Welcome to the Donors Forum of Wisconsin, a professional membership association for grantmakers in Wisconsin. For 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.
 
JUST RELEASED!
Wisconsin State of Philanthropy Report 2009

The 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.

>Access Report

What's New?

Disaster Response: Haiti Earthquake 
The earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince the evening of Tuesday, January 12 has been devastating. Grantmakers who want to contribute to the relief efforts getting underway can access these websites that DFW has put together as reputable resources.
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.
New Resource: Federal Stimulus
To help Wisconsin funders and the nonprofit sector navigate the complexities of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Donors Forum has developed a Federal Stimulus webpage with resources related to the Federal Stimulus Package. As more details become available, we will post updated information.
Donors Forum of Wisconsin 2009 Mid-Year Report

In 2009 the Donors Forum of Wisconsin has focused on helping its members and the greater grantmaking community to respond to the current economy by convening the philanthropic community to explore new grantmaking strategies and to seek increased efficiency and effectiveness in grantmaking. This mid-year report highlights the work of DFW thus far.
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!
The Changing Economy
New Resources Added!
DFW recognizes the fundamental challenges of the changing economy. It is crucial to consider the economy's effect on philanthropy and broadly factor in many strategies to your response.

To help support you in this endeavor, the Donors Forum of Wisconsin has compiled several resources to advance the dialogue and help grantmakers adapt to the changing economic environment.
Snapshots of Philanthropy Series
A series of 30 profiles offers 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.  
Report Released: The Impact of Giving Together
Giving Circles have emerged over the last decade as a growing and significant philanthropic trend among donors of all wealth levels and backgrounds. A new report finds that donors in giving circles give more, give more strategically, and are more engaged in their local communities. They also are having more of an impact on donors and their communities during these challenging economic times.

Guiding Principles and Effective Practice Options
A concise resource for Wisconsin grantmakers

Donors Forum of Wisconsin presents Guiding Principles and Effective Practice Options, a concise resource for Wisconsin grantmakers. This booklet was developed by DFW's In the Public Trust Taskforce, comprised of corporate, family and independent foundations. 

The membership took great care to ensure that the contents of this document are both informative and inclusive. The Donors Forum believes the principles and practice options are useful tools and guides for all grantmakers. The intent of this booklet is to help grantmakers become more successful in fulfilling their missions. To view the recently published resource click here or click on the image.

Transfer of Wealth in Wisconsin

$687 Billion to Change Hands in Wisconsin 

More than $687 billion will move from one Wisconsin generation to the next by 2050, with $105 billion changing hands before 2010. Those are the findings from the Transfer of Wealth in Wisconsin study, commissioned by Wisconsin’s Certified Community Foundations. The research, conducted by the Nebraska Community Foundation/Nebraska Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, provides a county-by-county analysis of the wealth transfer. >Learn More
Upcoming Member Events

Teleconference: The Power of Sabbaticals
Date: February 11
Time: 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.

Webcast: A Look inside HUD’s FY 2011 Budget for Foundation Partners
Date: February 10
Time: Noon - 2:30 p.m.

NE Wisconsin Funders: Lunch with the DFW Board of Directors
Date: March 4
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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

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

Nonprofit Community Events

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

Press Releases

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

2009 Wisconsin Good Grant Award Recipients Announced
09/09/2009

Donors Forum of Wisconsin Honors Joseph J. Zilber with the Wisconsin Philanthropic Leadership Award
Philanthropist to be recognized for inspiring neighborhood revitalization
08/07/2009

Wisconsin State of Philanthropy Report Released

05/14/2009

DFW In the News

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

Economy has charities worried, report card shows

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
09/19/2009

Milwaukee Foundation Leader Retiring
Assets quadruple during Jansson's tenure
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
09/16/2009

Donors Forum Honors Crisis Resource Center
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
09/10/2009

Recession Forcing Foundations to Shift Focus
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
07/24/2009

New Law Lets Nonprofits Tap Into Their Endowments
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
07/22/2009

Philanthropist Andy Fleckenstein is trying to stretch his foundation's dollars
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
06/30/2009

Charity A-List Events Still a Draw
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
06/12/2009

Recession Could Change Milwaukee Arts
Lack of Donations Forces Cuts
WISN.com
06/07/2009

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