Welcome to the Donors Forum of Wisconsin, a professional membership association for grantmakers in Wisconsin. For over 30 years, the Donors Forum has been Wisconsin’s premier resource for philanthropy.

We create opportunities for the exchange of ideas and information, disseminate current nonprofit sector trends and research, foster relationships between service providers and funders, build partnerships within and outside the sector, and advance the growth and enhancement of stewardship of philanthropic resources for the betterment of all Wisconsin residents.

We welcome you to explore our dynamic website of resources, connections and time saving tips that will allow you to design your own approach to your charitable giving and find out how membership in the Donors Forum network can help strengthen the impact and effectiveness of your foundation or giving program.
New Tool for DFW Members
 
Philanthropy In/Sight is an interactive mapping tool designed for grantmakers to see the impact of philanthropy around the world. Combining the Foundation Center’s rich data on grantmakers and their grants with Google maps this new tool helps grantmakers create maps that show where philanthropy has made an impact and where the need for funding is greatest. DFW has partnered with the Foundation Center to provide FREE access to members through September 2010 to Philanthropy In/Sight. Note you MUST be a DFW member and log into the 'Member Login' area to access this benefit.
DFW Celebrates International Corporate Philanthropy Day
 
On February 22, 2010, the corporate giving community will celebrate International Corporate Philanthropy Day (ICPD), building awareness of corporate-community partnerships and inspiring businesses around the world to engage further in philanthropy. Read message from DFW President Deborah Fugenschuh, recognizing the work of Wisconsin corporate givers.
Haiti Disaster Relief
 

The earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince the evening of Tuesday, January 12 has been devastating. In the wake of the massive Haitian earthquake, donors have shown an unprecedented level of support for relief efforts. Visit our Haiti disaster grantmaking webpage for resources to help your foundation mobilize and play a part in the recovery.

View the Latest Snapshot of Philanthropy

Foundation's Legacy Grants Help Preserve Environment
It was renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold's land ethic, developed on Wisconsin soil, that inspired the establishment of Sand County Foundation in 1965. Three of his protégées witnessed encroaching development around Leopold's family farm along the Wisconsin River. This motivated them to create a living tribute to Leopold's writings and conservation work, now known as the Leopold Memorial Reserve, where they would begin restoration, conduct research and inform others in order to conserve the private lands as an integral unit. The Foundation has now grown to where it applies Leopold's philosophy, internationally, to the land and to the sea.

Snapshots of Philanthropy offer a glimpse into the many ways grantmakers are making a difference in communities through starting, expanding, sustaining, or partnering with critical initiatives and organizations. The Snapshots highlight the important role of philanthropy and its impact on our community, with an emphasis on the good work of our member foundations and corporate giving programs.  
Voices from the Milwaukee Area Nonprofit Sector
 

When the economic recession hit in 2008, the Donors Forum of Wisconsin convened its membership to discuss how grantmakers were being affected by the economic crisis and the broader implications for the social sector.

Based on the oucome of these meetings, DFW designed and facilitated a series of listening sessions in March 2009 for funders and nonprofit leaders to share strategies and concerns regarding how to ensure that resources and services are available to meet community needs.
Wisconsin State of Philanthropy Report 2009
 

Donors Forum of Wisconsin has released the first-ever Wisconsin State of Philanthropy Report highlighting the changes in the state's philanthropic landscape.

The report provides a detailed looked at grantmaking in Wisconsin as well as a deeper look into how philanthropy is practiced in the state. The report on giving will enhance grantmakers' ability to tell their giving stories, highlights the impact of Wisconsin's grantmaking community, and accurately depicts the scope, diversity, and depth of Wisconsin philanthropy.
Let's Connect!
 
Become a fan of DFW's page and we'll keep you updated on the events as well as website additions, members in the news, legislative alerts and other DFW news. Find DFW on Facebook!

DFW has a group on Linked In. stay informed and keep in touch with members who share your interests. Link to DFW on LinkedIn!


Stay connected with DFW on Twitter through the exchange of quick, frequent answers. Follow DFW on Twitter! 
Upcoming Member Events

NCFP Teleconference: The Right Ways to Handle Conflicts of Interest
Date: Thursday, March 11
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Foundations on the Hill 2010
Date: March 16-17
Location: Washington D.C.

NCFP Teleconference: Travel Philanthropy: Getting the Most Out of 'In-the-Field' Experiences
Date: Thursday, April 8
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Cardinal Stritch’s Helen Bader Lecture Series Presents Emmett D. Carson
Date: Thursday, April 15
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: University Club of Milwaukee

Environmental Roundtable - Water Sustainability: What’s on the Horizon?
Date: Friday, April 23
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Great Lakes WATER Institute

Project Streamline Webinar
Date: Tuesday, April 27
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: DFW Office

Forces for Good: Creating High-Impact Organizations
Date: Wednesday, May 12
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: J.J. Keller & Associates

DFW Annual Meeting of the Members
Date: Thursday, May 13
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Bacchus

Project Streamline Workshop
Date: Tuesday, May 18
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Helen Bader Foundation

Quality of Life Program
Date: Tuesday, May 25
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Nonprofit Community Events

Cardinal Stritch’s Helen Bader Lecture Series Presents Emmett D. Carson
Date: Thursday, April 15
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: University Club of Milwaukee

Forces for Good: Creating High-Impact Organizations
Date: Wednesday, May 12
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: J.J. Keller & Associates

Press Releases

Donors Forum of Wisconsin Members receive national recognition
Six Companies named to list by Corporate Responsibility Officer and Fortune Magazines
03/04/2010

Donors Forum of Wisconsin Welcomes New Board Member
David Pamperin, President and CEO, Greater Green Bay Community Foundation
03/03/2010

Philanthropic Spirit Alive and Well Within Wisconsin Corporations
02/22/2010

Celebrate Charitable Giving During Community Foundation Week November 12-18
Wisconsin's Community Foundation Leaders Visit Lawmakers at the State Capitol
11/12/2009 

DFW In the News

Grant pushes Keller family philanthropy over $25 million mark
The Post Crescent
02/24/2010

Most Nonprofits Not 'Fiscally Healthy'
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
09/21/2009

Contact: 414.270.1978 • 759 N. Milwaukee Street, Ste. 515 • Milwaukee, WI 53202