Sadoff Volition Yoga
Jissella Serrano Molson Coors
Jessica Shepherd Baird
Mallory Steinberg
Milwaukee Bucks
Karli Tatum
Keller Williams Realty–Southwest
Jamie Westfahl
SC Johnson
Betsy Radue (Past Chair) Johnson Outdoors
Tina Jones Executive Director Tenia Smith Board Chair
Join the Movement
A turn-key after-school program that empowers girls in 3rd - 8th grades
3rd
Girls on the Run combines targeted lessons and physical activity to build confidence, compassion, and strength. Last year, over 3,000 girls across Southeastern Wisconsin discovered their limitless potential through the program.
95% of girls reported feeling more confident. of schools would offer the program again. 96%
Today’s girls face barriers and challenges that mak e girl-centered programs more critical than ever.
Only 16.5% of girls get the recommended amount of daily physical activity
Girls start sports later and drop out earlier than boys
Girls’ confidence begins to drop when they reach pre-adolescence
Research reveals that girls are navigating increasing mental health challenges
GPS EDUCATION PARTNERS
ADDRESS: N19W24075 Riverwood Dr, Ste 300 Waukesha, WI 53188
PHONE: (262) 226-2001
WEBSITE: gpsed.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 46
ANNUAL REVENUE: $6,300,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2000
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/gpsedpartners
X: @GPSEdpartners
SERVICE AREA
Our Education Center & Youth Apprenticeship Program serves students and their communities right here in Wisconsin, and we provide work-based learning intermediary services across the United States.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
GPS Ed is a nonprofit work-based learning solutions provider and advocate, repre-senting our students, businesses, and communities, focusing on access and equity for all students to succeed in careers of the future.
GOALS
Let’s Work Together to Make School Work for all students! The future workforce is here, and they need your partnership. Across the country, too many young people lack access to real-world learning that prepares them for meaningful careers. GPS Eds’ goal is to serve 250+ students each year through our Education Center & Youth Apprenticeship Program. To make that happen, we need more businesses to open their doors, offer authentic learning experiences, and help build stronger communities. Together, we can bridge education and industry to power student success. Get involved at GPSEd.org/YA4Business
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Provide company tours or present to students, sharing your career journey or technical expertise for greater insight.
• Contribute as a Board Member or Advisor, lending your business acumen to further our mission.
• Offer administrative support at GPS Ed Offices or Education Centers through donations of your time.
• Volunteer at fundraising events, dedicating your time and energy to planning and execution.
• Reach out to us at gpsed.org/contact_us to get involved!
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Each year, GPS Ed hosts a Giving Tuesday and yearend appeal campaign, inviting friends and the public to support our Wisconsin-based education centers and youth apprenticeship program. These gifts directly fuel student success and workforce readiness across the state.
For those who want to see the impact firsthand, learn more, or get involved, GPS Ed offers Impact Tours by request at any of our eight education centers—an inspiring opportunity to witness students thriving through careerconnected learning. To schedule a tour, contact us at info@gpsed.org
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
GPS Education Partners welcomes one-time or recurring donations, monetary or in-kind, from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Support can also come through estate planning, endowments, sponsorships, attending fundraisers, or contributing time, services, or goods. We also invite you to share or connect us with grant opportunities that align with our mission. Every effort helps expand access to work-based learning and profoundly impacts students’ lives.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dawn Tabat (Founder & Director) ★ Generac Power Systems (Retired)
Rebekah Kowalski (Chair) ★ ManpowerGroup
Hank Kohl (Vice Chair) ★ MPE, Inc.
Claire Huschen (Secretary) ★ Gallagher Insurance
Rachele Lehr (Treasurer) ★ Mayville Engineering Company Inc.
Blake Knickelbein Reinhart
Maggie Pinnt Hunzinger Construction Company
Shawnee Caruthers Getting Smart
Jennifer Clement CLA
Jake Gomez ManpowerGroup
Brian Michael Generac
Dr. John Hill
Milwaukee Public Schools
Stacey Force Geminon
Lizabeth Stuck MxD
Bethany McCurdy Michael Best
Rhonda Matschke Generac
Julian Palacios
Modigent
Adonica Randall Abaxent, LLC
William Treffert Generac (Emt. Retired)
Stephanie Reisner President & CEO
Billie Torrentt Chief Operations Officer
IMAGINE A CLASSROOM WITHOUT FOUR WALLS
We invite you to help us make school work for all students! For over two decades, compassionate supporters like you have stood at the heart of our mission bridging educators students and visionary businesses to simplify work-based learning throughout our communities. Your support can be the catalyst for transformational change, providing students with the hard and soft skills, confidence and real-world work experiences they need to succeed in a future career.
I hope you can make your impact by donating today or contacting us to learn more.
Visit gpsed.org/MakeSchoolWork to give your best gift.
HANAN RELIEF GROUP
ADDRESS: 3927 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
PHONE: (414) 800-4168
WEBSITE: hananrrg.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 18
ANNUAL REVENUE: $3,024,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2018
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Hananreliefgroup
SERVICE AREA
We serve refugees and vulnerable communities locally in Milwaukee through resettlement, immigration, and sustainable programs. We provide services that address both immediate and long-term needs, including housing assistance, youth programs, legal services, ESL classes, and employment support, helping families rebuild their lives with dignity, independence, and opportunity.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Hanan Relief Group is one of the nation’s leading relief organizations that empowers refugees and vulnerable communities, here and around the world. We provide refugees with the indispensable tools and support to help them become independent, valued, and contributing members in Milwaukee, WI.
GOALS
In 2026, our primary goal is to expand fundraising efforts to support more families. Increased resources will allow us to:
• Strengthen youth programs for refugee and immigrant children
• Expand ESL classes for men and women
• Provide greater employment opportunities
• Offer essential legal services to help families navigate resettlement and immigration challenges.
By fostering compassion, investing in our community members, and growing our events and programs such as our Dr. Nasef Scholarship Program, we aim to build a stronger, more resilient Milwaukee community where all families can thrive with dignity, stability, and hope.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Help your neighbors in Milwaukee rebuild their lives. Every contribution strengthens our programs and helps restore funding cuts that have impacted essential services. In addition to making a monetary contribution, you can:
• Host a fundraiser
• Organize community drives
• Partner with us as a local business through matching gifts or by donating a percentage of your proceeds.
These are just a few examples, and opportunities to give are not limited to these. Together, we can uplift our neighbors and create lasting change here at home and abroad.
Visit our website to donate.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Ruba Sarsour (President) ★ Regional West Health Services
Dr. Faten Taneeb (Vice President) ★
Dr. Sara Wasim (Secretary) ★ Sound Physicans
Basema Yasin (At Large Board Member) ★ Muslim Women’s Coalition
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Hanan Relief Group hosts numerous cultural and community events throughout the year to support our mission and uplift families across Wisconsin.
Annual events include:
• Day of Dignity: Provides school supplies, hygiene kits, food, and community resources to families.
• Halal Turkey Drive: Offers holiday meals for refugee and underserved families.
• Dr. Ahmad Nasef Scholarship Program: Awards college funds to refugee and immigrant students.
• Refugee and Immigrant Health Fair: Offers free health screenings and essential services.
• Qurbani Meat Distribution: Supports families with halal meat during Eid.
• Annual Fundraiser: Celebrates Hanan’s ongoing commitment to compassion, empowerment, and service within the community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Make a lasting impact by volunteering with Hanan Relief Group! Opportunities include:
• Driving and delivering essential items
• Supporting community events
• Accompanying families to appointments
• Assisting in ESL classes
• Babysitting during ESL sessions
• Fundraising and outreach
• Hosting hygiene or seasonal drives
Maysoun Ahmad (At Large Board Member)
Dr. Taj Nasser (At Large Board Member) STAAR Surgical
Dr. Jamil Yasin (At Large Board Member) Newmark
Sausan Naji Operations and Compliance Manager
Sheila Badwan Executive Director
MISSION
HEAR Wisconsin’s mission is to help babies, children, and adults with hearing loss by eliminating communication and language barriers through personalized services, technology, and education.
Since 1926
HEAR WISCONSIN
ADDRESS: 10243 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53227
PHONE: (414) 604-2200
WEBSITE: hearwi.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 31
ANNUAL REVENUE: $3,849,722
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1926
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/HEARWI
X: @HEARwisconsin
SERVICE AREA
HEAR Wisconsin serves babies, children, and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing in Milwaukee and statewide, ensuring full access to vital services, with no one ever turned away.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
HEAR Wisconsin is the state’s only comprehensive organization providing early intervention, language therapy, hearing healthcare, adult day services, and assistive technology. Its compassionate team transforms lives by ensuring every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive, communicate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
GOALS
HEAR Wisconsin is dedicated to providing essential hearing healthcare, early intervention, language therapy, and assistive technology to patients and clients of all ages and degrees of hearing loss. With hearing loss on the rise, affecting half a million Wisconsin residents, our goal is to help individuals thrive in family, school, work and social relationships and fully participate in their communities. Our team is committed to reducing disparities in access, especially for underserved and under-resourced populations.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
HEAR Wisconsin has volunteer opportunities for special events, including fundraising, friend-raising events, and client family-oriented events. HEAR Wisconsin has property beautification days for volunteers to help with the property’s outdoor clean-up efforts. For more information, email info@hearwi.org.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
As HEAR Wisconsin approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, we will celebrate a century of community impact while building a foundation for generations to come. Our “Celebration of the Century” will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Baird Center. Visit hearwi.org/events for details on this and other upcoming events, or email 100thcelebration@hearwi.org with inquiries to attend, support or sponsor.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
As a nonprofit, we rely on generous supporters to help our team provide free and affordable services. Your gift directly supports programs transforming lives in greater Milwaukee and across Wisconsin. When you give, you are giving the gift of hearing, the gift of language, and the gift of communication.
There are many ways to support HEAR Wisconsin, including:
• Individual contributions
• Workplace giving and employer match programs
• Event participation and sponsorships
• Planned giving
• In-kind donations
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Kuwayama (Board Chair) ★ Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
John Lewenauer (Board Vice Chair) ★ Baird
Scott Genz (Board Treasurer) ★ GE Healthcare
Roger Dickson (Board Secretary) ★ Independent Consultant
Samantha Bane, CPA, CFP® (Board Past Chair) ★ Baird
Shannon Burns The Burns Unit, LLC
Meredy Hase, Au.D Retired Doctor of Audiology
Ebony Haynes
Milwaukee Public Schools
Kim Chase-Hubbard Retired Enerpac Tool Group
Susan York Jeide Brookfield Academy
Sarah Jerome, Ed.D Retired School Administrator
Paula Keppeler, MD FAAP
MCW/Children’s Wisconsin
Adam Kropp
Komatsu
Angela Pintar
Community Volunteer
Debra Taylor, Ph.D Retired School Administrator
Rachel Smith
First Federal Bank of WI
Greg Zamzow
Microsoft
Jill Van Calster President and CEO
Jason Kuwayama Board Chair
Where compassionate care comes first!
For nearly a century, HEAR Wisconsin, the state’s only nonprofit provider of comprehensive services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, has been transforming lives and connecting children, adults and families across Wisconsin to the world of sound, communication, and community.
MOBILE AUDIOLOGY CLINIC (MAC)
MAC provides free hearing screenings for students and full audiology services for seniors in assisted living residences.
KELLOGG CHILD & FAMILY PROGRAM
A team of professionals offers a continuum of early intervention approaches for young children with hearing loss.
AUDIOLOGY CLINIC
Five Doctors of Audiology specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for hearing loss for their patients.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Assistive technology is available to help those with hearing loss to communicate and function more independently in their home, school, social, or work environments.
Scan the QR code to learn more or to support HEAR Wisconsin
HEAR Wisconsin appreciates The Kieckhefer Group for their sponsorship.
HMONG AMERICAN PEACE ACADEMY AND THE HAPA FOUNDATION
ADDRESS: 4601 N 84th St, Milwaukee, WI 53225
PHONE: (414) 800-1797
WEBSITE: myhapa.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 210
ANNUAL REVENUE: $26,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2004
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/hapamilwaukee
INSTAGRAM: @hapaschools
SERVICE AREA
Primarily, we serve Hmong students and families in Greater Milwaukee. Through our schools and programs, we provide culturally responsive education that celebrates heritage, builds academic success, and strengthens the community.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Hmong American Peace Academy provides our scholars with rigorous academics, character development, and Hmong cultural values, preparing them to excel in colleges, careers, and peaceful community leadership.
GOALS
Currently, we’re working on a needs assessment and feasibility study, to explore how we could expand HAPA’s offerings to even more children. We’re studying enrollment; merging two campuses into one; and deeply investigating what a new Primary School wing would look like and do for Milwaukee’s youngest learners. Ultimately, we’d love to be able to serve every child and family in the region who seeks out a HAPA education: Culturally responsive, inclusive and tuition-free — with some of the top outcomes in the state. We’re calling this exploratory phase “Legacy 25,” as we approach our 25th year in 2029.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
We welcome the opportunity to connect personally with those interested in supporting our school. Visitors are invited to schedule a tour of the campus, where they can meet our CEO, engage with our scholars, and experience HAPA’s mission in action. Each December, we also celebrate Hmong New Year with our school community — a vibrant annual tradition that showcases our culture and the achievements of our scholars (this year set for Dec. 6!)
Sign up for a tour using the QR code, and please indicate if you’d like to learn more about our New Year celebration.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We’d love your support at our Primary School. Volunteers are especially needed in our kindergarten classrooms, where helping with reading time can spark curiosity and confidence in our youngest scholars. No Hmong language skills are required; just patience, encouragement and a smile. Your time and presence directly enrich the classroom experience.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
At HAPA, even small gifts make a big difference. Just $30 sponsors field trips for one scholar for an entire year, opening doors to new experiences. Or, you can provide a novel for a scholar to keep — giving them the chance to read, annotate, and build a personal library that supports lifelong learning. Your generosity helps our kids thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Daniel Gentges (Board Chair)
Sarah Urban (Board Treasurer)
Maureen McNally (Board Secretary)
Darryl Morin
HAPA FOUNDATION BOARD: Jason Handal (Board President)
Daniel Gentges (Board Vice President)
Sarah Urban (Treasurer)
She Carries It
Dr. Chris Her-Xiong (Secretary)
Hmong American Peace Academy
Sarah Zimmerman Community Member
Mr. Patrick Tevlin Executive Director of Development for the HAPA Foundation
Dr. Chris Her-Xiong Founder & CEO, of Hmong American Peace Academy
Watch a quick video to see what HAPA’s all about:
In 2022, we at Hmong American Peace Academy received the largest gift in our school’s history: $3 million from MacKenzie Scott, one of the world’s most impactful philanthropists.
Ms. Scott had never visited our school. She had never met our scholars. As far as we know, she had no direct ties to the Hmong or Milwaukee communities.
And yet, she trusted us. That trust became our turning point.
MacKenzie Scott’s investment has since emboldened our Board, expanded our programs, and lifted our entire community. It has given me, as founder and CEO, something priceless: It gave me the ability to dream bigger - to plan boldly for our 25th year, and to envision a new wing for our youngest learners. Her model of philanthropy fortifies our work, showing that trust-based giving works. We are proof.
MacKenzie Scott’s generosity has shown us what’s possible. Now, Milwaukee, I invite you to follow in her footsteps, in the spirit of Ms. Scott’s foundation, Yield Giving.
If one perfect stranger could believe in our scholars’ future - consider what we could achieve with the support of our own community.
This is your chance to close the gap. To open doors of opportunity. To transform lives - not someday, but today. Lives like mine: I arrived in the U.S. as a 10-year-old refugee from the Vietnam War, having never held a pencil or spoken English. Today, I lead a thriving school for more than 2,000 scholars - whose lives could follow a similar path.
Join us. With your partnership and investment, we can ensure the next generation of Hmong and Milwaukee leaders thrive. At HAPA, we say “Forever Forward.” I invite you to take the next step with us - come see how we’ve put MacKenzie Scott’s gift to work, or tour our school to witness the remarkable things our scholars are achieving.
— Dr. Chris Her-Xiong, founder and CEO, — Hmong American Peace Academy
HUMANE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY (HAWS)
HAWS serves Waukesha County and the surrounding communities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County leads the community in animal welfare and assures sanctuary for animals in need.
GOALS
HAWS is an open admission shelter dedicated to strengthening the relationship between animals and humans through adoptions and education, making a more compassionate community possible. HAWS leads the way in animal welfare and community education – keeping pets in their forever homes, ensuring well-being for animals, and teaching all ages the values of kindness, compassion and empathy towards all living things.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
HAWS offers diverse opportunities for community involvement:
• HAWSfest: A Festival for HAWS, Second Saturday in May HAWSfest is a springtime indoor/outdoor fundraising event featuring activities, pet-themed vendors, food and fun for pets and their people
• Hooves & Flights, Each September Held at HAWS Schallock Center for Animals, Hooves & Flights is an annual beer/wine tasting event in support of Ranger’s Fund for the HAWS Herd living at the Schallock Center
• Happy Tails: An Evening to Benefit HAWS, Each October HAWS’ annual fundraising gala features dinner, auction items, networking, adoptable pets and ways to help HAWS
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
HAWS offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, for individuals, families and groups. Provide dog walking and training assistance, animal care and kennel help, or join the pet transport welcome and sponsor team. Members of the Mobile Adoption crew help promote adoptable pets as well as community wellness! Coordinate donation drives and workplace giving programs to bring in important day-to-day supplies and funds. Take on projects at either the Waukesha shelter or Delafield Schallock Center.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Betsy DeJaco (President) ★ Kohl’s Corporation
Bill Stone (Vice President) ★ Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank
Brett Engelking (Treasurer) ★ Anthros
Craig Papka (Secretary) ★ Amundsen Davis
Dawn Brady Quad Graphics, Inc.
Peter Gottsacker Jr. Wixon
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Support HAWS’ life-changing and life-saving work! Donations of money or supplies help us care for the over 12,000 animals that need us each year. Give to HAWS as an individual or group, and help as we continue Growing Our Humane Community:
• Sponsor an Education Program or an Adoptable Pet
• Planned Giving/Estates/Bequests
Mark Grabowksi Sewer Equipment Co. of America
Sandy Hoffmann Retired
Dr. Lee Kesting
Carroll University
Jodi Marose Enerpac Tool Group
Ashley Milner
Eaton
Cindy Pechanach Retired
Chris Rosene Berghammer Construction Corporation
John Zignego Zignego Group
Mike Nell
Gerald Nell, Inc., Member Emeritus
Kerry Schnier Retired, Member Emeritus
Betsy DeJaco Board President
Maggie Tate-Techtmann Executive Director
THE
HUMANE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (HAWS)
We are an open-admission shelter dedicated to strengthening the relationship between animals and humans through adoptions and education - making a more compassionate community possible. Our mission is to lead the community in animal welfare and assure sanctuary for animals in need.
GROWING A HUMANE COMMUNITY: 60 YEARS STRONG
nimals
resources make
empathy,
Animals have a remarkable ability to connect with us in ways that bring healing, inspiration, and even save lives. Whether at HAWS’ facilities, during a program or event, in schools, or at home with an adopted companion, our time with animals teaches us empathy, kindness, and compassion for all living beings.
8,427
Adoption are to care
These days, pets are spending more time in shelters than ever before. But, HAWS' resources make us uniquely qualified to care for all the animals needing help! Adoption and behavior experts, our veterinary team, animal rescuers, two facilities, and experienced caregivers are ready to provide basic care and life-saving interventions!
MISSION
Hunger Task Force believes that every person has a right to healthy food obtained with dignity. We work to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow.
HUNGER TASK FORCE
ADDRESS: 5000 W Electric Ave West Milwaukee, WI 53219
PHONE: (414) 777-0483
WEBSITE: HungerTaskForce.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 67
ANNUAL REVENUE: $27,719,722
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1974
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/hungertaskforce.mke
INSTAGRAM: hungertaskforce
SERVICE AREA
Hunger Task Force delivers healthy food throughout Milwaukee and Wisconsin, and also advocates at the state and federal level in support of nutrition programs and policies that feed families.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
GOALS
Hunger Task Force’s goal is to ensure a local safety net of healthy and culturally responsive emergency food in Southeastern Wisconsin at local food pantries, meal programs and low-income senior housing sites. Over the past year, local pantry traffic has increased by 35%. Of those facing hunger, one in four are children. Hunger Task Force is serving over 50,000 people each month across all programs. Federal funding cuts and changes to the FoodShare program have further increased need and reduced food and program resources. Hunger Task Force is planning increased food purchases to remain adaptive and responsive to local need.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Hunger Task Force is supported by over 15,000 volunteers annually. Volunteers support food sorting, Stockbox building, harvesting fruits and vegetables at the Hunger Task Force Farm, special events, office/administrative work and more. These opportunities are available for individuals and large groups year-round. Special Family Day volunteer opportunities are also scheduled throughout the year.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Hunger Task Force’s signature holiday fundraiser is the Food For Families campaign, sponsored by Johnson Controls. Running from October 1 - December 31 annually, local businesses, schools and congregations are called on to host food drives and fundraisers to support Hunger Task Force at a critical time of year. In recent years, virtual food drives have become the preferred way for groups to make the biggest impact during Food For Families. Hunger Task Force uses its buying power to purchase food in bulk or by the semi-truck, ensuring healthy and festive holiday foods at local food pantries and meal programs.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Cash contributions are the most impactful way to support Hunger Task Force. The organization uses cash gifts to purchase food in bulk and deliver food free of charge to local charities. Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses and groups. Other popular ways of giving include gifts of stock, naming Hunger Task Force in a will or estate plan, or contributing to Hunger Task Force’s Endowment to End Hunger.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Zeka (President) ★ Quarles & Brady
Jennifer Jones (Vice President) ★ Prevent Child Abuse America
Patrick J. Byrne (Treasurer) ★ Erica P. John Fund
Mary Burgoon (Secretary) ★ Rockwell Automation
Todd Adams
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions
Miranda Banks
Kohl’s Department Stores
Jason Gottlieb Wolters Kluwer Health
Julia Means
Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s
Amy Mutziger
Johnson Controls
S. Edward Sarskas
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Ray Simpkins
Outpost Natural Foods
Matt King CEO
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF WISCONSIN
ADDRESS: 1110 N Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Ste 420 Milwaukee, WI 53203
PHONE: (414) 225-6220
WEBSITE: iiwisconsin.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 38
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,800,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1936
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/IIWisconsin
SERVICE AREA
• Community Services
• Language Services
• Legal Services
• International Programs
• Education & Training
SOURCES
MISSION
The International Institute of Wisconsin is an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective through education, arts, exchange, communication, social activities, and immigration and naturalization services. The Institute initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of this primary purpose.
GOALS
• Empower individuals and families to reach selfsufficiency
• Coordinate educational and social events for newcomers
• Promote multi-ethnic understanding throughout southeastern Wisconsin
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Mentorship Program
• Holiday Folk Fair International
• International Programs
• Community Education Events
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bruce Glaub (Treasurer) ★
Trade Acceptance Group, Ltd.
Luis Hernandez
Urethane Systems Plus, Inc.
Peter Holbrook
Tiffin University
Kelly Jordan (Past Chairperson) ★ M.E. Dey & Company, Inc.
Jasmine Mercado
Spring Bank Wisconsin
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
• Holiday Folk Fair International
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Supporting newcomers in the community
• Educational Programs
Robert Misey, Jr.
Reinhart, Boerner, von Deuren
Dr. Gerald Mullins
School Administrator (Retired)
Donna Roeber (Chairperson) ★ Registered Nurse (Retired)
Dr. Alexandra Sielaff (Vice-Chairperson) ★ Carroll University
Estela Vazquez-Ornelas ★ International Institute of Wisconsin
Donna Roeber Board Chair Paul Trebian President & CEO
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF WISCONSIN...
IS PLEASED TO OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES TO THE
LEGAL AND CITIZENSHIP SERVICES
The Institute provides low-cost family-based legal services. Its accredited staff and attorneys assist individuals and families through the legal immigration process, including adjustment of status, naturalizations, relative petitions, and travel documents. Every Friday, the department provides consultations on a walk-in basis.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
The Institute’s program supports the housing, employment, medical, transportation, and educational needs of newcomers so they quickly become active and contributing members of the Milwaukee community.
CITIZEN DIPLOMACY
The International Institute of Wisconsin, a member of the Global Ties U.S. network, is currently the only organization to implement the International Visitor Leadership Program in Wisconsin. As a host site, the International Institute of Wisconsin schedules meetings and tours with different experts and organizations in various fields throughout Wisconsin.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The Institute collaborates with community organizations to raise awareness on cultural and international subjects at classes, workshops, and other special programs. The largest of these events
is the Holiday Folk Fair International, which for more than 80 years has brought together people from over 50 different cultural communities in a celebration of food, arts, music, and culture.
INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION SERVICES
The Institute offers linguistically and culturally appropriate interpretation and translation services in over 50 languages to schools, medical providers, the justice system, and other organizations in the greater Milwaukee metro area. The department hosts entry-level training for individuals interested in entering the interpretation/translation field.
INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE
The Institute serves as a community resource regarding international, cultural, ethnic, folkloric, and social service issues. This information provides invaluable tools for businesses that operate in the global market and the community at large.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Institute’s undergraduate and graduate interns advance their education by assisting staff members as they provide services and carry out the organization’s mission. Interns develop a professional development plan and work closely with staff to ensure that they bridge the gap between academics and the real world, build the Institute’s capacity, and sharpen their professional skills.
International Institute of Wisconsin 1110 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 420 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203 414-225-6220
www.iiwisconsin.org • info@iiwisconsin.org
JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER AND ART PRESERVE
ADDRESS: 608 New York Ave, Sheboygan, WI 53081
ADDRESS: 3636 Lower Falls Rd, Sheboygan, WI 53081
PHONE: (920) 458-6144
WEBSITE: jmkac.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 89
ANNUAL REVENUE: $8,900,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1967
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jmkac
SERVICE AREA
JMKAC serves Wisconsin and the Midwest, welcoming visitors from across the country.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The mission of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Art Preserve is to generate a creative exchange between artists and the public. The Arts Center, located north of Milwaukee in downtown Sheboygan, promotes the understanding and appreciation of the work of self-taught and contemporary artists. The Art Preserve, with more than 25,000 works, is the world’s first museum dedicated to artist-built environments.
GOALS
• Facilitate Creative Exchange: Connect artists and the public through dialogue, collaboration, and shared experiences
• Expand Access to Art: Offer art experiences that are free and accessible to all
• Inspire Growth and Connection: Use art to spark curiosity, understanding, and self-expression across communities
• Preserve and Advocate for Art Environments: Collect, care for, and interpret artist-built and home-based environments, honoring both trained and self-taught creators
• Support Artists: Champion diverse creative practices through exhibitions, residencies, and commissions
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Through the Friends of Art Volunteer Program, participants can play a hands-on role in our mission. Volunteers support nearly every part of the museum—welcoming visitors, guiding tours, assisting with classes, taking care of the grounds, or helping behind the scenes. It’s an opportunity to learn, give back, and be part of a creative community that makes art accessible for all.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Art Preserve offer a year-round calendar of exhibitions, programs, and events. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious firsttimer, or a family looking for a fun and enriching outing, there’s something for everyone. With exhibitions, live performances, artist residencies, hands-on art-making opportunities, and more, admission is always free—making the arts accessible to all.
Supporters can make an impact by attending, donating, or sponsoring initiatives that sustain this work—including preserving artist-built environments like the Mary Nohl Art Environment and supporting free school tours that inspire thousands of students each year.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Help create a place where artists thrive, and people of all ages can explore, learn, and connect through art. Get involved today:
• Become a member
• Sponsor an exhibition, artist residency, or school tour
• Donate to preserve the Mary Nohl Art Environment in Fox Point
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Westphal (President) ★
Maeve Quinn (Vice President) ★
Rich Balge (Treasurer) ★
Laura E. Kohler (Secretary) ★
Anthony Rammer (Former President) ★
Michael Beeck
Jason Bemis
Jeff Cheney
Christine Lindemann
Margaret Chesebro Newhard
Sara Larson
Sarah Traas
Steven E. Woods
Natasha Torry
Naji Allan
Renee Boldt
Lynn Lucius
Ann Grittinger (Friends of Art)
K.C. Nemschoff (Honorary)
Richard D. Pauls (Honorary)
Amy Horst
A PLACE YOUR MIND WILL LINGER LONG AFTER YOU’VE LEFT.
Two world-class art museums offering a singular experience. Here, words may fail you but the art speaks volumes. This is a place that will stay with you and won’t let go. You’ll see. jmkac.org
KATHY’S HOUSE
ADDRESS: 9100 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226
PHONE: (414) 453-8290
WEBSITE: kathys-house.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 8
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,900,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2001
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KathysHouseMilwaukee
SERVICE AREA
Kathy’s House serves patients and caregivers who are traveling to Milwaukee for critical medical care. We serve guests of all ages receiving care at any area hospital.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Kathy’s House is a hospital guest house committed to providing affordable lodging and caring support in a “home away from home” environment for families who need to travel to Milwaukee for medical care.
GOALS
Our goal is to continue to set the standard of excellence for patient and caregiver experiences by embracing innovation, broadening our services, and strengthening partnerships to create an environment that encourages comfort, healing, and well-being for families.
To achieve our goals, we remain rooted in our values. We are resolved to act with compassion, provide a community of care, and to create a home for healing.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering at Kathy’s House is both memorable and rewarding. Because many of our volunteers serve guests directly, they have a unique opportunity to connect with guests. Often, a volunteer is the first voice guests hear on the phone and the first face greeting them at the door. We have abundant opportunities for both individuals and groups. Learn more at kathys-house/help/volunteer.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Join us in celebrating our 25th anniversary at our gala. Casino Night: The House Always Wins; Celebrate 25 years — speakeasy style
April 25, 2026 | Italian Community Center
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Nearly 60% of guests report that Kathy’s House made it possible for them to access the healthcare they need. Although most guests contribute financially toward their stay, 75% cannot afford the full cost. No one is turned away for an inability to pay. Thirteen percent of guests cannot afford to pay anything at all.
Your donations make up the difference. Give online or from our wish list at kathys-house.org.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nikki Panico (Chair) ★
Susan G. Komen
Dionna Gavin (Vice Chair) ★ Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
Mike Glatkowski (Treasurer) ★ Madison Investments
Abbey Magnuson (Secretary) ★ Foley & Lardner, LLP
Mark Filla (Immediate Past Chair) ★
The Filla Latzke Group at Ameriprise Financial Services LLC
John Balzer Retired, Froedtert Health
Christa Baldridge
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)
Juan Banda
Froedtert ThedaCare Health
Abby Brzezinski Marx Red Sky Partners, LLC
Matt Bruggink CG Schmidt, Inc.
Tina Curtis Froedtert Health
Terry Dorr Retired, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Ran Hoth Retired, WI Better Business Bureau
Kathy Sieja Retired, Froedtert Health
★
Malika Siker, M.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin
Ritika Singh AeroDefense
Mona Theobald Retired, GE Healthcare
Susan Vogel-Foley SB Vogel Consulting
Nikki Panico Board Chair
Kim Lamansky President & CEO
Keeping Families Toge T her During
When illness strikes, everything changes
A diagnosis like cancer or heart disease can turn life upside down overnight. And for many families, the best medical care is far from home, adding travel, lodging, and financial strain to an already difficult journey.
Kathy’s house is here to help
Located on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus, Kathy’s House is the only hospital guest house in southeastern Wisconsin that welcomes patients and caregivers of all ages, receiving treatment at any area hospital.
Guests stay days, weeks, or even months, while finding comfort, hope, and community. They share meals in a welcoming kitchen, rest in private rooms, and connect with others who understand their journey.
No one is turned away for lack of funds. Most guests can only contribute a portion of the cost; one in ten cannot pay at all. Your support makes every stay possible.
You can make a difference
KINSHIP COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER
ADDRESS: 2610 N Martin Luther King Jr. Dr Milwaukee, WI 53212
PHONE: (414) 301-1478
WEBSITE: kinshipmke.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 19
ANNUAL REVENUE: $2,500,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2013
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kinshipmke
SERVICE AREA
We welcome everyone to our Food Center but primarily serve the 53202, 53203, 53211, 53212, and 53217 zip codes.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Vincent Noth Executive Director
MISSION
Kinship Community Food Center engages volunteers and neighborhood residents to end hunger, isolation, and poverty. Our innovative programs nourish food security and wellness, foster belonging and community engagement, and empower stability and economic prosperity in our city.
GOALS
Combining desirable, high-quality nutritious foods to improve health and measuring progress in the community’s relationship with food (i.e., food knowledge, habits, and skills) is integral to our success.
Our primary aim is to continue to increase daily produce consumption, frequency of cooking healthy meals at home, knowledge of dietary recommendations, sources of nutrients, and a nuanced understanding of diet-disease relationships. Our second aim is to continue to reduce social isolation by increasing both neighborhood resident and non-resident participation in our shopping and community engagement offerings to increase wellness and build greater individual and collective efficacy.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Food Center Market:
924 East Clarke Street, Milwaukee WI 53212
• Evening Distribution: Tuesdays 2:30 – 6 pm
• Morning Distribution: Saturdays 7:30 – 11:30 am
Urban Farm:
4287 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI 53212. (times change seasonally):
• Planting, Harvesting, Maintenance
• Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays: 8:30 am – Noon
To sign up, visit kinshipmke.org/volunteer or email: volunteer@kinshipmke.org
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Food Drive
Food can be dropped off at 924 E. Clarke Street on Tuesdays 2:30-6pm, Fridays 8:30-10:30am, or Saturdays 8:00-10:30am.
Check
Make checks payable to Kinship Community Food Center and mail to 2610 N. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212.
Credit Card
Visit our website at kinshipmke.org/donate to make a gift via credit or debit card.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Burgoyne (President) ★
The Boelter Companies (Retired)
David Bourne (Vice President) ★ Quarles & Brady (Retired)
Hon. Ellen R. Brostrom (ret.) Resolute Systems, LLC
James M. Caragher
Glenn Rieder LLC
Jacquelin Coby-Beaver
Healthcare Executive
Debra Klepp Educator (Retired)
Fr. Brian G. Mason
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Old St. Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence, SS. Peter & Paul and Three Holy Women Parishes
Marci Pelzer
Worley
Steven Robinson
Advocate Aurora Health
“We are not coming to just get food, we are coming to spend time with the friends that feel like family.”
- Lauren
EVERYONE GIVES. EVERYONE RECEIVES.
Food creates community. Community changes our lives. Food is an entry point to changing all our lives. Let’s change the way we address hunger.
AT KINSHIP COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER, we feed each other in body and soul. We serve one another by growing, cooking, and sharing healthful food together. This is the nourishment of our bodies. Through friendship and mentoring, we share our stories, our struggles, our joys, our knowledge, and wisdom. This is the nourishment of our souls. It’s only when we’re nourished in both body and soul that we can truly thrive.
LAKE COUNTRY CLASSICAL ACADEMY
ADDRESS: 818 W Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
PHONE: (262) 254-9049
WEBSITE: lakecountryclassical.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 75
ANNUAL REVENUE: $8,300,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2020
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/LakeCountryClassical
X: @ClassicalLake
SERVICE AREA
Our campuses are located in Oconomowoc and Okauchee, WI, serving K-12 families not only in the Lake Country area, but throughout SE Wisconsin.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The mission of Lake Country Classical Academy (LCCA), a Hillsdale College Member School, is to train the minds and improve the hearts of young people through a content-rich, classical education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue.
GOALS
Founded in 2020 as a start-up institution, LCCA has built a strong foundation as a classical education option for today’s youth. While receiving less per-pupil state aid than traditional public schools, LCCA relies heavily on community donations and support to sustain our operations. We currently strive to bring our elementary and upper school campuses under one roof and welcome your support to not only contribute to our daily operating needs, but also our long-term goals of a single site location.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
The Annual LCCA Liberty Gala is our keystone fundraiser supporting rising costs, growing enrollment efforts, additional facility needs, enhanced curriculum, and endeavors to consolidate into a unified K–12 campus. Public constituents contribute greatly via sponsorships and underwriting marketed throughout the event, while silent partners prefer to donate directly to the school via monetary or in-kind contributions.
Lake Country Classical Academy’s Annual Day of Giving campaign invites the LCCA community of parents, faculty, board, and business partners to donate in support of our great school!
Annual or recurring donations support us throughout the year.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
LCCA is always looking for community help with our Annual Liberty Gala each April. If you have expertise or willingness to coordinate or support the event as a chair or co-chair, we need your help! Additionally, we need a variety of people to lead and/or support our Silent Auction activities. This fundraiser is our flagship event. Please contact us at gala@lakecountryclassical.org if interested.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Attend, Sponsor, Underwrite, or volunteer at our Annual Liberty Gala
• Donate during our Annual Day of Giving each November
• Support with matching gifts or planned giving
• Contribute via stocks, Donor Advised Funds, and/or IRA Charitable Rollovers (QCDs)
For more information, please email give@lakecountryclassical.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randy Godsell (President) ★
Georgia Maxwell (Vice President) ★
Schuyler File (Treasurer) ★
Ellen Nowak (Secretary) ★
Tom Branigan
John Wu
Matthew Vandre
Fmr. Governor Scott Walker (Honorary Board Member)
Mrs. Margaret Hagedorn Head Principal
Mr. Randy Godsell Board President
Building a generation of thinkers, leaders, and visionaries.
LAKE COUNTRY CLASSICAL ACADEMY
Prov cros ang tt t en
Providing a content-rich classical education across four disciplines: Math, Science, English Language Arts, and History, with significant attention to music, art, and foreign language.
Classical Education Excellence
K-12 Public Char ter School
Teacher-Led Instruction
Hillsdale College Curriculum
After School Enrichment
WIAA High School At hletics
4-Star “Exceeds Expectations”
https://www.la kecountr yc lassica l.org/dona te DONATE TODAY!
LUMIN SCHOOLS
ADDRESS: 8242 N Granville Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53224
PHONE: (414) 354-5126
WEBSITE: luminschools.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 163
ANNUAL REVENUE: $17,300,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2002
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/LUMINSchools
X: @LUMINSchools
SERVICE AREA
LUMIN Schools serve 1,500 K4-8th grade scholars across 6 campuses in the Milwaukee and Racine areas.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, LUMIN Schools empower and equip children for brilliant futures.
GOALS
LUMIN Schools empower children for brilliant futures by removing barriers to learning and equipping every student with faith, excellence, and opportunity. We are committed to Christ-centered education, career-connected learning, and academic excellence—ensuring that every child can discover and pursue their God-given purpose.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
LUMIN’s Opportunity Academy provides scholars with networking, skill building, and career and college exposure. You can volunteer by hosting a group of scholars to your company to discuss career paths. Additionally, LUMIN hosts an Opportunity Expo where 8th graders can practice mock interviews with industry leaders. Contact Director of Opportunity Academy La’Ketta Caldwell at caldwell@luminschools.org to volunteer for this event or a job exposure field trip.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
LUMIN Schools host a variety of events year-round, including our signature Lemonade Day, to spotlight community needs through our Opportunity Academy. Each year, a dedicated community of supporters contributes their time, funds, and expertise to help us expand our impact. Get in touch today to join us in fulfilling our vital mission.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Donations can be made at our website: luminschools.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Gleason
James Goldschmidt
Richard Laabs
Janelle Meyer-Brown
Timothy Scheid (Secretary) ★ Jessica Stamm
Timothy Young Eagle, CFRE (Chairman) ★
William Zick
Shaun Luehring PhD President & CEO Mona Zignego PhD Chief Schools Officer
MACC FUND
ADDRESS: 10000 W Innovation Dr, Ste 135 Milwaukee, WI 53226
PHONE: (414) 955-5835
WEBSITE: maccfund.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 6
ANNUAL REVENUE: $7,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1976
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MACCFund
INSTAGRAM: @themaccfund
SERVICE AREA
The MACC Fund supports research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin, UW Carbone Cancer Center, and Marshfield Clinic.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
To find a cure for childhood cancer and related blood disorders by providing funding for research.
GOALS
Our goal is to rewrite the future for families by discovering effective child-centric treatments and, ultimately, cures for childhood cancer and related blood disorders.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Many of our events would not be possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers! We have a range of volunteer opportunities, including helping at golf outings, collecting donations at Candy Cane Lane, and putting together silent auction baskets for events. There is something for everyone! If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Michael Bielawski at mbielawski@maccfund.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alicia Anderson (Treasurer) ★ First Business Bank
Eddie Doucette Co-Founder
Ryan Dove (Governance) ★ West Bend Insurance Company
Steve Kilian Jr. (Vice Chair) ★ Kilian Management Services/McDonald’s
Paul Knoebel (Chairman) ★ Knoebel & Associates
Jan Lennon Civic Leader
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Whether you’re cycling in the Trek 100, cheering courtside at the Bucks MACC Fund game, enjoying the festive lights at Candy Cane Lane, purchasing your annual TMJ4 MACC*Star, or playing in one of our golf outings, there are plenty of fun and impactful ways to support our mission. Discover all our events at maccfund.org/events.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Whether it’s donating funds, spreading awareness, joining our advocacy work, or sponsoring, volunteering, or participating in an event, there are many opportunities to give with the MACC Fund! If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Michael Bielawski at mbielawski@maccfund.org.
Matt Lueder
Northwestern Mutual
Jon McGlocklin Co-Founder
Tim Michels Michels Corporation
Ryan Schultz Fiduciary Real Estate Development, Inc.
Kristin Oden
Winston & Strawn, LLP
Mike Veum
IEWC
Paul Knoebel Chairman
Becky Pinter President/CEO
M AC CANON BROWN HOMELESS SANCTUARY
ADDRESS: 2461 W Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53206
PHONE: (414) 404-0600
WEBSITE: mbsanctuary.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 22
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,467,849
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2013
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MBSanctuary
SERVICE AREA
City-wide but focused on the Amani Neighborhood of the 53206 zip code where we are located. Serving households and individuals living in a wide range of homeless and at-risk situations
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
We create a daytime sanctuary and multi-resource center for homeless and at-risk individuals with core values of healing, spirituality, recovery, peer empowerment, dignity…and mutual transformation. This sanctuary is a place to be, belong and become within a transformational solidarity community—interfaith, nonpartisan, intercultural, and noncanonical—a racially and economically diverse family of hope. We seek to strengthen Milwaukee’s overwhelmed safety net.
GOALS
To provide the tools and solutions to assist persons in advancing their situations out of homelessness and atrisk housing dilemmas. To offer food access and reverse food scarcity. To engage residents in gardening. To connect people in crisis with crucial resources. To provide tutoring to advance adult reading and math literacy. To offer pathways to support ex-offenders in no more recidivism. To provide healthcare access and support good health, To provide lead and nutrition education. To offer a lead testing and follow-up treatment setting. To foster dignity. To create a mutual transformational community. To fully develop our five-story facility.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer nurses. Volunteer trained counselors in mental health. Frontline compassionate, committed volunteers to help with distribution of and organizing donations. Meal program volunteers. Tutors. Drivers for furniture pick-up and delivery. Volunteers for Christmas Toy and Gift event for Children and Teens. Volunteers for our Summer Fun Toy and Gift Giveaway event for Children and Teens. People to collect selected items of need. Select profile volunteers (please inquire)
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Our 3rd Annual Gala event will be held March 21, 2026 at the Downtown Hilton
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Building transformation
• General Operation and programming
• Kitchen Fund Campaign
• Garden bed reconstruction
• Future aquaponics system (planning in progress)
• Audience shelter by pavilion stage
• Food bank
• Lead program
• Anti-recidivism program
• Adult tutoring program
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sr. MacCanon Brown (President)
Karen Dubis
Cheri Fuqua
Daniel James
David Holmes
Holly Morse
Sr. Deb Murphy
Karen Dubis Vice President/Executive Associate
Sr. MacCanon Brown President/CEO
Company Ad
Join us for our third annual Transforming Lives Gala to be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Hilton City Center. For more information contact Anne at annepagel375@gmail.com
We are a manifestation of what can grow from faith the size of a mustard seed! From January 1st of 2021 thru end of July 2025 (based on sign-in sheets) we served 4648 unduplicated program participants. Currently this translates to 200+ households and individuals engaging in our 5 ongoing weekly outreach events. We have 21 racially and economically diverse part-time employees, 15 staff-equivalent volunteers and more than 700 countable volunteers helping behind the scenes. The sanctuary has a peaceful, caring environment where guests, volunteers and leaders feel safe.
Pantry Manager Daniel James
President and CEO Sister MacCanon Brown
Sanctuary Building Improvements are underway!!
MATC FOUNDATION, INC.
ADDRESS: 700 W State St, M66, Milwaukee, WI 53233
PHONE: (414) 297-7687
WEBSITE: matc.edu/foundation
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 7
ANNUAL REVENUE: $13,750,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1979
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MATCFoundation
X: @matcmilwaukee
SERVICE AREA
Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County & Germantown
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Our VISION: A prosperous region built on expansive access to education and economic opportunities.
Our MISSION: As the college’s philanthropic partner, MATC Foundation’s mission is to build donor relationships to facilitate private investments that remove barriers to education, accelerate careers, and deliver skilled talent to the Milwaukee area. The Foundation also serves as the financial steward of private donations to Milwaukee PBS, a viewer-supported service of MATC.
GOALS
Through the college’s strategic plan - Ascend Togethervia partnerships with employers, foundations, individual donors, and civic leaders we create meaningful solutions to the region’s workforce challenges and residents’ goals for economic security.
• 2025/26 - Award $4.5 M in scholarships and emergency grants, and newly raise $3M to support future scholarships and career-focused programs.
• Increase employer partnerships, including paid internship opportunities.
• Provide meaningful financial support packages, allowing students to pursue their dreams, focus on their studies, and graduate on time with little debt.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
MATC Foundation welcomes community leaders to engage through service on our Board of Directors or committees, including serving as mission ambassadors. The Foundation can connect interested people with college opportunities: (a) service on college program advisory committees that represent a range of industries to help programs respond to current and future workforce training needs, (b) Career Hub support (resume preparation, interview practice, etc.), or (c) host food drives to supply MATC’s student food pantries.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Megna (President) ★
Julianna Ebert (Vice President) ★
Matthew Partridge (Vice President) ★
Danielle Bergner (Vice President) ★
Preston McGlory (Treasurer) ★
Jaime Hurtado (Secretary) ★
Chantel Byrd
Troy Dennhof
Viola Hawkins
Susan Lubar
Tracy Luber
Lori Malett
Edgar Mayorga
Rajesh Namboothiry
Emily R. Phillips
Timothy Smith
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
The MATC Foundation is the primary source of direct support for MATC students via scholarships (tuition and fees), grants for required books, supplies and equipment, and emergency support. In 2024/25, 54% of graduates received support from the MATC Foundation at some point in their college journey. Current signature fund giving opportunities include: Access for All Scholarships, Student Parent Scholarships, Supplies for Success, the MATC Promise, and the Greatest Need Fund. We welcome proceeds from 3rd party events, such as the Greater Milwaukee Hospitality Open. We host BluTender events annually in October and March.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Private donations help cover the gap between public financial aid and the actual cost of college. With college debt at an all time high, MATC provides innovative scholarship programs for those pursuing certificates, diplomas and associate degrees - preparing them for the work-force and further education without hindering their ability to build a financially sound future for themselves and their families. Donations can be direct, distributions from retirement funds or in-kind.
Trevor D’Souza
Laila Valters
Dr. Anthony Cruz (Ex-Officio Director)
Gale Pence (District Board Liaison)
Eugene A. Gilchrist, Ph.D. (Honorary Board Member)
Ginny Finn Acting Executive Director
David Megna Board President
10-Year Totals of Student Scholarship and Emergency Assistance*
*Scholarship and emergency assistance given by MATC Foundation between 2014-15 and 2023-2024. A Strong Foundation Accelerates Student Success
$18,551,661 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN 2015-2016
$1,163,135 IN EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE IN 2015-2016
$394,766 IN SUPPORT FOR 505 STUDENTS IN 2015-2016
$5,252,574 IN SUPPORT FOR 2,926 STUDENTS IN 2024-2025
15,493 STUDENTS SUPPORTED IN 2015-2016 MATC Foundation is the philanthropic partner of Milwaukee Area Technical College.
600%+ INCREASE IN STUDENTS RECEIVING FINANCIAL SUPPORT
MESSMER HIGH SCHOOL
ADDRESS: 742 W Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53206
PHONE: (414) 264-5440
WEBSITE: messmerhigh.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 80
ANNUAL REVENUE: $8,800,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1926
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MessmerHigh
SERVICE AREA
Serving Milwaukee students in grades 9–12, Messmer High School draws learners from nearly 60 schools, inspiring growth, opportunity, and positive change citywide.
MISSION
Messmer Catholic High School, grounded in the Gospel mandate to teach all, educates students to excel as ethical and faithfilled graduates who build righteous and peaceful communities.
GOALS
As Messmer celebrates its 100th year, our mission remains the same: preparing students for college or careers, ensuring each graduate leaves with a clear plan for the future. 98% of graduates from the Class of 2025 are attending a two- or four-year college. We achieve our goals by integrating faith into daily life, fostering academic excellence, nurturing critical thinkers in pursuit of eternal truth, and developing leaders who value integrity and service, following the example of Jesus. Generations of graduates have enriched Milwaukee’s social and cultural fabric, making Messmer a lasting symbol of hope and positive force in the city.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Community members can share their gifts with Messmer in many ways. Individuals are encouraged to join board committees, helping shape the school’s work and future success. Mentoring a student in a career or college pathway offers rewarding experiences for both the adult and the student. Messmer’s unique January-term, WinterM, invites presenters and instructors to lead shortterm workshops and seminars on diverse topics, careers, and trades, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore their future vocations.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James Schubilske (Board Chair) ★
WEC Energy Group
Filippo Carini (Treasurer) ★
MHS ’83, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County (Retired)
Maggie Small (Secretary) ★ Medical College of Wisconsin
Brian Bulgrin
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Dr. Kathleen Cepelka
Archdiocese of Milwaukee (Retired)
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Gifts to our annual fund support our students in discovering their paths to college or careers. Everyone is invited to join Messmer in celebrating 100 years at our Centennial Gala on April 26, 2026, at the Italian Community Center, where proceeds will go toward expanding Messmer’s campus. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact the Messmer Advancement Office at (414) 264-5440.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Messmer depends on the generosity of the community. Your support ensures students can explore careers, college paths, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to thrive as future leaders and members of the workforce. Contributions can be made through individual or corporate donations, attending our Centennial Gala on April 26, or including Messmer in your estate plans.
William Coleman Coleman & Williams, LTD
Anne Haines
St. Bakhita Catholic Worker House
Michael Jackson Walgreens
Karen Molloy
MHS ’81, Northwestern Mutual
Megan Mooney ManpowerGroup
Nelson Phillips
Milwaukee County
Joe Vehec
PNC Bank
Fr. Mike Wolfe
Milwaukee Central City Parishes
Mike Bartels Executive Vice President
Dr. Richard Mannisto President
At Messmer Catholic High School, students grow to become ethical leaders, courageous thinkers, and compassionate change makers.
MILWAUKEE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
ADDRESS: 2000 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
PHONE: (414) 933-0302
WEBSITE: milwaukeeacademyofscience.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 256
ANNUAL REVENUE: $30,182,426
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2000
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MilwaukeeAcademyofScience
X: @MASNovas
SERVICE AREA
Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) is a K4-12th grade STEM-focused public charter school with 1,900 students across two centrally located campuses, serving 27 zip codes across Milwaukee.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The mission of the Milwaukee Academy of Science, an exemplary leader in STEM education, is to graduate urban students prepared to compete successfully at the post-secondary level.
GOALS
Through a STEM lens, our goal is to provide an excellent education for every student. We are champions of higher expectations and support students as they rise to meet them. “The MAS Way” means that we love, nurture, and engage our students in opportunities that allow them to become the best version of themselves. We provide consistency, support, and opportunity so that 100% of seniors graduate and compete successfully at the postsecondary level.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
From college students to corporations, MAS hosts over 250 volunteers annually to add value to classrooms, special events, and facilities upgrades. Please reach out if you are passionate about making a positive impact on education in Milwaukee. Contact Cassandra Aranda at caranda@mascience.orgfor details.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Reitman (Chair) ★
Briggs and Stratton, Retired
Aaron Towns (Vice Chair) ★
BMO Harris Bank
Will Schoyer (Treasurer) ★ Northwestern Mutual
Corey Smith (Secretary) ★
Associates Building Maintenance
Tim Albrecht
Milwaukee Tool
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
MAS has two fundraising events each year-Night with the Novas and the Nova Nation Golf Classic. Visit our website to learn more about the events and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Brittany Warren at bwarren@mascience.org
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
MAS has a need for donations to help close our annual funding gap of $3,500 per student per year. Donations are then allocated in our most needed areas like Chromebooks, programmatic implementation, teacher development, etc. Donate online or contact Brittany Warren at bwarren@mascience.org for more information.
Jennifer Bolger Breceda Milwaukee Riverkeeper
Clavon Byrd, PhD
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Ryan Daniels Milwaukee Public Library Foundation
Jodi Greenmeier
Landmark Credit Union
Keeley Hayes
Aurora Health Care
Jeanne Hossenlopp Marquette University
Frederick Jackson, II
Paradigm Enrichment Services
Dan Jessup Jones, Lang, LaSalle
Kevin Malaney
Foley & Lardner, LLP
John Raymond, Sr. MD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Steven Richman
Techtronic Industries
Jay Sandlow, MD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Ajay Sahajpal, MD, FRCSC, FACS
Ascension Healthcare
Sharonda Williams
Parent Representative
Anthony McHenry
Bill Reitman Board Chair
MILWAUKEE BALLET
ADDRESS: 128 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
PHONE: (414) 902-2100
WEBSITE: milwaukeeballet.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 128
ANNUAL REVENUE: $8,318,366
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1970
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MilwaukeeBallet
SERVICE AREA
Our home is Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward with school branches in Brookfield and Fox Point. We perform in downtown Milwaukee and reach audiences throughout Wisconsin with community engagement programs.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
Milwaukee Ballet’s mission is to transform lives and connect communities through inspiring performance, community engagement, education, and training.
GOALS
Our purpose is to make ballet accessible to the Greater Milwaukee community and beyond. We achieve this by staging full-scale ballet performances, offering accredited training for children aged 2+ through adults at Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, and delivering community engagement programs aimed at breaking down barriers to ballet.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are needed for special events, community outreach opportunities, information booths, performance support, and more. Visit milwaukeeballet.org/volunteer to apply today.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Our annual fundraising gala, the “Ballet Ball,” showcases captivating performances by our talented dancers alongside a dynamic appeal, exciting raffle, and diverse silent auction. We also welcome donations year-round via our Annual Fund. To learn more about upcoming opportunities, please visit milwaukeeballet.org/getinvolved or contact development@milwaukeeballet.org.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Giving to Milwaukee Ballet is easy and truly makes a difference. One-time or recurring donations may be made online or by mail as well as through stock, workplace giving, or planned giving. Gifts may be made in memory of, in honor of, or designated to specific funds. Sponsorship opportunities for events, artists, and programs are also available. To learn more and give, please visit milwaukeeballet.org/donate. Donor benefits may be perused at milwaukeeballet.org/donor-benefits.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Christine Irgens (Board Chair & President) ★
Jon Biorkman (Treasurer) ★ BMO Commercial Bank
Sarah Thomas Pagels (Secretary) ★ Laffey, Leitner & Goode
Kelly Noyes (Chair Elect) ★ von Briesen & Roper, s.c.
Cheryl Carron (Immediate Past President) ★ JLL
Irissol Arce Northwestern Mutual
Liz Bickley Korn Ferry
Jason Eggert Old National Bank
Elizabeth Haas
Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club
Gretchen Jameson Versiti
Amy Schmidt Jones Sensient Technologies
Suzanne Martens, MD
Sheboygan County EMS, Lakeshore Technical College
Beverley Morgan Rockwell Automation
Molly Mulroy
WEC Energy Group
Jill Pelisek
UWM Lubar School of Business
William Raasch, MD
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Institute
Jodi Ristau
Baird Phillips Ristau Group
John Rumpf
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Bryan Schultz Foley & Lardner LLP
Yollande Tchouapi
Johnson Controls
Michael Pink Artistic Director Tai Pauls Executive Director
MILWAUKEE FILM
ADDRESS: 1037 W McKinley Ave, Ste 200, Milwaukee, WI 53205
PHONE: (414) 755-1965
WEBSITE: mkefilm.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 27 full-time, 40 part-time
ANNUAL REVENUE: $6,106,386
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2008
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MilwaukeeFilm
X: @mkefilm
SERVICE AREA
Milwaukee Film operates the historic Oriental and Downer Theatres serving over 200,000 attendees annually, including attracting national audiences for the Milwaukee Film Festival, which hosted over 32,000 attendees in 2025.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Milwaukee Film’s mission is to create world-class cinematic experiences that convene our diverse communities and catalyze positive change in Milwaukee and beyond. Milwaukee’s vision is to become America’s most dynamic, well-rounded film culture institution.
GOALS
Milwaukee Film is a community-powered arts nonprofit operating two historic theatres with high-caliber cinema exhibition, programming, and film festivals. Every day, Milwaukee Film screens new and old films that may not show elsewhere in Milwaukee to entertain, educate, and inspire the city through the power of film. Programs like Black Lens, Cine Sin Fronteras, GenreQueer, and Cinematic Sisterhood spark meaningful conversations while fostering community connections. We support area filmmakers with screening opportunities and prize packages and are Milwaukee ambassadors who offer visiting filmmakers top-tier experiences. We strive to keep prices accessible for all audiences – and make the best popcorn.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Powered by 500+ volunteers, Milwaukee Film offers yearround opportunities to assist with areas including:
• Milwaukee Film Festival Operations
• Members Screenings
• Screening Committees
• Street Team
• Administrative Offices
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Milwaukee Film presents two world-class film festivals annually. Through fundraising events like the Reel Impact Drive and the support of our 5,000+ growing membership program, Milwaukee Film aims to sustain itself through the generosity of the community.
• Festival Eve: April 15, 2026
• Milwaukee Film Festival: April 16 – 30, 2026
• Dialogues Documentary Festival: Fall
• Michael Schultz Award: Fall
• Members Screenings: Monthly
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
As the year-round operators of both Milwaukee’s iconic Oriental and Downer Theatres and the annual Milwaukee Film Festival, which won Milwaukee Magazine’s 2025 Best Arts/Entertainment event, Milwaukee Film provides incredible opportunities to connect with an everexpanding local audience. Through corporate sponsorship, corporate outings, private screening events, donor support, individual or group membership, and community partnerships, our generous partners help ensure our organization continually engages with as much of this great city as possible.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lacey Sadoff (Board Chair) ★
Susan F. Mikulay (Immediate Past Chair) ★
Ken Krei (Treasurer) ★
Kimberly R. Walker (Secretary) ★
Chris Abele ★
Donna Baumgartner
Michael Belot
Jeff Fitzsimmons
Alexander P. Fraser ★
Katie Heil ★
Matthew G. Helmerich
Paul J. Jones
Patti Keating Kahn ★
Grant Killoran
Jeffrey Kurz
Steve Laughlin ★
Joan Lubar ★
Heidi Evita Moore
Christopher M. Novoa
Mark T. Plichta
Barry Poltermann
Bevin Setliff
Dave Stamm
James E. Stoll, MD
Victoria Teerlink
Marilka Vélez
Laurie Vielehr
Rubin Whitmore II
Gail Yabuki
Lacey Sadoff Board Chair
Susan Kerns, PhD Executive Director
MISSION
Milwaukee PBS educates, informs, entertains, and stimulates the imagination of adults and children alike. We make the best use of noncommercial media and related services to enhance the quality of life in our community by encouraging people to consider issues and explore ideas, and by inspiring a continued sense of wonderment.
MILWAUKEE
PBS
ADDRESS: 1036 N 8th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
PHONE: (414) 271-1036
WEBSITE: MilwaukeePBS.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 60
ANNUAL REVENUE: $9,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1957
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MilwaukeePBS
SERVICE AREA
Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois
FUNDING SOURCES
GOALS
Our mission has always gone beyond television. It’s about people—our neighbors, our students, our storytellers. We’re here to serve you with trusted journalism, lifelong learning, and stories that reflect who we are and who we aspire to be. Every day, we provide free access to programs and resources that expand minds, spark conversations, and bring our community closer. From classrooms to living rooms, we’re working to strengthen ties, uplift diverse voices, and ensure everyone—no matter their background— can access the power of public media. With your help, we’ll keep innovating, collaborating, and delivering programs and services that inform, inspire, and unite.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
At Milwaukee PBS, donors become members of a special neighborhood, one that values insightful, educational content that feeds a sense of wonderment and contributes to a shared sense of community. Our members receive invitations to one-of-a-kind events like:
• Screenings with producers
• Private meet and greets with visiting PBS celebrities and journalists
• Studio Tours
• Concerts
• Classes designed to level up your cooking skills
• Curated domestic and foreign travel
Come, join us in our neighborhood, a neighborhood that celebrates lifelong learning and a commitment to educational and cultural excellence.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Milwaukee PBS is supported through a diverse array of giving, including annual memberships, our Studio Circle of Donors ($1,000–$1,999), and Leadership Circle ($2,000+). Donors contribute through personal gifts, qualified charitable distributions, stock transfers, donor-advised funds, or estate planning, which welcomes them into our Legacy Circle. Corporate donors also recognize the unique value of underwriting Milwaukee PBS programming—an uncluttered, trusted space cherished by its viewers.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Debbie Hamlett General Manager
Cameron Risher Chief Marketing Officer
Dan Mueller Chief Development Officer
Scott Byrd Chief Technology Officer
MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER
ADDRESS: 108 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
PHONE: (414) 224-1761
WEBSITE: MilwaukeeRep.com
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 796
ANNUAL REVENUE: $15,503,423
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1954
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MilwRep
X: @MilwRep
SERVICE AREA
Milwaukee Rep serves 300,000 patrons including 20,000 students annually with nearly 700 performances of 11 productions plus A Christmas Carol and robust educational programming.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Milwaukee Rep ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating worldclass theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity.
GOALS
Through powerful dramas, compelling classics, and fullscale musicals, Milwaukee Rep provides high-quality and deeply impactful performances that entertain, enlighten, and reflect the community we serve. Alongside our productions, we offer robust Education & Engagement programs that use theater as an outlet to learn, to inspire action, and to celebrate the rich diversity and cultural vibrancy of Milwaukee.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s annual Curtain Call Ball is its largest event of the year, gathering nearly 500 guests to enjoy lively auctions, gourmet dining, and riveting entertainment. The gala event provides essential funds for Milwaukee Rep’s artistic and educational programming. As a non-profit organization, Milwaukee Repertory Theater relies on the continued support of corporations and individuals to ensure it is providing the highest caliber work for the region. We hope you will join us for our 2026 Curtain Call Ball on May 9, 2026. For more information, visit MilwaukeeRep.com/give/2026-curtain-call-ball.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are a variety of ways to support Milwaukee Rep as a volunteer. Our volunteers provide countless hours of time and energy to facilitate special events, usher patrons at performances, and support Milwaukee Rep staff and artists. For more information, visit MilwaukeeRep.com/About/Volunteer.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Adam J. Peck (President)
Judy Hansen (Immediate Past President)
Kerryann Haase
Minton (Vice President, Trustees)
James Phillips
(Treasurer)
Bryan House
(Secretary)
Andrés Gonzalez
Raymond J. Manista
Anne L. Noyes
Clark Slipher
Ayad Akhtar
Tammy Belton-Davis
Ivor Benjamin, MD
Wendy W. Blumenthal
Julia Burns
Bryan Carson
Joe Checota
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Ticket sales only cover 50% of what it takes to produce breath-taking productions and engaging programs that generate positive impact within our community. Gain visibility and expand your local reach through production sponsorships and our annual Curtain Call Ball. Additionally, companies can give back to their communities by supporting our youth education and engagement programs.
Jane Chernof
Marybeth Cottrill
Amy Croen
Dr. Eric Durant
Jay Franke
Jason Graham
Peter Hammond
Devin Hayes
Chris Hermann
Tom Irgens
Debra Johnson
Lynda Johnson
Deborah Kaerek
Michelle Kolp
David Kundert
Dawn Lindsey
Kristine Lueders
Robert H. Manegold
Jim Meier
Joseph Pickart
Karen Plunkett
Beth Ridley
Allison Scrivner
Craig Swan
Cheryl Walker
Benjamin Wagner
This season, we proudly unveil the Associated Bank Theater Center—a state-ofthe-art home for performance, education, and community connection, expanding Milwaukee Rep’s local and national impact. After unprecedented flooding, it is the generous support of our community that fuels our recovery and makes this new chapter possible.
More than a building, this center is a legacy. With continued community support, Milwaukee Rep will uplift, educate, and inspire generations to come. To make a gift, please visit MilwaukeeRep.com/Give
MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER: 212 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
PHONE: (414) 291-7605
WEBSITE: mso.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 118 full-time, 24 part-time
ANNUAL REVENUE: $20,400,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1959
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MSOrchestra
INSTAGRAM: @milwsymphorch
TIKTOK: @mke.symph.orch
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/milwsymphorch
SERVICE AREA
The MSO provides quality artistic, educational, and community-based programming to audiences statewide, with a prominent draw across northern Illinois, southeastern Wisconsin, and Milwaukee’s 7-county region.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra engages and captivates diverse audiences through acclaimed musical performances and inclusive education and community experiences of exceptional quality.
GOALS
Continue presenting artistic programming of the highest caliber and identifying innovative ways to give music a home in the region, develop music appreciation and talent among area youth, and elevate Milwaukee’s national reputation. Annually, the MSO performs more than 150 concerts, reaching an in-person audience of 135,000+ people, including 30,000 students and educators. The impact of the arts in building thriving societies cannot be overstated, and as Wisconsin’s largest performing arts organization and Milwaukee’s hometown orchestra, the MSO is deeply proud to support progress, healing, and interconnectivity with, and for, our Milwaukee community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for an opportunity that will reignite your passion for music, enrich the community, and foster the imagination of school kids? Join the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s volunteer program!
Opportunities include:
• Ushering for MSO concerts as well as other events at the Bradley Symphony Center
• Becoming a docent for a classroom of children preparing to see the orchestra
• And more!
Contact volunteer@mso.org or visit mso.org/volunteer for more details.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Join your MSO for a milestone 2025-26 season, marking the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus’ 50th anniversary and the conclusion of Music Director Ken-David Masur’s 7-year tenure.
• Support the MSO by joining us in concert. There’s something for everyone to enjoy – classical masterworks, energetic pops programs, films with live music, and everything in-between.
• Dine at the Bradley Symphony Center via specially curated food and beverage options, available prior to evening performances.
• Enjoy music in the community at free performances like Colectivo Monday’s and Chill on the Hill.
• Save the date for next year’s Season Opening Gala on Friday, September 25, 2026.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Ticket sales only cover about 30% of the MSO’s operating costs. Every donation, of any size, ensures that the MSO can continue to offer transformative initiatives like our Concerts for Schools program, the Lullaby Project, and our Sensory Friendly Concerts. Your generosity keeps the music playing and helps us build a lasting cultural legacy in the city we proudly call home.
Ways to give: Online: Visit mso.org/support
Phone: 414-226-7833
Mail: Send a check to: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Advancement Department 212 W Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MSO BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Susan Martin (Chair)
Gregory Smith (Chair-Elect; Secretary; Chair, Governance Committee)
David Uihlein (Honorary Co-Chair)
Julia Uihlein (Honorary Co-Chair)
Patrick Murphy (Treasurer; Chair, Finance Committee)
Mark Niehaus (President & Executive Director (Ex Officio); Michael and Jeanne Schmitz Chair)
Jennifer Dirks
Douglas M. Hagerman (Chair, Chair’s Council)
Mark A. Metzendorf (Chair, Advancement Committee)
Michael J. Schmitz (Immediate Past Chair, Chair’s Council Civic Leader)
Haruki Toyama (Chair, Music Director Search Committee Madison Investments)
Mark Niehaus President & Executive Director
Ken-David Masur Music Director
MKE FELLOWS
ADDRESS: 815 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
PHONE: (414) 386-5432
WEBSITE: mkefellows.com
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 10
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,200,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2001
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/mkefellows
INSTAGRAM: @mkefellows
SERVICE AREA
Academically talented students
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The primary goal of MKE Fellows is the creation of a strong pipeline of young, African American male college graduates ready to return to Wisconsin to excel in their careers, build wealth, and become engaged leaders capable of moving our region’s African-American communities into a new era of greater health, vitality, and prosperity.
GOALS
The vision that drives MKE Fellows is creating a healthier and more economically prosperous African-American community that is better positioned to support the economic growth of Wisconsin.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
• Fellowship Open Annual Meeting
• Fellowship Open Golf Tournament
• MKE Fellows Holiday Luncheon
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Professional Development Sessions – 3rd Saturdays
• Professional Mentors
• Mock Interviews
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Hotel Points
• Interview Clothing
• United Way
ADVISORY BOARD
Ronald Adams
Northwestern Mutual
Grady Crosby
Northwestern Mutual
Attorney John Daniels, Jr.
Quarles (Retired)
Dr. Michele Gee
University of Wisconsin Parkside
Daniel Geigler
Morgan Stanley
Cecelia Gore
Brewers Community Foundation
Ellen Gilligan
Greater Milwaukee Foundation (Retired)
Dr. Eve Hall
Greater Milwaukee Urban League
Peter Hammond
RW Baird
Ralph Hollmon
Greater Milwaukee Urban League
(Retired Executive Director)
Dr. George Koonce, Jr.
Marian University
LaNelle Ramey
MENTOR Greater Milwaukee
Gerard Randall
Milwaukee Education Partnership
Shannon Reed
United Way Worldwide
Sabrina Robins
AbaCor, an Abaxent Co.
Dr. Kristina Ropella
Marquette University
Brandon A. Wigley
Bader Philanthropies
Attorney John Daniels Jr. Board Chair
John Daniels III President & Director
NATIVITY JESUIT ACADEMY
ADDRESS: 1515 S 29th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215
PHONE: (414) 645-1060
WEBSITE: nativityjesuit.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 46
ANNUAL REVENUE: $5,143,516
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1993
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/NativityJesuitAcademy
SERVICE AREA
Nativity serves 257 K4-8th grade students and 96 high school-aged alumni from the southside of Milwaukee. 100% of Nativity students are Latino and 100% qualify for a School Choice voucher.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Nativity Jesuit Academy is a K4-8th grade coed Catholic, Jesuit school which educates youth for lives of Christian leadership and service.
GOALS
Nativity strives to form not only exceptional students, but equally emphasizes the importance of being a good person. We are focused on forming leaders who are driven by their values: being religious, loving, open to growth, seeking of intellectual excellence and committed to justice. Nativity achieves this through a unique and proven model of education which features an extended school day, year-round instruction including our “Camp Thunderhead” academic residential summer program in Iron County, WI, and graduate support services. This comprehensive model of education walks alongside students and their families in their growth to be “men and women for others.”
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in sharing your time and talents to shape future leaders of Milwaukee? Make a distinct impact on a child’s life through the following volunteer opportunities:
• Mentoring: Be paired with one of Nativity’s high school-aged alumni to support their academic, social and personal development through monthly mentoring meetings.
• Classroom and club volunteers
• Coaching: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football or ‘Girls on the Run’
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Choice funding only covers 53% of the true cost of a Nativity education. Milwaukee is blessed with many caring and committed individuals and organizations who are passionate about supporting high quality education. Invest in Nativity students and our proven model of education through our annual fund at nativityjesuit.org/support.
Save the date for Nativity’s 2026 events! Our Scholarship Dinner will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Nativity Jesuit Academy. Our Golf Outing will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Westmoor Country Club. Contact Nativity’s advancement team at (414) 645-1060 or advancement@nativityjesuit.org for more information.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Nativity’s unique model of education would not be possible without an invested community centered around the most important thing: kids and their bright futures.
Come tour Nativity and learn more about our unique model of education and proven results! Interested in making a gift? Nativity welcomes individual donations, corporate sponsorship, foundation support, IRA charitable rollover, stock gifts, estate gifts and more. Contact Nativity’s Advancement Team at (414) 645-1060 or advancement@nativityjesuit.org for more information.
Rev. Mike Marco, SJ Marquette University High School
Maria Monteagudo
Community Volunteer
Dan Nigro (Board Vice Chair) ★ Badger Mutual Insurance
Mary Nolte
Community Volunteer
Victor Perez
Community Volunteer
Rev. Renzo Rosales, SJ
Our Lady of Guadalupe & St.
Patrick’s Parishes
Vanessa Solis ★
Nativity Jesuit Academy
Dr. Peter Stanek
Stanek Family Dental
Andrew Stith
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Milwaukee
William Stone
Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank
Lora Strigens Marquette University
Sheila Taphorn Marquette University
Yamilett Lopez Board Chair
Vanessa Solis President
EDUCATING YOUTH FOR LIVES OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
FAITH IN OUR HEARTS. KINDNESS IN ACTION. LEADERS IN THE MAKING.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE & SUPPORT OUR UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL MODEL:
Extended School Day for Middle School
Year-Round Instruction, including our “Camp Thunderhead” program
Graduate Support Program
NEU-LIFE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ADDRESS: 2014 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53205
PHONE: (414) 933-3924
WEBSITE: neu-life.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 47
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,400,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2000
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/neulifeyouth
SERVICE AREA
City of Milwaukee
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
The mission of Neu-Life Community Development is to empower youth with skills and strategies to make their best life choices.
GOALS
Neu-Life supports youth in every aspect of their livesfrom academic to social to emotional. Each year Neu-Life serves over 3,000 unduplicated youth aged 4 to 18 with educational and recreational programming during the school time, after school and summertime; and is recognized as one of the top youth-serving agencies in Milwaukee.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Contact us to find a volunteer opportunity that matches your skill set and interest!
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
• Capital Campaign for NeuVue Project
• Annual Youth Art Show
• Annual Black History Program
• Back to School Backpack Drive
• Holiday Gift Drive
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Capital Campaign - NeuVue Project
• Back to School Backpack Drive
• Holiday Gift Drive
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rev. William Robbins Sr. (President)
Glennie Pickett (Vice President)
Ernestine Hill (Secretary)
Joann Comodore (Treasurer)
Pamdoria Daniels (Member)
Alesia Miller (Member)
Mrs. Jody Rhodes Executive Director
Mrs. Joann Comodore CEO/Founder
NEXT DOOR
ADDRESS: 2545 N 29th St, Milwaukee, WI 53210
PHONE: (414) 562-2929
WEBSITE: nextdoormke.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 200
ANNUAL REVENUE: $24,364,184
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1969
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/NextDoorMKE
SERVICE AREA
Next Door operates two campuses in the Metcalfe Park and Midtown neighborhoods of Milwaukee, a home visitation program (the largest in Wisconsin) and programming at seven partnership sites across Milwaukee.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Next Door supports the intellectual, physical and emotional development of children by partnering with their families for success in school and the community.
GOALS
Next Door is a legacy organization in Milwaukee delivering excellence in early childhood care and education as the largest ECE provider across Milwaukee. Next Door builds solid foundations for our city’s youngest children, ages 0-5, in partnership with their families, focused on strong early childhood outcomes and school-readiness.
We impact more than 1,100 children and families each year. We are committed to giving every child the strong start they deserve. Hallmarks of Next Door’s approach include:
• Strong measures of health and safety
• Research-based curricula in core academic areas
• Integration of mental health, physical health and special education services
• Family engagement opportunities, mentoring/coaching programs for parents and resources to support families’ needs/goals
• Ongoing professional development for staff
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Year-round opportunities are available for individuals, families, schools, businesses and service groups.
• Read with Me: Read one-on-one with students during library time. Volunteers 4th grade and older.
• Book Sorting: Clean, repair and label donated books to build home libraries for children. Volunteers 18 and older.
• Classroom Support: Assist teachers and engage with students in classrooms. Ideal for people seeking extended volunteer service and over age 13.
Contact Missy Hodzinski at volunteer@nextdoormke.org for information.
We primarily fundraise by seeking financial gifts and in-kind donations (volunteering) from individuals, corporations and foundations.
Your support can make the most significant impact by giving to our greatest needs.
Through our fundraising efforts, we strive to increase awareness of the importance of early childhood education, provide impactful experiences to support children, and encourage long-term engagement and financial support.
Our main community event is Read for Children. This event raises funding to support Next Door’s literacy programming such as Books for Kids. We also recruit community volunteers to read to children at Next Door and host book drives.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to give to Next Door and provide our children with a strong start to life.
• Donate financial gifts to support our critical early childhood education programming for under-resourced children in our community.
• Host a book drive to grow home libraries of children and support early childhood literacy.
• Support additional drives collecting winter gear, household items, holiday gifts and school supplies.
Visit nextdoormke.org to donate and learn more.
Lendraia Hughlett
Head Start Parent Representative
Jason Klein
BMO Wealth Management-Private Bank
Kyongboon Kwon University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Dessie Levy Community Advocate
Meg Brzyski Nelson
Children’s Wisconsin
Dr. Brilliant Nimmer
Children’s Wisconsin
Elaye Okunseri
DentaMed
Amy Rislov Network Health
Sean Scullen Quarles & Brady
Molly Mulroy Board Chair
Heather Mehring Grams President
NORTHWEST SIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
ADDRESS: 4201 N 27th St, 7th Fl, Milwaukee, WI 53216
PHONE: (414) 444-8200
WEBSITE: nwscdc.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 11
ANNUAL REVENUE: $5,769,688
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1983
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/NWSCDC
X: @nwscdc
SERVICE AREA
City of Milwaukee
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
*2/3 of Government Grants in 2024 can be attributed to non-recurring Covid related funding
MISSION
We exist to create economic opportunities, build partnerships and strengthen communities on the Northwest Side of Milwaukee.
GOALS
NWSCDC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) who has served the needs of businesses and residents throughout Milwaukee for more than four decades. Through its mission driven lending program, NWSCDC supports small business owners to grow and scale their operations. NWSCDC continues to expand its lending program to serve additional communities throughout the state of Wisconsin. New initiatives to support affordable housing are on the horizon, as the organization examines new ways for families to pursue owning their own home. Embracing our growing mission, NWSCDC will be pursuing an organization rebrand in 2026.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Green Tech Station Volunteer Workday, happening every spring
• Community cleanups
• To learn more about these volunteer opportunities, visit: nwscdc.org/engage-events
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
NWSCDC will host a large community and economic development event in late 2026, highlighting new opportunities for small businesses and affordable homeownership. We are also expanding our community partnerships, including philanthropic organizations and individual donors, to support entrepreneurship, community development and environmental work.
Contact us to discuss a range of partnership and investment opportunities, from program grants to patient loan capital / Program Related Investments.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Support maintenance and programming at Green Tech Station, Milwaukee’s outdoor environmental education destination.
• Support NWSCDC’s mission driven loan fund by offering grants and loans.
• To donate and support NWSCDC, visit: nwscdc.org/donate
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wendell Willis (President) ★ Froedtert Health & Milwaukee Bucks
Hal Karas (Vice President) ★ Karas Law
Vincent Rice (Treasurer) ★ Summit Credit Union
Steve Hipp (Secretary) ★ Leader Paper
Geoffrey Cooper MGIC
Bryan Gill BMO Bank
Rebecca Gries Milwaukee 7 Lee Menefee
Fess Properties
Maria Watts WHEDA
Michael Ward WEDC
Ronald Williamson, Emeritus Medical College of Wisconsin
Kirsten Thompson, Emeritus Milwaukee Public Library
Yvonne McCaskill, Emeritus Century City Triangle Neighborhood Association
Willie Smith Executive Director
NOTRE DAME SCHOOL OF MILWAUKEE
ADDRESS: 2604 W Orchard St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
PHONE: (414) 671-3000
WEBSITE: notredamemke.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 108
ANNUAL REVENUE: $11M
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1996
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/NotreDameMiddleSchool
SERVICE AREA
Notre Dame School of Milwaukee serves 760+ predominantly Latino students in Grades K3–8, offering a faith-based, English-Spanish dual language education that empowers students and families throughout greater Milwaukee.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
Notre Dame School of Milwaukee, a Catholic school sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, challenges our students to reach their full potential as individuals, empowering them to direct their God-given gifts toward transforming their community.
GOALS
With deep faith and courage, Notre Dame School of Milwaukee (NDSM) is boldly responding to the urgent needs of our community by delivering an education rooted in excellence, faith, and innovation. In a city where youth face immense challenges, NDSM stands as a beacon of hope on Milwaukee’s near south side, empowering students to learn, lead, and thrive.
In the years ahead, we are committed to growing our enrollment to 900 students while maintaining high academic standards and expanding vital wraparound services such as our Graduate Support and After School Programs.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at NDSM. We offer a wide range of opportunities to match your time, interests, and schedule—whether it’s mentoring a student, serving on a committee, volunteering in our classrooms or library, or helping with special events. To learn more, visit notredamemke.org/get-involved.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Notre Dame School of Milwaukee will host its annual Salsa Sampler Benefit Dinner and Auction on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Italian Community Center, celebrating the accomplishments of our students, school, and community. Throughout the year, we also host a variety of events that support our mission of providing an excellent, faith-based education to students across Milwaukee. To learn more or attend an event, please contact Betsy Quick at equick@notredamemke.org.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We are deeply grateful for the generous support that helps make our mission a reality. With your partnership, we can continue to provide the exceptional Catholic education and comprehensive wraparound services that are the hallmark of the NDSM experience. To explore how you can support our school, please visit our website at notredamemke.org/donate or contact Betsy Quick at equick@notredamemke.org. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Giffhorn (Chair) ★ Retired from Cubic Designs, Inc
Mike Kotecki (Vice-Chair) ★ MK Tactical Leadership LLC
Jan Drzewiecki (Treasurer) ★ Mary Alice Yakich Educational Foundation
Karen Oliver (Secretary) ★ Community Volunteer
John Herbers (Previous Chair) ★ Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c (ret.)
Dr. Kathy CoffeyGuenther Retired from Marquette University
Teresa Hattersley Community Volunteer
Greg Herrle Milliman
Lori Hoch Cortina Asset Management
Jorjio Hopkins MLG Capital
Christine Keyes Community Volunteer
Nick Kitzman, JD. Foley & Lardner, LLP
Michael Nguyen Teach for America Milwaukee
Angela Orozco, MD Sixteenth Street Clinic
Brian Perszyk Baird
Sylvia Prising Community Volunteer
Sr. Patricia Rass
School Sisters of Notre Dame
Jennifer Ryan Northwestern Mutual
John Splude
JWS Classics
Rachel Uihlein
Becoming Me Therapy
Gino Villani
Villani Landshapers
Patrick Landry President
PEARLS
ADDRESS: 1300 N 7th St, Ste 200, Milwaukee, WI 53205
PHONE: (414) 265-7555
WEBSITE: pearlsforteengirls.com
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,925,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1993
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/pearlsforteengirls
INSTAGRAM: @pearls_mke
SERVICE AREA
PEARLS serves Milwaukee and surrounding communities by providing mentoring, leadership development, and social emotional education to young women and gender-expansive youth 5th12th grade.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
PEARLS is improving quality of life and strengthening our community one girl at a time by empowering young women and gender-expansive youth with self-development tools, guidance and support to strive for better, brighter futures by living out the PEARLS values: Personal Responsibility, Empathy, Awareness, Respect, Leadership and Support.
GOALS
As PEARLS launches its bold 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, we are excited to deepen our impact and extend our reach. In the year ahead, we will expand neighborhood-based programming to serve more girls, relaunch and grow our College & Career Readiness initiatives, and invest in technology. We will also strengthen our team and partnerships to ensure sustainability.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to share your time, skills, and experiences to directly inspire and uplift young girls and empower the next generation of leaders with PEARLS. Please reach out to our Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, amy.zwart@pearlsforteengirls, if any of these spark interest!
• Job Shadow Opportunities
• Event Support Teams
• Supply Drives on behalf of PEARLS
• Ad Hoc Committees (special events, marketing and communications)
• Share Specialized Professional Services in Workshops (legal, accounting, photography, facilitation)
• Event Host (employee retreats, symposia for PEARLS girls)
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Each spring, PEARLS hosts Inspired to Lead, a signature celebration uplifting the voices and achievements of Milwaukee’s young women and gender-expansive youth. The evening brings together community leaders, supporters, and friends for stories of growth, leadership, and resilience. Guests gain a deeper connection to PEARLS’ mission and the impact of their giving. Proceeds from Inspired to Lead sustain year-round programming, ensuring youth has access to mentorship, skill-building, and opportunities to thrive, creating lasting change for families and the Milwaukee community.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to support PEARLS. Donors can make one-time gifts or join The PEARLS Circle, our monthly giving club that provides steady support year-round. Community members may also sponsor a school site or underwrite program initiatives. Corporate partners invest through sponsorships, matching gifts, and employee engagement. Planned giving and in-kind contributions offer lasting impact, while attending signature events builds community support. Every gift helps equip young people to thrive.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ★
Lori Richards (Board Chair) ★ Mueller Communications
Tressa Knutson Bruggink (Marketing and Community Outreach Chair) ★ Rockwell Automation
Margaret Henningsen (Secretary) ★
Anne Chapman (Programming Chair) ★ Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials
Kris DeCato (Governance Chair) ★ Versiti, Inc.
Erin Jelenchick (Finance Chair) ★ RW Baird
Jennifer Dirks (Past Chair) ★ TEMPO Milwaukee
Luke Kasten
Johnson Financial Group
Andy Nelson The Glow Land
Lanelle Ramey, M.A. MENTOR Greater Milwaukee
Caitlin Cullen (Fund Development Chair) Kinship Community Food Center
Bridget Donahue Prolink (Healthcare)
Ronett Jacobs Alverno College
Carmen Decot Foley & Lardner
Rachel Idso Amazon
Ebony Lewis MPS
Tiffany Henry Sen. Baldwin Office
Yhadira Ruiz BMO
Willnette Honey
Northwestern Mutal
Andre Storey Ascension
Lori Richards Board Chair Dr. Tiffany Tardy President & CEO
RACINE ZOO
ADDRESS: 200 Goold St, Racine, WI 53402
PHONE: (262) 636-9189
WEBSITE: racinezoo.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 34
ANNUAL REVENUE: $2,500,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1923
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/racinezoo
SERVICE AREA
The Racine Zoo’s primary audience is Racine County residents, plus visitors from other counties in Wisconsin and Illinois. The Racine Zoo is one of the top attractions of Racine County.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
To foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.
GOALS
The Racine Zoo is the only accredited zoo in Racine County, and one of the most affordable zoos in the country. Our location near downtown Racine and our incredible collection of animals gives us a unique opportunity to reach and educate people about the environment and the world around them. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Racine Zoo is held to the highest zoological standards in the world. Our Zoo is proud of its role as a leader in conservation and a participant in numerous conservation initiatives. The Racine Zoo turned 100 years old in 2023!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Volunteer Program is for adults ages 18 and older, and Volunteen Program is for individuals ages 13-18. This is perfect for those who are considering a future career with animals, zoos, education, or for those just looking for a fun volunteer opportunity to do in their spare time! Volunteering at the Racine Zoo is a fun, rewarding experience for volunteers of all ages, from young adults to retirees!
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
The Racine Zoo hosts multiple events for people of all ages. These events help spread the word about the wonderful happenings at the Zoo and provide a great opportunity for sponsorships from local businesses. The Racine Zoo has multiple education offerings throughout the year for all ages. We conduct both a spring and a fall appeal too. We have over 2,000 member households that support us and of course, an annual black-tie gala. As a nonprofit, accredited zoo, we need to get creative in our fundraising efforts.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The Racine Zoo relies on the generosity of people just like you to survive. Please consider making a charitable donation of any size at any time of the year. Make your gift in honor or in memory of someone special, too. Mail your donation to the Racine Zoo at 200 Goold Street, Racine, WI 53402. Donations are tax deductible in accordance with the IRS Tax Code. We also have planned giving and animal wish lists!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Samantha Anderegg-Boticki (Board Chair) ★
Neil Staeck (Finance Chair) ★
Beth Heidorn (Executive Director) ★
Jane Batten
Patrick Cafferty
John Crimmings
Dee Djurovic
Alyson A. Horton
Jens Jorgensen
Renee Kelly
David Maack
Tom Molbeck
Dimple Navratil
Richard Ruffo
Dr. Steve Ryder
Carmen Warren
Elizabeth Heidorn Executive Director
ROCKETSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MILWAUKEE
STELLAR ELEMENTARY:
2431 S 10th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215
ROCKETSHIP SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY PREP:
3003 W Cleveland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53215
ROCKETSHIP TRANSFORMATION PREP: 5501 N 68th St, Milwaukee, WI 53218
PHONE: (414) 455-3539
WEBSITE: rocketshipschools.org/area/milwaukee
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 120
ANNUAL REVENUE: $15,744,162
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2013
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/RocketshipSchools
X: @RocketshipEd
SERVICE AREA
Rocketship runs tuition-free charter schools serving students in Milwaukee’s low-income communities, using personalized instruction and family partnerships to unlock student potential and expand educational access.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Rocketship is a nonprofit network of public elementary charter schools with a mission to catalyze transformative change in low-income communities that propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents to enable high-quality public schools to thrive. Our vision is to create equal access to opportunity for all.
GOALS
Rocketship works to eliminate Milwaukee’s education achievement gaps, strategically positioning schools in areas with severe shortages of high-quality seats. We predominantly serve students from low-income families, rejecting the belief that where you’re born determines your future. Through personalized learning, strong teacher development, and treating parents as true partners, we aim to support students in achieving more than a year and a half of academic growth annually. We’re exploring adding a fourth school on Milwaukee’s north side, expanding to serve more families in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. We’re proving that with the right approach, every child can unlock their tremendous potential.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Rocketship Wisconsin welcomes family and community volunteers year-round through an open-door policy. Opportunities include reading to students, assisting during lunch and recess, facilitating parent and community events, and participating in facility beautification projects. These are just some examples—additional volunteer roles are available based on school needs and volunteer interests. Contact us to learn more about getting involved.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Rocketship Public Schools Wisconsin hosts various family and community events throughout the year. The main fundraising opportunity is the annual Back to School Soiree held in late September. Additional initiatives include a student toy drive running from October through December and the Cocktails with Kadeem series, featuring our executive director, Dr. Kadeem Ruiz, to help individuals learn more about the Rocketship model and our schools. For information about participating in or supporting these events, contact Uniqua Adams at uadams@rsed.org.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
While public funding covers basic operations, Rocketship Wisconsin relies on donations to support enhanced programming. For example, less than 50% of the funds we spend serving special education students are reimbursed. Contributions help expand our comprehensive student support system by funding curriculum-connected field trips, special education services, additional paraprofessionals, and high-impact tutoring partnerships across all three schools. Donations also support planning efforts to open additional Rocketship schools in partnership with communities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Loren Morris
Quentin Prince
Christie Carrino
Ken Kumer
Skip McGregor
Michael Nguyen
Gisela Terner
Kristen Lozada Morgan
Deborah McGriff
Jennifer Lopez Branshaw
Patrick McGovern
Andrew Haag
Dr. Kadeem Ruiz Executive Director Brian Kilb Board Chair
Eastern Wisconsin
RONALD M C DONALD HOUSE CHARITIES® EASTERN WISCONSIN
ADDRESS: 8948 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
PHONE: (414) 475-5333
WEBSITE: rmhc-easternwi.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 37
ANNUAL REVENUE: $5,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1984
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/RMHCMilwaukee
SERVICE AREA
We serve families with sick or injured children from across the state, the country and around the world seeking medical treatment at area partner hospitals.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Our mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.
GOALS
Our vision is a world where every family has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
RMHC relies on volunteers to keep the House operating! From front desk duties to hospitality, we have a variety of opportunities available at both the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room® on the Oconomowoc campus of Rogers Behavioral Health. We also rely on corporate teams, groups and organizations to help complete projects around the House and prepare healthy snacks and meals for guests.
Join us at one of our annual events: Chefs’ Dinner, Harmonies for Hope, Food & Families Spring Luncheon, Tab Toss Day, Golfing Fore Our Families, Gala, Bubbles & Bags Fashion Show & Luncheon, and Christmas Fantasy House
You can also support our mission through the Adopt a Room Program, giving families the greatest gift during a difficult time – a place to be together.
rmhc-easternwi.org/how-to-help/adopt-a-room
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
RMHC® Eastern Wisconsin relies on generous donors like you! It costs $120 per night for a family to stay, yet we suggest a donation of just $20 per night. No family is ever turned away for their inability to pay.
rmhc-easternwi.org/how-to-help/donate
Ryan Larson McDonald’s
Robert Lehr BMO Bank
Adam Liebl
Badger Liquor
Jamie Logsdon SG2
Cindy Meyer
Rogers Behavioral Health
Stacey Murphy
Stacey Murphy & Associates
Lindsey Pearson
Laura Piotrowski
Cavendish Vernal
Jeff Ripple AbbVie
Jeff Steren
McDonald’s
Matt Sullivan
Northwestern Mutual
Mike Timmers
Kraus-Anderson
Construction
Mark Welle
Schreiber Foods
Gary Zimmerman
Creative Business Interiors
Joshua Carlson Board Chair
Laurie Bertrand President & CEO
RUNNING REBELS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
ADDRESS: 225 W Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212
PHONE: (414) 264-8222
WEBSITE: runningrebels.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 65
ANNUAL REVENUE: $5,925,696
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1980
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/RunningRebels
SERVICE AREA
Running Rebels serves the young people of Milwaukee, WI starting at age 12 and typically up until age 21, but we have no formal age limit.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Running Rebels guides Milwaukee youth into adulthood through mentoring, positive programming, and community connection.
GOALS
• Connect each youth with a compassionate and professional adult mentor
• Create safe out-of-school time environments for Milwaukee’s youth
• Help youth set and achieve their personal and academic goals
• Teach youth how to build quality relationships
• Help youth increase their self-confidence
• Teach youth about all aspects of their personal health and wellness
• Equip youth with the tools for employment and entrepreneurship
• Improve academic performance through tutoring and mentorship
• Provide youth with opportunities to discover and explore their passions
• Connect young people to their community in a meaningful way
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Running Rebels is currently seeking volunteer tutors with an expertise in math.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Each fall, Running Rebels hosts our annual EPIC Evening: a celebration of our legacy and the work we’ve done over the last 45 years to serve Milwaukee’s youth and families.
Guests of this special night will have the chance to meet Rebel youth, hear meaningful stories of our impact, and watch performances from Rebel artists.
To sponsor or support this event, please reach out to: development@runningrebels.org
Thank you so much!
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Donate online anytime via runningrebels.org/donate You can also send a check, made out to Running Rebels, to our 225 W Capitol Dr address.
During the holidays, we also accept new, unwrapped gifts to give away to our young people at our annual holiday party.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brandon Ramey (Board President) ★ Quad Graphics
Nicholas Ramos (Board Vice President) ★ Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Rodney Harris State of WI House of Corrections (Retired)
Tiffany Wynn Ascension Health
Reginald Harvey Housing Authority City of Milwaukee (retired)
Kanini McDaniel BMO
Dawn Barnett Co-Executive Director
Victor Barnett Founder & Executive Director
Running Rebels has been serving Milwaukee’s youth and families since 1980 with positive youth development programming, professional adult mentors, and community connection.
SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
ADDRESS: PO Box 070912, Milwaukee, WI 53207
PHONE: (414) 831-8400
WEBSITE: setoncatholicschools.com
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 500
ANNUAL REVENUE: $45,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2015
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/SetonSchoolsMilwaukee
X: @SetonSchoolsMKE
SERVICE AREA
Seton Catholic Schools serves 3,600 students in 3K –8th grade across 15 schools in Greater Milwaukee.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Seton Catholic Schools is a transformational educational system committed to overcoming academic and social challenges empowering students, families and educators to attain their God-given potential in a Christ-centered environment.
GOALS
Our goal is to prepare all of our students to be academically, socially and spiritually ready for highquality high schools and beyond. Our students are very diverse and 80% of Seton students are economically disadvantaged.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
A gift to Seton Catholic Schools is an investment in highquality, values-based education in Greater Milwaukee.
Our funding priorities are:
• Funding for The Seton Difference Campaign including:
• Making a Seton Education Possible for All Students
• Enhancing Our Catholic Identity and Academic Excellence
• Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent
• Building Communities and Families
• Revitalizing Our School Facilities
• Scholarships for Seton students
• Sponsorship of events
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We have many opportunities to share your gifts of time and talent with our students and schools.
• Tutors, both during the school day and after school
There are many ways to give to Seton Catholic Schools including:
• Corporate sponsorship
• Individual contribution
• In-kind contribution
• Workplace giving
• Planned giving
• Event sponsorship
Brian Couch (ex officio)
William Coleman
Sister Mary Diez, SSSF
Dr. Rachel English
Ed Foy (ex officio)
Timothy Hanley
Mark Hogan
Very Reverend Timothy Kitzke
Jay Mack
Bridie Mooney
Kristine Rappé
Richard Schmidt, Jr.
Thomas Schreibel
Joan Shafer
John Stollenwerk, Jr.
Portia Young
Dr. Kristen Foster Chief Education Officer
Brian Couch President and CEO
• Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
• Catholic East Elementary School
• Mary Queen of Saints Catholic Academy
• Northwest Catholic School
• Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School
• Prince of Peace School
• St. Adalbert School
• St. Catherine Catholic School
• St. Charles Borromeo School
• St. Margaret Mary School
• St. Mary of Czestochowa School
• St. Rafael the Archangel School
• St. Thomas Aquinas Academy
• St. Roman Parish School
• St. Rose of Lima School
SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ADDRESS: 3270 Mitchell Park Dr, Brookfield, WI 53045
PHONE: (262) 781-9520
WEBSITE: wilson-center.com
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
ANNUAL REVENUE: $2,200,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1994
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/wilsoncenter
SERVICE AREA
The Wilson Center is a multidisciplinary nonprofit cultural arts facility serving Southeast Wisconsin. It is situated in a 400-acre park in Waukesha County.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
To be a vibrant destination expanding, inspiring, and delivering a lifetime of arts education and experiences.
GOALS
The goal of the Wilson Center is to be recognized as an essential resource by the regional community (educators, art collaborators, artists, attendees, students), valued for art education and experiences.
Through arts education programs such as Beyond the Classroom, ArtsReach, Arts Camp, and year-round visual art classes and art exhibitions, the Wilson Center promotes lifelong learning for students of all ages and levels of artistic abilities. Through the vibrant outdoor artistic landscape of our Lynn Chappy ArtsPark, the Wilson Center joins nature and art in ways that are designed to educate and inspire our shared community.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We offer volunteer opportunities for both adults and teens through ushering performances and visual arts assistants. Teens can volunteer for our summer arts camps and in the Kids Zone during our Starry Nights summer concerts.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
BIG EVENT GALA - JUNE 2026
The Big Event is an all-inclusive evening featuring entertainment, art experiences, cocktails, dinner on the stage, a voice auction, award presentation, and after dinner entertainment.
GOLF CLASSIC - AUGUST 2026
Join your fellow business and community leaders for a “day of play” at Merrill Hills Golf Club.
LITERARY LUNCH - OCTOBER 2026
This one-of-a-kind event combines performance, education, and community connection. An elegant mid-day program blends shopping, dining, storytelling, and community in support of the Wilson Center’s arts education programs.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Supporting the Wilson Center ensures that a highquality, diverse, visual and performing arts education and entertainment opportunities continue to be accessible to the community. Your gifts help bring performances to our stage, educational opportunities to students, visual arts to the community, maintain our incredible Arts Park, and more.
Christopher M. Foley (Treasurer) ★ P4 Infrastructure
Clare Reardon (Secretary) ★ Milwaukee Health Care Partnership, Retired
Carrie G. Matteson
Women and Girls Fund
Brad Schmieding WE Energies
Vicki Dallmann-Papke ProHealth Care
Christopher Sauvé VJS Construction Services
Dr. Matthew H. Gibson Elmbrook School District, Retired
Bridget Munson Director of Development
Sandy Wysocki Executive Director
INSPIRING A LIFELONG LOVE OF THE ARTS
The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary non-profit cultural arts facility. At the Wilson Center, we broaden community access to the arts. We impact the lives of more than 55,000 people every year, including more than 10,000 students–many of whom are experiencing the arts for the first time. Our mission is to be a vibrant destination expanding, inspiring, and delivering a lifetime of arts education and experiences! When you support the Wilson Center, you become a partner in this work, assuring a future of inspiration and creativity for our community.
STEAM Camp Arts Camp
Art Classes Summer Arts Camp Starry Nights Summer Concert Series
Elmbrook School District
SHARP LITERACY
ADDRESS: 5775 N Glen Park Rd, Ste 202 Milwaukee, WI 53209
PHONE: (414) 410-3200
WEBSITE: sharpliteracy.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 19
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,463,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1996
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/SharpLiteracy
X: @sharp_literacy
LINKEDIN: linkedin.com/company/sharp-literacy
INSTAGRAM: @sharp_literacy
SERVICE AREA
SHARP serves urban elementary students in grades K3 - 5 in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
SHARP partners with educators to foster a love of learning and brighten children’s futures through innovative STEAM-based experiential programs..
GOALS
SHARP provides students from underserved communities with the tools to best set them up for success now and in the future. From the fundamentals of coding to video game design, our re-envisioned curriculum integrates social-emotional learning and STEAM fundamentals with dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities. Continued funding ensures over 8,000 students build essential technical and critical thinking skills.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
SHARP offers volunteer opportunities at events, programs and activities. Volunteers assist with classroom workshops and on educational tours, serve as mentors and evaluators for student competitions and work with students on community art projects.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
There are many ways to support the SHARP mission through our fundraising events: A Novel Event, Unwrapped MKE, and Unwrapped Waukesha. Volunteers, sponsors, and donors contributing unique auction experiences are invited to participate in all events.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
SHARP is 100% privately funded. It is critical that we continue to raise money from varied resources including corporations, foundations, individuals, and events. Donors are encouraged to consider supporting the SHARP mission through traditional gifts as well as: Corporate matching gift programs, transferring of securities, remembering SHARP in your will, making a gift to SHARP in honor or memory of a loved one, making in-kind donations of supplies, gift cards, etc.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Allen
Michael Andrade
George Baumann (Past Chair) ★
Lori Bechthold
Mike Brown
Marybeth Budisch
James Burke
Jennifer Clearwater
Todd Clemens (Treasurer) ★
Norrie Daroga
Schuyler File (Vice Chair) ★
Linda Fischer (Secretary) ★
Thomas Gale
Tom Hecht
Patrick Henderson
Randal Hopper
Dana Johnson
Patrick Johnson
Matthew Katz
Hannah Kitzerow
Jan Lennon
Brittany Lopez Naleid
Dan Meyer
Jim Mueller
Amanda Porterfield
Deborah Roesner
Andrea Schloemer
Omar Shaikh
Meghan Slocum (Chair) ★
Candace Spears
Dean Stier
Nick Sullivan
Jessica Vander Zanden
Shannon West
Johnny Zizzo
Meghan Slocum Board Chair
Ms. Lynda Kohler Welsh President & CEO
for the of the
Whole Health Community Caring
Delivering Game-Changing Impact in Southeast Wisconsin
CareSource is a nonprofit health plan that leads with heart. As part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the people and communities we serve, we’re proud to partner with Marquette University to support Sharp. This season, for every assist made by the Marquette men’s basketball team, CareSource will contribute to its Reading with the Golden Eagles program. By harnessing the power of community partnership, together we’re delivering a game-changing impact on young readers in Wisconsin.
ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL MILWAUKEE
ADDRESS: 1727 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
PHONE: (414) 384-6612
WEBSITE: stanthonymilwaukee.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 200
ANNUAL REVENUE: $19,939,128
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1872
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/StAnthonySchoolMilwaukee
SERVICE AREA
St. Anthony School serves students from preschool through high school across four campuses on Milwaukee’s south side, welcoming families from throughout the greater Milwaukee area.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
St. Anthony School is a K-12 Catholic urban school preparing students for postsecondary success.
GOALS
We believe every child deserves access to a rigorous and equitable education. At St. Anthony School, we form students to be people of faith, lifelong learners, effective communicators, and responsible community members. We set high academic expectations, cultivate classrooms filled with joy and engagement, build meaningful relationships, and ground everything we do in Catholic values.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
St. Anthony School is looking to partner with local colleges and organizations to enrich student development. Opportunities include guest speaking, program sponsorship, athletic coaching, and joining our Advisory Board as a high-level professional committed to education. These collaborations help students acquire essential skills and experiences, fostering their growth and success in society. We are dedicated to expanding opportunities and supporting students to thrive academically and personally.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Annual Golf Outing: May 29, 2026 | Muskego Lakes Country Club
Join us for a fun-filled day of golf, all while supporting opportunities for our student-athletes. Learn more at stanthonymilwaukee.org/golf.
Annual Gala: October 2026 | St. Anthony High School
The annual St. Anthony School Gala celebrates our rich academic tradition and commitment to the future of Catholic education. Learn more at stanthonymilwaukee.org/gala.
Advent Angels Toy Drive: Nov. 2025 | 1727 S. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Donate new toys and winter wear to ensure every kindergarten through fifth-grade student receives a wrapped Christmas gift. To support this heartwarming tradition, visit stanthonymilwaukee.org/adventangels.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
While the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program provides vital support, private K-12 schools like St. Anthony School receive roughly $5,000 less per student than public schools — resulting in a $7 million annual funding gap. Your gift helps bridge that gap, ensuring every child has access to the academic excellence, spiritual formation, and opportunities they deserve.
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Father Fabian Rodas (Pastor) ★
St. Anthony Congregation
Ron San Felippo (President) ★ SFCC, Inc.
Saveon Grenell (Secretary) ★
Buelow, Vetter, Buikema, Olson & Vliet
Ben Bergles
VJS Construction Services
Dr. Gerardo Caballero, MD General Surgery Specialist
Denise Callaway Callaway Communications
Dr. Noemi Prieto, MD Pediatric Specialist
Kathy Smith
Retired, Formerly Legal Aid
Bruce Varick Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Dr. Rosana Mateo President
ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY ACADEMY
ADDRESS: 2607 S 5th St, Milwaukee, WI 53207
PHONE: (414) 810-1380
WEBSITE: augprep.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 330
ANNUAL REVENUE: $35,755,468
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2017
SERVICE AREA
Aug Prep serves nearly 2,400 students from 49 Milwaukee-area zip codes.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Aug Prep’s mission is to provide an exceptional, safe, and holistic K4-12 Christian education that develops our students to be tomorrow’s leaders. Our graduates will be known by their strength of character, courage, intellect, impactful contributions, and faith. We do this work with a deep belief that every child, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status, has the capability to flourish in life and as citizens.
GOALS
Together, Aug Prep’s Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team establish five-year key strategies. Below are the goals that align with those strategies:
• Academics: Provide an exceptional, uninterrupted K4-12 Christian college preparatory education to Milwaukee’s students and families.
• Growth: Expand our buildings and reach to serve 2,700 students by 2026.
• Whole Child: Faith-first development of the whole child — mind, body, and soul.
• Team: Build a world-class mission-driven and mission-aligned team.
• Future: Open doors and our student’s eyes to opportunity and preparation for life and their future.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We warmly welcome volunteers who want to give their time and talents. Whether reading to a classroom, serving as a Senior Portfolio panelist, joining our career fair, sharing your career through our ICAN Career Series, or hosting an Aug Prep intern, there are many meaningful ways to get involved - we look forward to welcoming you into the Aug Prep community. If any of these opportunities interest you, please email eohara@augprep.org.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
• Annual Scholarship Gala: May 7, 2026
• Senior Portfolio Presentations: March 2026
• Golf Outing: July 2026
Our scholarship gala and golf events are great ways to support Aug Prep and enjoy yourself! Senior Portfolios offer a wonderful opportunity to see the impact of an Aug Prep education on a graduating senior. At this event, seniors present their Aug Prep experience and what they hope to accomplish after they graduate to a panel of professionals and receive feedback that will prepare them for their next step toward college and/or future careers.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We cannot do this work alone. The success of our students and the transformation within our community is made possible by the generosity of donors and community partners who believe in their potential. Financial support, through donations, grants, and event sponsorships, ensures our students receive an excellent, faith-filled education that prepares them for life beyond graduation. If you are interested in learning more we would love to connect!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Abby Andrietsch ★
St. Augustine Preparatory Academy
Anna Baritt
Husco Foundation
Steve Baas
Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association
Gregg Bolt
Retired, CHRO Executive
Jennifer Lopez Bradshaw
Independent Consultant
Eric Conley Sentara
Hans Dawson
Lannon Stone Products
Dr. Daniel W. Johnson
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Becky Ramirez Ramirez Family Foundation
Austin Ramirez
Husco
Dr. Kristina Ropella
Marquette University
Cory Savage
Savage Solutions
Julie Tolan
Lauber Community Partners
Brandon Wigley
Bader Philanthropies
Matt Miller School President
Abby Andrietsch CEO
ST. COLETTA OF WISCONSIN
ADDRESS: N4637 County Road Y, Jefferson, WI 53549
PHONE: (920) 674-4330
WEBSITE: stcolettawi.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 405
ANNUAL REVENUE: $25,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1904
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/stcolettawisc
SERVICE AREA
St. Coletta of Wisconsin serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Waukesha and Jefferson Counties and Northern Illinois, offering residential, vocational, and spiritual support.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Inspired by the Franciscan Values of compassion, dignity and respect, we support individuals with diverse and unique abilities to achieve their highest quality of life, personal growth and spiritual awareness.
GOALS
We will carry out our mission and vision to serve our clients with compassion, dignity, and respect through our four pillars:
People: Through improved feedback systems, outreach efforts, and recognition programs, we aim to foster a culture of trust, transparency, and shared purpose across all levels of our organization.
Programs: By expanding health services and affordable recreation, we aim to improve the quality of life for those we serve.
Financial Stewardship: We will ensure our long-term sustainability through careful financial stewardship, diversified revenue streams, and operational efficiency.
Spirituality: Through spiritual formation and mission integration, we will preserve and strengthen the values that define us.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
At St. Coletta, we value and sincerely appreciate every partnership and contribution that we receive. We actively seek sponsors for our family weekend or gala, sponsors for our events and programs, and in-kind donations of new building materials, furniture, and vehicles.
There are funding opportunities to expand programming areas at our three program areas, in Jefferson, New Berlin, and Schaumburg. We are also open to grant opportunities and employer-matched gifts and are always looking to partner with organizations that can provide employment opportunities for those we serve.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brian Lanser (Co-Chair) ★ Retired, Quarles & Brady
Chris Nash (Co-Chair) ★
Century 21 Integrity Group
Chris Jauch (Vice Chair) ★ Crescent Grove Advisors
Kimber Bruhn Vista Care
Graciela Colin-Dealca
Retired, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater –Center for Students with Disability
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• Special Olympics - Bocce Ball, Basketball Team/Skills, Downhill/Cross Country Ski, Track & Field, Aquatics, Bowling, Golf
• Best Buddies - “Friendship Club” with the UWWhitewater Students
• Recreational Activities/Events - Dances, Health & Wellness classes, crafts, cooking, dinners out, museums and more.
During these events volunteers will:
• Provide support to staff during Special Olympic practices and events
• Teach or assist a class
• Provide companionship
• Assist with fundraising events
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Lead the Charge Gala and Auction
• Family Weekend and Picnic
• Program-Specific Donations
• Corporate Sponsorships
• Vehicle Donations
• Life without Limits Endowment
• Legacy Gifts
• Donations through our website
Shelisa Dalton Medical College of Wisconsin
Kelli Jones, Ph.D., RN, CPH
Marquette University College of Nursing
Robert Kern ★
Retired, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
Sr. Julianne Koch, OSF
Marla Michaelis
Retired, Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home
T. Rowand Robinson, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Robert Ross Retired, USDA Forest Products Laboratory
Mary Ann Sullivan (Consultant in Healthcare Information Management)
Michael J. Smith (Executive Management in Logistics)
Sharon Thyne (Retired, Psychotherapist)
Jennifer Stollenwerk (Secretary/Treasurer)
Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi (Liaison to the Board)
Sr. Joanne Schatzlein, OSF
Robin Baker President and CEO
Sherri Whitmer Vice President
Countless giving opportunities arise during the holidays. Make a meaningful difference and support St. Coletta of Wisconsin. Your donation provides vital assistance and crucial support to adults with disabilities, ensuring a life worth living. For over 121 years, St. Coletta has provided invaluable services to our community, upholding the values of compassion, dignity and respect, as the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi instilled.
Residential Housing
We support 232 people in forty St. Colettaoperated homes throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, the Greater Milwaukee Area and Northern Illinois in group home living with supported, intermittent, or 24-hour care for people with disabilities.
Golden Options
A day program to enhance the lives of our senior participants while maintaining their residence in the community. Designed to provide high-quality social, nutritional and daily living services in a supportive and stimulating environment. Respite care and VA Certified.
Achieve
Excel
The Achieve Community Integration Program provides a person-centered approach that will focus on an individual’s strengths and personal development. It offers a safe environment and needs are met in a caring and respectful manner by our compassionate and professional staff.
The Excel Day Program helps to develop life skills to promote independence, responsibility and personal growth. Participants are encouraged to become contributing members of their communities.
ST. FRANCIS CHILDREN’S CENTER
ADDRESS: 6700 N Port Washington Rd Milwaukee, WI 53217
PHONE: (414) 351-0450
WEBSITE: sfcckids.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 85
ANNUAL REVENUE: $5,500,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1968
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/SFCCkids
INSTAGRAM: @sfcc_kids
SERVICE AREA
At St. Francis Children’s Center, our mission is to serve and educate children with and without special needs, enabling them to reach their greatest potential.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
SFCC is a non-profit social services agency that provides support to over 1,300 children each year throughout Milwaukee County. Services include early intervention through the Birth to Three program; coordination of Children’s Long-Term Support services; Early Childhood Education; physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy through our Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Services; and free programming for families at the Family Activity Center.
GOALS
SFCC was founded in 1968 by co-founders Sister Joanne Marie Kleibhan and Mr. Eli Tash as unique center for inclusive education and services for children with special needs to learn alongside their typically developing peers. Over the past 55+ years, the education and services we provide have adapted to meet the needs of our community, and our vision that “all children can learn if we can learn how to teach them” remains strong.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
St. Francis Children’s Center offers fulfilling volunteer opportunities that help contribute to the success of our organization and the children we serve.
Here are some of our current opportunities:
• Classroom Assistants
• Family Activity Center Aide
• Special events
• Maintenance, buildings, and grounds projects
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Patty Roberts (President) ★ Rockwell Automation (retired)
John Halpin (Vice President) ★ Laffey, Leitner & Goode LLC
Kelly Krieg (Treasurer) ★ Direct Supply
Jennifer Mims-Howell (Secretary) ★ Milwaukee Public Schools
Matt DeChamps Deloitte & Touche LLP
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
SFCC hosts a variety of fundraising and special events throughout the year including our two signature events, Pours for a Purpose being held Saturday, May 2, 2026 and our Leading Lights Annual Gala being held Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Interested in more information?
Contact Natoya Jackson at njackson@sfcckids.org.
CLICK the donate button online at sfcckids.org
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• In-Kind Donations
• Employer Matching Gifts
• Gifts of Stock
• Memorials and Tributes
Click the DONATE button online at sfcckid.org or contact Cornelius Holt at cholt@sfcckids.org
Amy Hanneman Northwestern Mutual
Mike Kinney Johnson Controls
Kelly Miller Scribner, Cohen and Company
Matthew Price Foley & Lardner
Sidney Sollazo Rockwell Automation
★
Krissy Washington
Milwaukee Public Schools
Sonja Williams
Wellpoint Care Network
Matthew Wuest
Godfrey & Kahn
Zheng Zhou Northwestern Mutual
Cornelius Holt Director of Development & Marketing
Laura Felix President & CEO
sfcckids.org/donate
Grounded in care and community, we lay the foundation for the building blocks of lifelong learning. All children can learn, if we can learn to teach them.
St. Francis Children’s Center provides education, therapy, and family support to over 1,300 children and their families each year in the Milwaukee area.
OUR PROGRAMS: Birth to Three Early Intervention Psychology Services Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Family Activity Center Early Childhood Education A B C
Children’s LongTerm Support
MISSION
To disciple children for Christ now and for all eternity, and to train them in excellence for their roles in their family, church, community, workplace, and country.
ST. MARCUS SCHOOL
NORTH AVENUE CAMPUS: 2215 N Palmer St, Milwaukee
CENTER STREET CAMPUS: 2669 N Richards St, Milwaukee
KARL J. SCHLUETER CAMPUS: 3129 N 1st St, Milwaukee
PHONE: (414) 562-3163
WEBSITE: stmarcus.org/school
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 225
ANNUAL REVENUE: $17,900,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1875 (joined the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program in 1997)
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/stmarcusschool
SERVICE AREA
Located in Milwaukee’s central city, St. Marcus is expanding to serve over 1,500 K3-8th grade children and their families. Scholars come from 20+ zip codes to learn, live and grow.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
GOALS
Through expansion, partnership, and collaboration, St. Marcus boldly commits to pursuing opportunities that catalyze school reform in the City of Milwaukee and community transformation in the Brewers Hill/Harambee neighborhoods, anchored by three high-quality schools.
St. Marcus will continue to serve as a catalyst, leader, and community anchor through partnerships with organizations with a proven track record of a commitment to excellence, consistent use of best practices, and a reputation for doing whatever it takes.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Support ensures scholars have the resources to find their passion, purpose, and success. By partnering through volunteering, individuals and business partners make a difference in children’s lives, redefining our city’s future.
Volunteers tutor/mentor scholars, serve as reading partners, or serve in the classroom, making a difference in the lives of St. Marcus scholars. Volunteers can also provide financial literacy/budgeting support for parents and serve at the school’s annual benefit gala.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
St. Marcus hosts an Annual Benefit Gala in November. The Gala raises funds for programming, growth, and sustainability. Each year, an army of generous friends, alumni, businesses, foundations, and volunteers unite for a celebration of connection and hope. All proceeds benefit our nationally recognized, urban education program. Various events are held throughout the year, ranging from tours to friend-hosted parties and student-centered celebrations. Looking to awaken your philanthropic passions? Let’s talk soon!
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
St. Marcus’ reputable academics, arts, and athletics programming serves scholars through dedicated staff and collaborative partnerships.
The current voucher amount falls short of the true cost of a 4-star education. Scholar support goes beyond the funding provided through the voucher program. There is approximately a $3,000 per scholar funding gap. This includes all direct education costs, such as first-class teachers, high-quality curriculum, materials, supplies, and 21st-century technology for learning.
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Benjamin Hannemann (President) ★
Jeff Underwood (Vice President) ★
Andrew Lamers (Treasurer) ★
Greg Gerlach (Secretary) ★
Amy Heffelfinger-Miles (School Council Chair)
Mark Ricke (Church Council Chair)
Brenda Jashinsky (Business Council Chair)
Ethan Degner (Community Council Chair)
Gary Evans (Facilities Council Chair)
Leadership Council:
Jim Bauman
John and Sally Bergman
Bill Boelter
Rick Boelter
Katie Brumder
Mike Dowling
Mark and Sally Falci
Ruth Henkle
Jorjio Hopkins
Caroline Jankowski
Mike and Maureen Kasdorf
Robert Kieckhefer
Bob and Chrissie Monday
Mark Smith
Wally Sommer
Joe and Jenifer Tate
Carl Trimble
Kole
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL OF WAUKESHA COUNTY
ADDRESS: 818 W Sunset Dr, Waukesha, WI 53189
PHONE: (262) 544-1850
WEBSITE: stvincentwaukesha.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 160
ANNUAL REVENUE: $10,400,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1954
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/SVDPwaukeshacounty
X: @SVDPWaukesha
INSTAGRAM: @svdpwaukesha
SERVICE AREA
Waukesha County
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships and service to people in need.
GOALS
We are a dedicated community of 500 members, united in our mission to uplift those who reach out for help. Each member is paired in teams, engaging with individuals and families in need of compassion and care. Our approach is rooted in prayerful consideration, ensuring that every act of service, whether providing meals to combat hunger, helping families stay in their homes, or simply offering a listening ear—is delivered with dignity and respect. Guided by the belief that “no act of charity is unknown to the Society,” we continuously seek creative solutions to empower those facing challenges.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are a membership organization of over 20 conferences in Waukesha County. We welcome new members who share our vision for a more just world through service to their local neighbors.
We welcome volunteers:
• At our store locations (ages 16 and up)
• “Getting Ahead” mentors, facilitators or subject experts for our financial training workshops.
• Back-to-school drive during August.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
The “Neighbor Helping Neighbors Golf Outing” in August raises needed funds to provide food, clothing, rent assistance, and homelessness prevention to our Waukesha neighbors. Sponsorships are available.
Donation Drives: Provide critical support to our Waukesha neighbors and help the environment by assisting us in collecting used items by hosting a donation box on your property or running a donation drive in your place of work, school, or place of worship.
• Sponsorship: Getting Ahead and Graduate Program Support financial training and planning for Waukesha neighbors of all walks of life. Getting Ahead is a rigorous sixteen-session curriculum and independent study.
• Life Changing Donation to our Endowment Fund: Gifts to our endowment fund provide life-changing grants to recipients that further education, job training, and health or rehabilitation treatment.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carol Maurer (President) ★
Regge Krueger (Vice-President) ★
Tom Pipines (Spiritual Advisor) ★
Tom Kiefer (Secretary) ★
Mark Ubert (Treasurer) ★
Cesar Bojorquez
Tom Goetter
Deb Rydlewicz
Rod Colburn (Chief Operating Officer) ★
Bob Glowacki Chief Executive Officer
Carol Maurer District Council President
STRYV 365
ADDRESS: 633 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
PHONE: (414) 502-9576
WEBSITE: stryv365.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 40
ANNUAL REVENUE: $2,100,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2019
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/STRYV365
LINKED IN: linkedin.com/company/stryv365
INSTAGRAM: @stryv365
SERVICE AREA
Our program is designed to foster positive childhood relationships, strengthen interpersonal skills, and increase the ability to be resilient during challenging times.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
To equip youth with a resilient mindset through trauma-informed programming in education, athletics, and activities.
GOALS
We STRYV to build resiliency skills through teaching responsible decision-making, self-awareness, selfmanagement, social awareness, and relationship skills. These are universally critical life skills for children and adults alike.
We have a goal to expand into more MPS and Charter Schools.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer opportunities with STRYV365 include assisting in programming, tabling events, and other STRYV365 fundraisers
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Fundraising events with STRYV365 include an annual Symposium, an annual Golf Outing, and an annual Trivia Night.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Giving opportunities with STRYV365 include donations, participating at our events, sponsorships, an annual toy drive, an annual back to school supply drive, and an backpack giveaway.
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Brandon Currie (CEO) ★
Cody Hallowell (Vice President/General Counsel) ★
Aubrey Annan
Quenton Brown
Lauren Holiday
Dr. Deborah Kerr
Larry Krupp
Paul Krupski
Dr. John Meurer
Hill Moua
Cody Hallowell Vice President/General Counsel
Dr. Brandon Currie CEO
TEACH FOR AMERICA
ADDRESS: 700 W Virginia St, Ste 305 Milwaukee, WI 53204
PHONE: (414) 273-1203
WEBSITE: teachforamerica.org/milwaukee
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 7
ANNUAL REVENUE: $2,510,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2009
LINKED IN: linkedin.com/company/tfamke
INSTAGRAM: @tfa_mke
SERVICE AREA
Teach For America Milwaukee corps members teach in schools across Milwaukee. Our alumni continue to lead as teachers, school leaders, nonprofit executives, and innovators across industries including law and medicine.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Find, develop and support extraordinary leaders to transform education and expand opportunity for all children.
GOALS
Teach For America Milwaukee envisions a future where all children receive an excellent education. Since 2009, we have recruited over 580 corps members to teach in Milwaukee classrooms. We provided professional development to 150+ alumni in the past two years. Our “Teacher Pathway Program” engages 140 high school students annually, offering dual-enrollment college credit and exposure to teaching careers. Together, these efforts build a diverse pipeline of educators and leaders committed to transforming education in Milwaukee.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Your financial support fuels our corps member teachers, professional development trainings, and youth programs. You can also advance our mission by introducing us to community and business leaders who care about student opportunity. Consider hosting a gathering at your home or workplace to spark meaningful conversations about education. We welcome the community to visit corps member classrooms or alumni-led schools to see our impact firsthand. Finally, join us at our quarterly Community Gatherings, where we host panel discussions on Milwaukee’s most pressing education topics.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Teach For America Milwaukee offers meaningful ways to support educational excellence. Volunteers can host community conversations, assist with events, or share professional expertise. Your time and talent help connect schools with the community and create opportunities for every child. If you are passionate about transforming education, contact katie.reinhart@teachforamerica.org to explore ways to get involved.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
You can make a difference through a one-time gift, recurring donation, donor-advised fund, employer match, stock transfer, or legacy gift. Every contribution helps develop and support the leaders shaping Milwaukee’s educational future. Visit teachforamerica.org/donate and designate your gift to Milwaukee. Your generosity fuels our mission and ensures a brighter future for students.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Tina Chang
SysLogic, Inc.
Dr. Patricia Hoben
Community Volunteer
Margaret Kelsey
WEC Energy Group
Megan Lancioni
Northwestern Mutual
Jennifer Lopez
Education Consultant
Anthony McHenry
Milwaukee Academy of Science
Cory Nettles
Generation Growth Capital, Inc.
Dan Renouard
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Matthew Simon
BMO
Joe Wilson
Quarles & Brady
Al Young
Johnson Controls
Michael Nguyen Executive Director Greg Wesley Board Chairman
Greg Wesley (Board Chairman) ★
THE FLORENTINE OPERA
ADDRESS: 205 W Highland Ave, Ste 201 Milwaukee, WI 53203
PHONE: (414) 291-5700
WEBSITE: florentineopera.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 13
ANNUAL REVENUE: $3,694,615
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1933
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/FlorentineOpera
SERVICE AREA
Florentine education programs have a special focus on Milwaukee-area schools while mainstage productions serve all of Southeast Wisconsin.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The Florentine Opera Company is driven to produce the full range of operatic works reflecting the highest musical and theatrical standards, and to support community and education programs that foster the current and next generation of opera audiences and practitioners.
GOALS
Florentine education programs have a special focus on Milwaukee-area schools while mainstage productions serve all of Southeast Wisconsin.
• Inspiring deeper relationships with our audience
• Creating a comprehensive experience through ticketing, shows, partners, and hospitality.
• Providing a nurturing environment for staff and artists to live and work in.
• Representing Milwaukee through our programs, vendors, artists, and throughout the company.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Florentine welcomes volunteers for support with our events, smaller performances, administrative work, driving, loaded expertise, and more. We appreciate you spending your time and knowledge in support of our mission. Please contact info@florentineopera.org for more information.
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Adam Arndt (President) ★ Catalyst Construction
Dr. David Paris (Past President and Interim Co-VP Governance) ★ David Paris Dentistry
Wayne Lueders (Secretary) ★ Foley & Lardner LLP
LaShonda Hill (Co-VP Governance and Chair) ★ Reflecting MKE & HR, ABM Industries
Maggie Corry (VP Finance and Treasurer) ★ 88Nine
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Pasta and Puccini - One weekend a year, we gather beneath the stars for a delicious Italian dinner and to listen to some of the best opera in the world. And “That’s Amore!”
Bella Notte - The annual fundraiser that surprises and delights with dazzling spectacle, radiant glamour, and undeniable energy. It’s a night of elegance—with a wink.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
We are always seeking partners to help us continue to bring phenomenal opera to the Milwaukee community, through donations, sponsorships of events or performance in an area school. Donors can also help subsidize tickets for our community circle program. The Florentine Opera’s Community Circle program makes more than 300 tickets available for organizations for every mainstage performance at Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Center to be purchased for only $10!
John Eastberg (VP Development) Community Volunteer
Krista Hansen (VP Marketing & Audience Development) GMR Marketing
In Milwaukee neighborhoods: Lindsay Heights, Clarke Square, Downtown, and Cooper Park. And community partners; Benedict Center, Cathedral Center, Fransican Peacemakers, Sojourner Family Peace Center and Running Rebels.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The Gathering is a Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to providing meals and associated services to those who would otherwise go hungry or without. We respect the dignity and values of every individual we serve and value our voluntees who allow us to serve the community.
GOALS
The goal of The Gathering is to alleviate hunger in our commnity by providing free, nutritious, freshly prepared meals to Milwaukee’s hungry and homeless population. In addition to our free meals we provide services such as housing and food share assistance, Aurora’s mobile medical van, veteran assistance, Community Connect services, hygeine bags, winter hats, coats and glove with the assistance of volunteer groups.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
The Gathering holds 2 major fundraising events annually - our 4th Annual Mardi Gras will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at The Woman’s Club of Wisconsin and our 19th Annual Golf Classic will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Dretzka Golf Course.
On December 2, 2025 we will host our 4th Annual Giving Tuesday Soiree at The Gathering Place BreweryAdditoional information can be found at: thegatheringwis.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join the hundreds of volunteers that help feed Milwaukee’s hungry. Volunteers are the backbone of the Gathering. We are serving hot to go meals and bag lunches daily. We hope you’ll join us in the fight against hunger in our community. We serve breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on location and day of the week! Join our bag lunch crew along with a group of friends or colleaguesprepare bag lunches for our guests.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The Gathering relies on individual, businesses, religious communities, sevices clubs and foundations for the dollars needed to accomplish our mission. Your financial support helps us purchase food and supplies for our meal programs, maintain equipment, fund staff and other necessary day-to-day functions. Supporters can contribute to our mission through monetary donations and/or attending one of our unique and engaging events designed to raise funds and awareness of the hunger crisis in our city.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randy Dean (President) ★
Will Mathee (Vice President) ★
Nicole Hermann (Secretary) ★
Kelli Downs (Treasurer) ★
John HIckey (Past President) ★
Chris Meadows (At Large Executive Committee) ★
Guillermo Gutierrez
Joe Bruno
Shane Morrison
LaTivia Carr
Teneen Rucker
Arva Parker
Mary Thickens
Sherry Walker
Randy Dean Board President
Lyn Hildenbrand Executive Director
FTHE GATHERING
We believe access to healthy food is a human right—not a privilege. Access should not depend on income, race, housing status, job security, neighborhood, age, or mental health. Since 1982, The Gathering has worked to reduce barriers to food access by preparing and serving fresh, nutritious meals throughout Milwaukee neighborhoods— serving nearly 94,000 meals in 2024.
WE UNDERSTAND
WE ACT
That as food, utility, and supply costs rise—the number of guests at our doors will also rise. We have experienced a notable shift in our guest population—from primarily unhoused individuals to working families and individuals who are employed but still unable to make ends meet. Guests often stop by before or after work for a hot meal to go. Children waiting for the school bus pick up specially prepared meal bags. In response, we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our neighbors. We are always working creatively and tirelessly to secure the resources needed to keep plates full and hearts nourished.
Beyond our Community Meal Programs, we address some of the deeper issues contributing to hunger: Offering collaborative onsite guest services; housing, medical, veterans, food share, legal to name but a few. We provide meals for The Benedict Center, The Cathedral Center, Franciscan Peacemakers, Running Rebels, and Sojourner Family Peace Center. We distribute toiletry bags, clothing & bag lunches, we have a Fresh Produce Preservation Program and have a fund to provide job seekers scholarships.
To feed the hungry in mind, body and spirit.
OUR SUCCESS
Community Meal Programs
Breakfast (Mon–Fri), Dinner (Mon & Wed), Lunch (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) served at one or more of four neighborhood sites. All meals are cooked onsite using the freshest ingredients available.
Collaborative Onsite Guest Services
We partner with service providers to support guests with mental health care, medical needs, legal assistance, housing support, veteran services, senior resources, and food benefits.
Meal Outreach
We provide weekday dinners to youth at Running Rebels, and meals to guests at The Benedict Center, The Cathedral Center, Franciscan Peacemakers, and Sojourner Family Peace Center.
• Dinner-to-Go Project
Take-home bag lunches are distributed every Saturday with the help of dedicated volunteer groups. Street Supply Distributions
We distribute to-go meals, toiletries, outerwear, socks, bottled water, blankets, and sleeping bags to those living on the street.
Fresh Produce Preservation Project (FPPP) Since 2009, this seasonal initiative preserves excess donated produce to use in fall and winter meals.
Scholarship Fund
We offer small grants to meal guests to cover the cost of job training, work clothing, and other barriers to employment. THE GATHERING IS A COMMUNITY OF
UNITED PERFORMING ARTS FUND (UPAF)
ADDRESS: 301 W Wisconsin Ave, Ste 600 Milwaukee, WI 53203
PHONE: (414) 273-8723
WEBSITE: upaf.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 16
ANNUAL REVENUE: $9,100,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1967
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/upaf1
SERVICE
AREA
UPAF serves the Southeastern Wisconsin region, encompassing seven-counties: Washington, Waukesha, Walworth, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
UPAF advances the vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin by raising essential funds, providing strategic stewardship and inspiring involvement in the performing arts.
GOALS
UPAF drives impact across Southeastern Wisconsin by funding a broad spectrum of performing arts organizations that entertain, educate, and inspire. By uniting community support, UPAF ensures a vibrant and sustainable cultural life where the performing arts remain accessible to all. Since 1967, UPAF has provided vital funding that allows its 14 Member organizations and Affiliates to focus on what they do best—bringing exceptional performances to life.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
UPAF invites businesses to make a corporate gift and host a Workplace Giving Campaign—a creative way to engage employees while supporting our community. Companies can also explore sponsorship opportunities across UPAF’s Signature Events, including the UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, Visionaries in the Arts, and UPAF Presents. To learn more or give directly to UPAF, visit UPAF.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Borris (Board Chair) ★
Katy Hook (Treasurer) ★
Bill Guc (Secretary) ★
Ryan L. Barbieri
Scott Beightol ★
Steve Booth
Daniel Byrne
Jeff Cady
Shirley Criddle
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
UPAF runs an annual Community Campaign supporting the performing arts across Southeastern Wisconsin. Donors of $150 or more receive a UPAF SMART Card, offering buy one, get one free tickets to performances by UPAF’s 14 Member Organizations plus dozens of discounts at local restaurants. Signature events include UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, Visionaries in the Arts benefiting UPAF Bright Minds, and UPAF Presents, an intimate concert featuring acclaimed performers.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
UPAF welcomes passionate volunteers and advocates to help advance our mission. Get involved by volunteering for the UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, or by serving as a UPAF Cabinet Member to help champion our annual Community Campaign. Your leadership and enthusiasm make a lasting impact on the performing arts across Southeastern Wisconsin. Visit UPAF.org or email info@upaf.org to learn more and get involved.
Kelly Culler
Andrew Flack ★
Dan Gallegos
Dustin Godsey
Darren Goldstein
Valerie Johnson CFP®
C. Greer Jordan, Ph.D.
Juliet Kersten
Daniel (Skip) McConeghy
George Meyer ★
Rebecca Mitich ★ Dr. Jaya Phookan
Ben Rikkers
Amy Schubert
Jennifer Slater
Ray Snisky
Deb Spanic
Tim Stewart ★
Raechell Thuot
Natacha Velez
Judith Williams-Killackey
Gary Witt
Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck President & CEO
UNITED WAY OF GREATER MILWAUKEE & WAUKESHA COUNTY
ADDRESS: 225 W Vine St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
PHONE: (414) 263-8100
WEBSITE: UnitedWayGMWC.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 80
ANNUAL REVENUE: $60,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1909
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/UnitedWayGMWC
SERVICE AREA
Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
& Retiree
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
We unite people to create positive lasting change in our community.
GOALS
United Way has prioritized four Key Initiatives focused on ending family homelessness, reducing barriers to employment and advancement, bridging the digital divide, and supporting teen mental wellness. These initiatives each have a time-bound, community changing goal for our four-county region.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
United Way offers volunteer opportunities for workplaces, groups, families, and individuals. Volunteer projects can include distributing needed technology, kit packing, or running a diaper/supply drive. One of the large volunteer events is Project Homeless Connect, an annual event bringing resources and services together under one roof to best serve those experiencing homelessness. Each year over 400 volunteers assist over 600 guests in Milwaukee and Waukesha
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Each year, caring community members attend special events that support the mission and vision of United Way. Whether it’s a bruncheon, a special shopping night, a technology-focused learning exchange, an awards presentation, or events focused on the annual fundraising campaign, United Way and partners are ready to create lasting change for thousands throughout our community.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Businesses can support United Way by running a workplace campaign, giving a corporate gift, providing a sponsorship, or donating new bulk products. Individuals can make a financial or planned gift. They can also join one of United Way’s Donor Networks including Diversity Leadership Society, Emerging Leaders, LINC, Pride United, Retire United, Technology United, and Women United.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JoAnne Anton
Lindsey Ashenden
Kurt Bechthold ★
Steve Booth ★
Becky Cameron Valcq
Lee Anne N. Conta
Sheldon Cuffie
Coreen Dicus-Johnson ★
P.J. DiStefano ★
Kristin Dufek
Michael R. Evans
Pamela S. Fendt ★
Raquel Filmanowicz ★
Gabrielle Finley-Hazle
John W. Florsheim ★
Becky Frankiewicz
Cristy Garcia-Thomas ★
David Gay ★
Cindy Gnadinger, Ed.D
Linda Gorens-Levey
Kelly H. Grebe
Steve Hannan
Nancy Hernandez ★
Bryan B. House
Mark F. Irgens ★
Daniel W. Jackson
Rodney Jones-Tyson
Craig Jorgensen
Margaret C. Kelsey
John Kissinger ★
Heather Ladage
Scott J. Lauber ★
Donald W. Layden Jr. ★
Nichole Lecher
Matthew S. Levatich ★
Amy Lindner ★
Patrick Lubar
Samantha Maldonado
Derek Meyer
Blake D. Moret ★
Wayne T. Morgan
George R. Oliver ★
John R. Raymond, Sr.
Stephanie Riesch-Knapp
Christopher Rowland
Rachel Schneider
Josh Smith
Judson M. Snyder ★
Kimberly K. Stoll
Judith D. Taylor ★
Mark Wallace
Peggy Williams-Smith
DeVona Wright Cottrell
Katrene Zelenovskiy
George R. Oliver Board Chair
Amy Lindner President & CEO
KEY INITIATIVES
United Way is using collective impact to drive solutions to our community’s problems that are too big for one organization to solve. Give today.
REDUCING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT & ADVANCEMENT
Your donation helps individuals build a stable career by offering job training, education programs, transportation services, and support for justice-impacted individuals.
SAFE & STABLE HOMES
Your donation helps families stay safely in their homes by offering essential housing resources, legal aid assistance, flexible financial support, and school-based housing case management.
TECHQUITY
Your donation helps bridge the digital divide by connecting job seekers, students, and others to computers and digital skills to ensure everyone has the technology and digital literacy to succeed.
TEEN MENTAL WELLNESS: EMPOWERING MINDS
Your donation is an investment in strategies to build comprehensive school mental health systems in high schools, including access to school-based and community-based teen mental health services.
MISSION
We are blood health innovators who enhance lives through discovery, diagnosis and treatment.
Versiti serves communities across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio—connecting donors with patients who need them while pioneering breakthroughs in blood science and medicine.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
GOALS
We ensure every hospital in our five-state region has the blood patients need when they need it. Our researchers pursue scientific breakthroughs that turn today’s blood diseases into tomorrow’s survivable diagnoses. We build a community where every donor knows their gift saves lives, where every patient receives cutting-edge care, and where scientific discovery moves faster because compassion fuels it. Together, we’re conquering blood diseases—one discovery, one donation, one life at a time.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Versiti. They welcome nervous first-time donors, share stories of hope, and bring decades of expertise or simply show up ready to help. Whether you greet donors at blood drives, support fundraising events, share your patient journey, or lend professional skills, you transform fear into courage and good intentions into saved lives. Your presence reminds everyone why this work matters.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Our Illuminate Gala, held each September, celebrates breakthroughs in blood science and honors those who embody our mission. We present the Virginia Brooks Jefferson Award to a volunteer leader whose commitment transforms lives, and the Illuminate Award to a patient whose courage inspires us all. Throughout the year, intimate gatherings deepen connections: Women Rocking Research celebrates female scientists driving discovery. Research and Roses welcomes supporters into our VBRI gardens. The R. Douglas Ziegler Innovative Research Lecture features pioneering minds who push the boundaries of science. Each event strengthens the community that makes lifesaving care possible.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Your gift fuels breakthroughs in blood diseases like leukemia, sickle cell disease, and hemophilia. Our scientists at Versiti Blood Research Institute turn today’s mysteries into tomorrow’s treatments. In 2026, we launch Invest in Hope—a capital campaign to expand VBRI and double our research capacity right here in Milwaukee. More space means more discovery. More discovery means more lives saved in our community and beyond. Join us in building the future of blood medicine.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dixon Benz, II (Chair) ★ Community Volunteer
Kathy Klein (Vice Chair) ★ Strategic Wealth Partners
Jason Dvorak (Secretary) ★ Lohman Technologies
Emery Harlan (Treasurer) ★ MWH Law
Fred Geilfuss, II Versiti Board Chair
Andy Anderson, PhD RWJ Barnabas Health
Guy Crane Community Volunteer
Lisamarie Collins Foley & Lardner LLP
William Crowley Community Volunteer
Chris Miskel Versiti
Abhishek Pulakanti
Baird Asset Management
John Raymond, MD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Johan Segerdahl
Iron Block Holdings
Julia Syburg
Community Volunteer
Ms. Christine Sadowski Chief of Staff and Vice President of Advancement
Mr. Chris Miskel President and CEO
From bench to bedside, we research cures
A TEAM OF PHYSICIANS
caring for patients while conducting groundbreaking research.
33 BEST
IN CLASS
investigators studying cancer, heart disease and more.
1 WORLD-RENOWNED
research institution, right here in Milwaukee.
Learn more and get involved.
VISION FORWARD ASSOCIATION
ADDRESS: 10150 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53227
PHONE: (414) 615-0100
WEBSITE: vision-forward.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 41
ANNUAL REVENUE: $3,466,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1919
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/VisionForwardAssociation
X: @VisionForwardWi
SERVICE AREA
Our team of experts reach 250 zip codes across Wisconsin. Our educational video content has over 215,000 national viewers, along with our store serving customers from across the county.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Empower, educate, and enhance the lives of individuals impacted by vision loss through all of life’s transitions.
GOALS
Vision Forward is committed to:
• Extending our reach across the state of Wisconsin
• Eliminating barriers to care and accessibility
• Raising awareness about vision loss and available resources
• Providing hope and empowerment for individuals and their families.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are found throughout Vision Forward helping to increase our capacity, meet community needs and support our mission. Some of our volunteer opportunities for individuals, student groups and corporate teams include:
• Assisting at our events like; Youth Summer Rainbow Day Camp, Dining in the Dark and children’s family events
• Leading recreational classes
• Providing administrative support
• Offering professional expertise
Learn more about opportunities for you to make a difference today at: vision-forward.org/support-us/volunteer
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
As vision loss continues to rise across all segments of the population, so does the importance of our services. Join us in our mission to provide life-changing services to children, adults and seniors who are blind or visually impaired.
Dining in the Dark – (May 14, 2026)
Dining in the Dark is a unique sensory experience that guides guests as they enjoy a four-course, gourmet meal eaten under blindfold. Diners gain a heightened appreciation of smell, taste, sound and touch while developing a deeper understanding of the impact of vision loss and the value of our services.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Vision Forward is grateful for all our community supporters who help us put our mission into action. We work to empower people of all ages who have been impacted by vision loss. Here’s how you can help:
• Make an individual or corporate donation
• Sponsor an event or project
• Consider a gift through your family foundation or donor advised fund
We provide opportunities for meaningful employment to the blind and visually impaired. Learn more at IBVI .org/careers
IBVI is a proud sponsor of Vision Forward.
WAUKESHA COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION
ADDRESS: 800 Main St, Pewaukee, WI 53072
PHONE: (262) 691-5202
WEBSITE: wctc.edu/foundation
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 3
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,392,410
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1977
INSTAGRAM: @wctcfoundation
SERVICE AREA
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
The Foundation works to advance the College through outreach, advocacy, and community partnerships that strengthen resources and support.
GOALS
WCTC Foundation exists to strengthen the College and enrich the broader community.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
The WCTC Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities through various fundraising initiatives. Throughout the year, the Foundation hosts several pop-up fundraisers that engage the community while jointly coordinating a community appeal to support our mission. The Foundation is excited to lead a $6 million capital campaign for the new WCTC Applied AI Lab.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering with the WCTC Foundation offers a unique opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about access to education and workforce development solutions. Join the Alumni Association, Legacy Council, College Advisory Committees, or Foundation Board, volunteers can play a vital role in shaping initiatives that empower students and strengthen our community.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Scholarships: Support $250,000 in WCTC student scholarships annually to help pay for tuition, books and other school-related expenses.
• Technology and Equipment: Ensure classrooms and equipment are cutting-edge so students can learn in a dynamic environment with the latest technology.
• Capital Campaigns: Enable us to expand and improve campus facilities to better serve our students and community.
• Overall Foundation Support: Provide essential funding for the growth and sustainability of the WCTC Foundation.
LEADERSHIP
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Steve Basilotto
Brady Chuckel ★
Anita Rodriguez Cordero
Nick Dillon
Ryan Healy
Lauren Hess
John Huggett
Heidi Gabriel
Philip L. Kubow
Margo Lehmann
Jan Lennon
Mary Manning ★
Tammy McCormack ★
Sandy McGee ★
Stephanie Ohlfs
Dan Nolde
Dan Wolfgram
Nate Zastrow
The WCTC Foundations serves students, business and industry throughout Waukesha County and beyond.
Robyn Ludtke Executive Director EXECUTIVE
CRUSHING NORMS
CREATING VISIONARIES
WELLPOINT CARE NETWORK
ADDRESS: 8901 W Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53222
PHONE: (414) 463-1880
WEBSITE: wellpointcare.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 316
ANNUAL REVENUE: $37,000,000
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1850
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/wellpointcare
X: @wellpointcare
SERVICE AREA
At Wellpoint Care Network, we’re creating pathways to thriving tomorrows. We provide direct services to more than 7,500 individuals across Wisconsin annually. With your help, we can reach even more.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
MISSION
Our mission is to facilitate learning, healing and wellness by restoring the connections that help children and families thrive. With 175 years of experience, we know that healing takes more than a single service. Our work is grounded in the Five Pillars of Stability: Health, Education, Housing, Employment and Caring Connections. Whether someone is facing crisis or working toward long-term goals, we help them navigate what comes next with compassion and lasting support.
GOALS
Wellpoint Care Network is a national leader in identifying, addressing and healing the impact and effects of trauma on individuals, families and communities. While we’ve evolved our approach and programs over our 175 years serving Milwaukee, our main purpose has always been to help people overcome barriers and thrive. That is why we keep our service areas simple and within a seamless array: from crisis response and stabilization, to ongoing programs to assist in overcoming adversity to prevent future trauma. Learn more about our services at wellpointcare.org/services.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We host regular events to celebrate and support children in our care and their families — from our annual Back to School Bash, Diapers for Dads, holiday parties and more. Volunteers are important in making these events fun and safe. Visit wellpointcare.org/get-involved to learn more. Together, we can create a world where every individual can truly thrive.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
As we celebrate 175 years and continue the transformation of our 18-acre campus, we are working to advance our vision of becoming a community hub that fosters connection, healing and wellness. We are in the midst of a 14-month celebration honoring our 175 years of service and community impact, and invite you to join in on the fun. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about our organization and collaborate as we continue our mission of helping children and families in our community truly thrive. Learn more at wellpointcare.org/175.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Wellpoint Care Network has walked alongside children and families on their journey from adversity to wellness for 175 years. Last year alone, we engaged more than 13,000 individuals across Wisconsin, each with their own story, struggles and strengths. No matter the size, your gift creates lasting change and impact in someone’s life. To support the children, youth, adults and families in our community, please visit wellpointcare.org/donate.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clyde Tinnen (Board Chair) ★ Foley & Lardner LLP
Melanie Maddux (Vice Chair) ★ Rite-Hite
James Madlom (Immediate Past Chair) ★ Mueller Communications
Andrew Rebstock (Treasurer) ★ Johnson Controls
Reggie Newson (Secretary) ★ Wellpoint Care Network
Akel Akel
GE Healthcare
James Burnett
Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office
Andy Fickett Fickett Structural Solutions
Jacqueline Herd-Barber
Community Volunteer
Terri Howard
HGA Architects and Engineers
Robert Landwehr
Community Volunteer
Mary L. McCormick
Rotary Club of Milwaukee
Jack Nelson
Community Volunteer
Monica Nichol
Morgan Stanley
Brian E. Pier
Softeon, Inc.
Paul T. Riedl, Jr.
River Run Computers, Inc.
Chandra Rodgers Associated Bank
John Teevan
Community Volunteer
Clyde Tinnen Board Chair
Reggie Newson President & CEO
Company Ad
For nearly two centuries, Wellpoint Care Network has been creating pathways to thriving tomorrows for Wisconsin children, families and communities.
While we’ve evolved our approach and programs over our 175 years serving Milwaukee, our main purpose has always been to help people overcome barriers and thrive. Learn more about our anniversary and how you can get involved:
WISCONSIN MARITIME MUSEUM
ADDRESS: 75 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220
PHONE: (920) 684-0218
WEBSITE: wisconsinmaritime.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 12
ANNUAL REVENUE: $1,097,341
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1969
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/WIMaritimeMuseum
SERVICE AREA
The WMM welcomes visitors from all across the United States annually, with a large number of visitors from Wisconsin and the Midwest.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Kevin Cullen Executive Director
MISSION
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum connects all people with Wisconsin’s waterways, by engaging and educating the public about the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s maritime history, Wisconsin’s World War II submarines and USS Cobia.
GOALS
The WMM’s goals center on education, preservation, and community connection. The Museum aims to engage people of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits that explore the ecology of the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s maritime history, and naval heritage. It is committed to preserving USS Cobia and its collections for future generations, while honoring the stories of submariners and shipbuilders. By fostering inclusivity, offering accessible programs, and connecting diverse communities, the Museum strengthens pride in maritime heritage. It promotes environmental stewardship of waterways and contributes to regional tourism and economic vitality, ensuring Wisconsin’s maritime legacy remains relevant and impactful for all.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers volunteer opportunities for all ages, interests, and abilities. Volunteers can assist in the museum store, support collections and archives, or help with education programs and tours. Others maintain the USS Cobia, aid with exhibits, assist with marketing, or support community events, such as SubFest. Whether you’re seeking résumé experience, community service, or a way to give back, no experience is required. Join our Volunteer Crew and start your voyage today!
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
• March 28th, 2026 - Birthday Party for USS COBIA 245
• April 25th, 2026 - Biannual Fundraiser
• July 4th, 2026 - Subfest 2026
• September 19th, 2026 - Biannual Fundraiser
• December 5th, 2026 - Christmas Tree Ship Day
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Support the WMM through giving opportunities that make a lasting impact. Choose Unrestricted Gifts to let the Museum meet its most significant needs, or direct support to USS Cobia maintenance and dry dock care. Help inspire future generations through All Hands on Deck education, or preserve history with the Collections and Conservation Fund. Invest in the future with the Wisconsin Maritime Heritage Center or the Endowment Fund, ensuring our maritime legacy for years to come.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeff Sabel (President) ★
Thomas Griesbach (Vice President) ★
Rich Larsen (Treasurer) ★
Mary Ellen Giffels (Secretary) ★
Scott Ferguson
Sam Grage
Daniel Hassemer
Andrew Dunbar (ex officio) City of Manitowoc
Logan Rooney
Dan Schneider
Tom Wright
Jamie Zastrow
Howard Zimmerman
YMCA OF GREATER WAUKESHA COUNTY
ADDRESS: 3610 Michelle Witmer Memorial Dr, Ste 100 New Berlin, WI 53151
PHONE: (262) 330-5199
WEBSITE: gwcymca.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 949
ANNUAL REVENUE: $21,835,416
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1894
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/YMCAofGWC
X: @YMCA_GWC
SERVICE AREA
Greater Waukesha County includes western Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, northwest Racine County, and northeast Walworth County.
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
MISSION
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
GOALS
The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County is committed to ensuring access to life-changing programs for all. With donor support, cancer survivors reclaim strength through LIVESTRONG, children gain confidence in Safety Around Water, and families benefit from affordable out-of-school care. Our new Youth Strong program empowers children diagnosed with cancer to build resilience and healthy habits with their families. By providing vital financial assistance, we remove barriers so every child, adult, and family can belong at the Y. Together with partners and donors, we expand impact, foster community connection, and create opportunities that improve lives today and for generations to come.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Through their service, volunteers play a pivotal role in strengthening our communities and enhancing lives, leaving a lasting impact.
• Serving on Boards and Committees
• Special Events and Fundraising
• Community Outreach
• Youth and Teen Programming
• Health and Wellness
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
Annual Support Campaign Events:
• Festival Foods Turkey Trot
• GWC YMCA Partners Golf Outing
• Mukwonago YMCA Mud Run
• Circle of Impact Sip & Support
• Tri County YMCA Sport Shoot
• Waukesha YMCA Golf Outing
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Annual Support Donations
• Special Events
• Grants
• Stock Gifts
• Employer-Matching Gifts
• Wills and Living Trusts
• IRA Charitable Rollovers
• Endowment Gifts
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Memorial and Tribute Gifts
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Riesh (Chief Volunteer Officer) ★
Gary Sievewright (Vice CVO/Chair of Governance Committee) ★
John Petrie (Immediate Past CVO / Chair of Financial Development Committee) ★
H. Stanley Riffle (Chief Legal Officer/Past CVO) ★
Mark Mirsberger (Treasurer/ Chair of Finance Committee) ★
Jeff Piette (Secretary) ★
Rick Andritsch
Fay Berry
Lisa Brown
Ron Clayton
Verne Cowles
Trent Cummings
Ellen Dizard
Brett Engelking
Darren Horndasch
Ron Jahnke
Rick Kalscheuer
Ryan McCumber
Sherri Mitchell
Scott Naze
Griffin Prochnow
Brian Radloff
Jason Schneider
Rick Swan
Kara Waggoner
Jack Riesch Chief Volunteer Officer
Chris Becker Chief Executive Officer
MISSION
Conserve wildlife and endangered species, educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and support the Milwaukee County Zoo.
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE
ADDRESS: 10005 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
PHONE: (414) 258-2333
WEBSITE: zoosociety.org
TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 79
ANNUAL REVENUE: $13,624,065
YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1910
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/zoopass
X: @zoosocietymke
SERVICE AREA
Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
GOALS
In partnership with the Milwaukee County Zoo, we will align our resources around one overarching goal: to build, cultivate and sustain thriving communities that bring people, wildlife and wild places together – at our Zoo, across Wisconsin and with partners around the world. We will create more inclusive experiences to foster empathy for wildlife, establish ourselves as a hub for community conservation efforts, and step forward as innovators and leaders in animal care and conservation.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
For 50 years, our Zoo Pride volunteers have assisted in a variety of activities at the Zoo and for the Zoological Society. Hundreds of volunteers help with talking to guests about animals, creating enrichment items for the animals, assisting in education programming and much more. We help volunteers find what area of the Zoo works best for them.
FUNDRAISING/EVENTS
• Puttin’ on the Ritz - January
• Hearts & Tails - February
• Zoo Ball - June
• Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament - July
• Snooze at the Zoo - August
• Ride on the Wild Side - September
• Zoo Brew - October
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The Zoological Society raises money to support its mission and the Milwaukee County Zoo through multiple avenues. It secures sponsorships for events, seeks out grant opportunities, endowment gifts and large donations. The Society also raises money through the Zoo Pass program, fundraisers, animal sponsorship and more. We welcome businesses and foundations that want to connect to 1.2 million guests each year to reach out and see how we can work together.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tami Garrison (Chair)
John Kissinger (Vice Chair)
Peggy Kelsey (Secretary)
Jon Sohn (Treasurer)
Derek Tyus (Immediate Past Chair)
Rob Beres
Mark Berkoff
Janette Braverman
Preston Cole
Jon Crowell
Susan Doyle
Jason Fathallah
Sean Finnigan (Associate Board President)
Joe Frohna
Jodi Gibson ★
Maria Gonzalez Knavel
Margaret Harris
Nezih Hasanoglu
Judy Holz Stathas
Emory Ireland
Christine Irgens
Todd Jones
Mark Kass
John Kellerman
Dan Kempken
Joe Kresl
Caroline Krider
Jenna Kunde
Dr. Demond Means
Kat Morrow
Kristin Occhetti
Joe Rock
Chuck Roedel
Barry Sattell
Rick Schmidt
Roger Smith
Tony Staniak
Dave Strelitz
James Ward
Jodi Gibson President & CEO
• American Cancer Society
• American Red Cross
• Association for Corporate Growth
• Association for Women Lawyers
• Association of Corporate Counsel Wisconsin
• Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
• Black Law Students Association - UW Law School
• Boy Scouts of America
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
• Bridge to Brighter
• Camp One Step
• Centro Legal
• Children’s Wisconsin
• Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County
• Courage MKE
• Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
• Downtown Madison, Inc.
• Employ Milwaukee
• First Stage
• Food Pantry of Waukesha County
• Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
• Milwaukee Bucks Foundation
• Milwaukee County War Memorial Center
• Milwaukee Film Festival
• Milwaukee Jewish Federation
• Milwaukee Justice Center
• Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
• Milwaukee Rescue Mission
• Milwaukee Women inc.
• Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association
• National Black Law Students Association - Midwest Region
• Neighborhood House of Milwaukee
• Our Next Generation
• Radio Milwaukee
• Revitalize Milwaukee
• Ronald McDonald Charities
• Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts
• SHARP Literacy
• Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers
• Sojourner Family Peace Center
• Spina Bifida Wisconsin
• Teach for America
• TEMPO Milwaukee
At Reinhart, we believe that doing business in a community carries a responsibility to take an active role in its success. That is why our attorneys and staff contribute their time, talent and resources as volunteers, board members and advisors to a wide range of organizations working to enhance life in the metro Milwaukee area. It is also the reason we contribute financially to a diverse group of local organizations that together deliver a quality of life everyone in our region deserves to enjoy. Each of the organizations we support is committed to making Milwaukee a better place to live, raise families and do business— and we consider ourselves fortunate to be a partner in that effort.
• GPS Education Partners
• Greater Milwaukee Urban League
• Greater Cedarburg Foundation
• Hispanic Law Students Association
• Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee
• Historic Milwaukee
• Hmong American Friendship Association
• Hope Center
• Hunger Task Force
• John Michael Kohler Arts Center
• Journey House
• Journey21
• Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
• La Causa
• Latino Arts
• LeadingAge Wisconsin
• Legal Action of Wisconsin
• Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Life Navigators
• Literacy Services of Wisconsin
• Madison Community Foundation
• Madison Women in IP
• Madison Symphony Orchestra
• Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
• Malaika Early Learning Center
• Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
• Marquette University Black Law Students Association
• Meta House
• Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer
• Milwaukee 7
• Milwaukee Art Museum
• The Cathedral Center
• The Center for Veteran’s Issues
• The Florentine Opera Company
• The Guest House
• The Neighbors’ Place
• Tour of America’s Dairyland
• United Performing Arts Fund
• United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County
• Urbano Hispanic CRE Conference
• Versiti
• Wisconsin Assisted Living Association
• Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers
• Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund
• Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association
• Wisconsin Humane Society
• Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
• Wisconsin Lutheran Children and Family Services
• Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce
• Wisconsin Partnership for Housing Development
• Wisconsin Policy Forum
• Wisconsin Technology Council
• Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras
• Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation
