BizTimes Media presents the 10th annual awards program to salute southeastern Wisconsin’s best corporate citizens and most effective nonprofit organizations on November 2, 2023. The awards shine a light on excellence in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.

Join BizTimes Media in recognizing the region’s top nonprofits and corporate citizens at the 2023 Nonprofit Excellence Awards.

These nonprofits and corporate citizens go above and beyond to create a lasting impact in the lives of those they serve and have truly made a difference in our community. You will be inspired by thought-provoking and heartfelt acceptance speeches from influential figures who have dedicated their lives to social change and community development.

The excitement doesn’t end with the awards ceremony; it continues with an exclusive networking and cocktail reception. We invite you to stay and mingle with the finalists, honorees, and fellow community leaders in an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.

Lifetime Achievement Award: This award is given to a philanthropic member of the southeastern Wisconsin business community who for many years has provided significant support (financial or otherwise) for area nonprofit organizations.

• Ellen and Joe Checota

Corporate Citizen of the Year: This award is given to a for-profit organization in recognition of its impact to a single or multiple nonprofit organizations through financial contributions collective efforts to promote, encourage and organize fundraising efforts and company-sponsored programs and/or events engaging employees to participate in volunteerism.

• Ellenbecker Investment Group
• Kesslers Diamonds
• WINNER: MLG Capital

Corporate Volunteer of the Year: This award is given to a for-profit non-executive volunteer who demonstrates outstanding dedication to a nonprofit or multiple nonprofit organizations. Active volunteerism can be ongoing or linked to a specific single project or cause.

• WINNER: Heather Deaton, Ellenbecker Investment Group
• Lauren Hess, Associated Bank
• Jim Mueller, Brown & Brown

In-Kind Supporter: This award is given to a professional or company that provides in-kind support to single or multiple nonprofit organizations through any type of non-financial contributions.

• Associated Bank
• WINNER: BVK
• Wisconsin Center District

Next Generation Leadership: This award is given to for-profit, (under 40 year-old) executive who demonstrates leadership and significant contributions to single or multiple nonprofit organizations through active leadership on a board and/or strategic management/guidance.

• WINNER: Patrick Lubar, Ixonia Bank
• Brandon Ramey, Quad MKE
• Stacy Scheffer, Charter Steel

Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year: This award recognizes a collaborative project that encompasses developed collaborative relationships with other nonprofit organizations engagement of multiple stakeholders within the community being served and innovation in approaching a community problem or issue and have leveraged these relationships to make and even more meaningful impact in the community. Note: since this award recognizes a project that may involve multiple organizations or individuals, it may be “awarded” to more than one part of the project in recognition of their contributions.

• ArtWorks for Milwaukee
• Curative Care Network
• WINNER: Milwaukee County Historical Society

Nonprofit Executive of the Year: This award is given to a nonprofit leader who demonstrates vision and innovation in advancing the mission of the nonprofit extensive involvement in a nonprofit and/or creativity in bringing new resources and opportunities to the nonprofit.

• WINNER: Kenneth Ginlack, Serenity Inns
• Charlotte John-Gomez, Siebert Lutheran Foundation
• Dawn Nuoffer, Down Syndrome Assoc. of Wisconsin
• Miryam Rosenzweig, Milwaukee Jewish Federation

Nonprofit Organization of the Year: This award is given to a nonprofit organization (not an individual) in recognition for creativity and innovation in building a sustainable organization excellence in teamwork and an outstanding dedication to the organization’s mission in the community organizational excellence in management and operations. Large (operating budget $3M and above)

• Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
• Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
• WINNER: United Community Center

Small (operating budget under $3M)

• Literacy Services of Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Community Sailing Center
• WINNER: Project RETURN
• Waukesha Civic Theater

Social Enterprise: This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that demonstrates creative application of the principles of social enterprise in the operation and funding of the organization.

• Sherman Phoenix Foundation

Interested in sponsoring an event? To reap the benefits of the ultimate in-person marketing opportunity contact Linda Crawford, Director of Sales, to discuss opportunities. Event sponsorships are limited.

• 2022 Nonprofit Excellence Awards
• 2021 Nonprofit Excellence Awards
• 2020 Nonprofit Excellence Awards
• 2019 Nonprofit Excellence Awards
• 2018 Nonprofit Excellence Awards
• 2017 Nonprofit Excellence Awards
• 2016 Nonprofit Excellence Awards
• 2015 Nonprofit Excellence Awards
• 2014 Nonprofit Excellence Awards