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.

Donors Forum of Wisconsin Presents:
2012 Essential Skills and Strategies for Grantmakers Series (ESS)


Welcome to Essential Skills & Strategies for Grantmakers (ESS). This professional education series is an unique opportunity for staff and volunteers who are new to the grantmaking work of community, family, independent and corporate foundations, and other grantmaking entities. Although it is designed to serve those with less than two years of experience, many more experienced grantmakers have completed and received certain value from the ESS series. All six sessions in the series share concrete, practical and relevant practices you can employ now in your grantmaking efforts.

Seasoned grantmakers from prominent philanthropic organizations in the region will present the curriculum over lunch at their respective offices. ESS is an opportunity to further develop the craft of grantmaking, network with colleagues and interact with fellow grantmakers in the greater Milwaukee area. Each session will run from 11am-1pm with lunch and materials provided.


Learn more about this unique opportunity!

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


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. 

Become a Member

Eligibility Criteria

2012 Membership Application

Membership Benefits

Upcoming Member Events

2012 Annual Membership Meeting
Date: Thursday, May 17th, 2012
Time:  4:00PM - 5:30PM

Milwaukee Public Schools: STEM Partners Special DFW Member Preview
Date:  Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Time:  9:45AM - 11:45AM

2012 ESS: Session Two -- Making Sound Funding Recommendations
Date:  Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Time:  11:00AM - 1:00PM CST

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