W
elcome
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.

In the News...

Donors Forum of Wisconsin President & CEO, Deborah Fugenschuh, was recently cited by the Business Journal in an article focusing on philanthropy.  In particular, this publication explored the role that philanthropy can and does play as a vital job creator.  Workforce development remains a key priority for many funders with broad implications for an economic recovery and the success of current and future employers.  The article highlights the need for effective public-private partnerships and affirms DFW's commitment to being a resource for Wisconsin in building such relations through our programming, affinity groups and PolicyWorks initiative. Along with Ms. Fugenschuh, DFW members also cited in this article: Dan Bader, Helen Bader Foundation; and, Kathryn Dunn, Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

Philanthropy Quick Facts

New data available for FY2010 (compiled Fall 2011) suggests that Wisconsin’s philanthropic community began to slightly recover from the recent economic downturn.  Though Wisconsin’s nonprofit sector continues to face significant challenges as it serves greater demand with lower available funding, philanthropy’s rebound is a bright spot on the state’s difficult fiscal landscape and imperative for its overall recovery.     

 A quick snapshot of Wisconsin philanthropy:

  • 1,324 active foundations (67 new foundations)
  • Assets rose to $6.3 billion, an increase of 11%
  • Grants Paid fell less than expected to $458 million, a decrease of 3%

 From Marquette University’s Funding Information Center (FIC), 2011


Highlights from DFW's 2011 Statewide Conference on Philanthropy

View our latest publication:  Wisconsin Gives 2011

The Donors Forum of Wisconsin board and staff are proud to present to you the 2011 Wisconsin Gives report. This publication includes an overview of grantmaking in Wisconsin, providing benchmarks for grantmakers and information for the state’s nonprofit sector. New to the report is a review of the connection between philanthropy and government.  The emerging partnerships between business, government and philanthropy will be the lead focus of DFW’s research and work in the coming years. 

Additionally, this year’s report captures emerging trends in foundation giving, areas of funding interest, a listing of leading foundations by grants paid, and the social and economic impact of the state’s charitable sector. The report provides a first glimpse at the effects of the economic downturn on foundations and their giving. 


Donors Forum of Wisconsin's  Day in Madison

Donors Forum of Wisconsin's first Day in Madison event was a tremendous success.  A sincere thank you to our Policy Works Committee (PWC) members, guest speakers, state cabinet officials, and our wonderfully engaged audience for helping us promote dialogue between the state’s philanthropic community and government officials.  This event would not have had the impact it did without the efforts of Michael Grebe, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation; Susan Lloyd, Zilber Family Foundation and PWC Co-Chair; and, Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation and PWC Co-Chair.


Please visit DFW's Policy Works Initiative web page to learn more about the effort, and check back frequently for updates and additional materials.


Let's Connect!
 
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Become a Member

Eligibility Criteria

2012 Membership Application

Membership Benefits

Upcoming Member Events

Corporate Giving Reception & Trends Presentation
Date:  Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Time:  4:30PM - 6:00PM

Corporate Workshop and Program: Maximizing Corporate Community Investments
Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7-8th, 2012
Times:  See registration page

NCFP Teleconference: Creating Your Giving Identity: Tools and Tips for Next Gen Philanthropists
Date: Thursday, February 9th, 2012
Time: 11:00AM - 12:30PM

Webinar: A Funders Toolkit: Building Grantees’ Technology Knowledge
Date:  Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 
Time: 12:00PM - 1:00PM CST

Webinar: Improving Internal Practices in Philanthropy
Date:  Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
Time:  1:00PM - 2:30PM CST

Roundtable & Retreat: Wisconsin Community Foundation Leadership
Dates: Thursday, March 8 and Friday, March 9
Location: Wausau, WI

Foundations on the Hill 2012
Dates: March 21-22nd, 2012
Time:  TBD

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