Friends of the Domes
P.O. Box 1632, Milwaukee, WI 53201
414-257-5608 | MilwaukeeDomes.org
Facebook: facebook.com/themilwaukeedomes
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/friends-of-the-domes-inc
Instagram: @milwaukeedomes
Year founded: 1989
Mission statement: The mission of Friends of the Domes is to provide inspirational experiences that restore connections to nature and community in a one-of-a-kind horticultural oasis at the heart of Milwaukee.
Primary focus: Education and conservation within a botanical garden and museum setting.
Other focuses: Community health, cultural programming and environmental stewardship.
Number of employees: 7 full time, 14 part time
Key donors: Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Molson Coors, Union Pacific, Jerome J. & Dorothy H. Holz Family Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Dr. John Thomas, The Patterson Law Firm LLC, Kohl’s Corp., Nonprofit Management Fund, Estate of Ann Kesting
Executive leadership: Christa Beall Diefenbach, executive director
Board of directors: Beverly Smiley, president; Tom Mortensen, vice president; Margaret Wittig, secretary; Andy Holman, treasurer; members Alex Chou, Pat Habanek, Michael Haeberle, Jenne Hohn, Falamak Nourzad, Mike Roemer, Marianne Schmid, Yollande Tchouapi, Karen Von Rueden, Ellen Wilkinson, Christa Beall Diefenbach (ex-officio)
Is the organization actively seeking board members for the upcoming term? Yes, up to 25 board members
What roles is it looking to fill? Accounting and financial management; senior corporate leaders; DEI/accessibility; legal/compliance; urban planning; south side Milwaukee leaders
Ways the business community can help: Sponsorships for events, in-kind donations, corporate memberships and gift memberships to staff, volunteering and partnerships to enhance community engagement.
Key fundraising events:
A Night in Bloom Gala – February 22, 2025
Art in the Green – April 26-27, 2025
