Nonprofit Spotlight: Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee

Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee
316 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 215, Milwaukee
414-290-7350  |  womensfundmke.org
Facebook: facebook.com/womensfundmke Twitter: @womensfundmke

Year founded: 1986

Mission statement: To activate philanthropy that advances equity for women.

Primary focus of your nonprofit organization: We convene the community around interesting and important issues that impact women, award HER Scholarships to women who are non-traditional college students age 35 or older, and provide essential funding to area nonprofits focused on core system barriers.

Other focuses of your nonprofit organization: The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee guiding principles are:

  • Inclusion: Empowerment of women.
  • Leadership: Develop and support women leaders.
  • Equity: Economic, social and political equality in all women’s lives.
  • Sustainability: Grow the endowment; maintain a responsible business structure that protects our assets and maximizes the use of funds.

Number of employees at this location: Three

Key donors: American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Associated Bank, Susan Engeleiter, Johnson Controls, Donna Kleczka, Nancy Peterson, Julie Ragland and Sterling F. Strause Revocable Trust

Executive leadership: Lisa Attonito, executive director

Board of directors: Julie Ragland, chair; Donna Kleczka, secretary; Deborah Roesner, treasurer; Erika Sander, chair, Grants Advisory Committee; Kareeda Chones-Aguam; Sandy Cunningham; Barbara Drake; Heidi Furlong; Julie Gorens-Winston; Chris Grota; Melissa McCord; Carla Muñoz; Kat Ramirez; Sheila Reynolds; Cathy Seasholes; Monica Shah-Davidson; Marilka Velez; Jerri Washington.

Is your organization actively seeking board members for the upcoming term? Yes.

What roles are you looking to fill? We are seeking directors willing to help to grow the Women’s Fund endowment, engage others, and actively participate in organizational leadership.

Ways the business community can help your nonprofit: The easiest way for the business sector to get involved is to host and/or sponsor Women’s Fund events. We convene the community around interesting and important issues that impact women responding to events/news as it evolves. We work closely with our sponsors regarding date, location, topic, event experience, etc. and are regularly seeking event partners.

Key fundraising event: Women’s Fund Presents, held annually in the fall.

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