Women Investing in a Stronger Milwaukee
The Foundation invests in education opportunity health social services the arts community Milwaukee's future through member-led philanthropy.
The Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation supports Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations advancing education, health, social services, arts, culture, and community well-being. Through member-led grantmaking and more than $1.5 million awarded to local nonprofits, the Foundation continues WCW’s long tradition of turning service into meaningful community impact.
Determination for a Better Future
A Legacy of Service
The women who founded the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin in 1876 were determined to improve the young city growing around them.
Their commitment extended beyond the walls of the Club. They supported education, health, culture, civic progress, and neighbors facing hardship. As Milwaukee’s needs changed, WCW members continued finding practical ways to respond.
The Woman’s Club Foundation was established in 1957 to strengthen that philanthropic work and provide a way for members to make tax-deductible contributions in support of charitable activities.
Today, the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation carries that legacy forward by awarding grants to Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations, including educational institutions, health and social service organizations, community initiatives, and performing arts groups.
Our Mission
The mission of the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation is to strengthen the greater Milwaukee community through thoughtful philanthropy, member engagement, and grants supporting organizations that improve lives through education, health, social services, arts, culture, and community development.
Member-Led. Community-Focused.
Grant Allocations
The Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation’s Grant Allocation process gives WCW members an active role in learning about local needs and directing support where it can make a meaningful difference.
Nonprofit organizations applying for a grant are sponsored by WCW members. Members of the Grant Allocation Committee review applications, conduct site visits, learn directly from organizational leaders, and present their findings to the committee for consideration.
Selected organizations are invited to the annual Foundation Day Grant Allocation Luncheon, where recipients receive their awards and share their missions, goals, and community impact with WCW members.
This thoughtful process helps the Foundation build stronger relationships with Milwaukee nonprofits while giving members a deeper understanding of the organizations serving their community.
For generations, WCW members have combined generosity with careful community involvement.
The Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to local nonprofit organizations serving Milwaukee and surrounding communities.
Each grant represents more than financial support. It reflects a relationship between WCW members and organizations working directly within the community.
Foundation Day Grant Allocation Luncheon
Each year, the Foundation Day Grant Allocation Luncheon brings members and nonprofit leaders together to celebrate service, generosity, and community impact.
On March 20, 2025, the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation awarded $58,000 in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations selected by the 2024–2025 Grant Allocation Committee.
The luncheon gives grant recipients an opportunity to share with attendees the people they serve, the challenges they address, and the work made possible by community support.
2025 Grant Recipients
The Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation was honored to support:
- After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
- Artists Working in Education
- Arts @ Large, Inc.
- Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement
- Bereaved Together
- College Endowment Association
- Community Projects for Seniors
- Dominican Center for Women, Inc.
- Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum
- Forward Scholars
- Foundations for Freedom, Inc.
- Gift of Adoption Wisconsin
- GiGi’s Playhouse
- Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
- Life Navigators
- MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary
- Milwaukee Community Service Corps
- Milwaukee Jazz Institute
- Milwaukee Parks Foundation
- Present Music
- Sculpture Milwaukee
- SecureFutures Foundation
- The Women’s Center
Commitment to the Community
WCW members are motivated by the social, professional, intellectual, and philanthropic interests of Milwaukee’s women.
Through the Foundation, that commitment reaches well beyond the Club. Members contribute their time, knowledge, financial support, and personal involvement to organizations addressing the changing needs of the greater Milwaukee area.
The causes may evolve. The commitment remains.
Friendship. Learning. Service.
Help Carry the Impact Forward
The Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation continues because generations of women choose to invest in their communities.
Support the Foundation, participate in the grant process, or learn how WCW membership creates opportunities to serve Milwaukee with purpose.
