The fiscal year 2010-2011 marks Wisconsin Community Fund's 28th year of social justice grantmaking in our state. Over these nearly three decades, we have been true to our original purpose, namely: to raise money and give it away to progressive groups that are too new, too small, or too controversial for consideration by mainstream funders.
Over the years, the Fund has experimented with different programs and tools to complement its core strength of social justice grantmaking. It continues to offer services to progressive donors, such as donor advised funds (similar to those offered by community foundations). In this role the Fund often serves as an advisor to donors in search of emerging groups that are challenging social injustice in new and effective ways. This vehicle enables the Fund to leverage its grantmaking resources for maximum effect.
Likewise, the Fund has served as a fiscal sponsor for start-up groups that have yet to obtain their nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service. Its role as grantmaker enables the Fund to refer progressive groups to other foundations for possible funding. Under the heading of technical assistance, the Fund has at times convened nonprofit groups for specialized training in such techniqes as grassroots fundraising and nonprofit advocacy.
Wisconsin Community Fund also has a history of collaborating with other kindred organizations, locally, statewide, and nationally (see the section titled Affiliations for our ongoing collaborators). The social injustices we seek to challenge are far too daunting to tackle alone. The Fund continually strives to take advantage of movement-building opportunities with like-minded organizations.
The fact that you are visiting our web site gives us hope that you will join us and reaffirm your personal commitment to progressive social change in Wisconsin. With your involvement, we can continue to carry out the inherent genius of our founding donors: that harnessing the power of progressive donors and community activists is an effective way to support emerging social change organizations. With your continued support, Wisconsin Community Fund will continue to make “change, not charity” for many years to come!