With heavy hearts we share that Erika Sander passed away on March 1, 2025. She was a fierce advocate, dedicated feminist, generous philanthropist, and a cherished friend. Please join us in honoring her legacy by clicking here to read words of rememberance or make a memorial donation.
The crisis for women is real and evolving.
We are determined to address inequities and eliminate barriers.
For nearly forty years we have been a powerful voice boldly challenging the status quo and advocating for gender equity. We are not your average advocates; we are pioneers of change, weaving dreams into reality.
As disruptors for good, we are fearlessly uncompromising in the way we push boundaries and reshape societal norms in our quest to realize a world where every woman, girl, and gender-expansive person thrives authentically and unapologetically.
At the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, compassion meets expertise… and empathy fuels action. As we journey together toward gender equity, every dollar, every voice, and every heart matters. Your support becomes the ripple that transforms lives and illuminates Greater Milwaukee in progress.
What does it mean to belong — and who gets to decide?
Our 2025 WF Community Book Read features Infinite Country by Patricia Engel—a moving novel that explores migration, family, and the resilience of women navigating systems shaped by inequity.
Through this story, we’ll start a conversation where all change begins… with awareness, connection, and a collective willingness to do better.
Join us as we uncover what it means to belong, and how storytelling can inspire understanding, action, and change.
THE
FACTS
SAY IT
BEST
Data shows that, on average, women’s funds move money nine months faster than traditional philanthropic channels.
In Wisconsin, men are 2.5 times more likely to be in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) occupations than women.
Although the number of women in the U.S. Congress has reached an all-time high, more women need those roles. If trends continue at the current rate, women will not hold an equal share of seats until the year 2117. We can’t wait that long…
why our work matters
Just 2%… The latest study from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at IUPUI indicates that only 1.9% of all charitable giving supports organizations for women and girls.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT:
Be an outlaw for change, and let’s weave possibilities
into reality together.
LAUNDRY NIGHT | WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
Day change for May only
Held on the last Monday of each month, these gatherings offer a supportive and welcoming space for open dialogue, shared learning, and collective growth. You leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected in a community of change-makers. If you’re passionate about fostering gender equity, we welcome you. Let’s create change together!
Topics vary and casually unfold into practical insights and strategies to drive progress. Everyone committed to advancing women’s equity is welcome.
recent media
Hear Erin Loos Cutraro on Cream City Dreams Podcast
This week, Meagan from Cream City Dreams Podcast sits down with Erin Loos Cutraro, founder and CEO...
Remembering Bernell Hooker: A WF Presents Title IX Athlete and Advocate
A legend in our community and beyond. Bernell wanted everyone to know women play sports. She was...
Cassandra’s Hidden Gems: Highlighting the ‘Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee’
Listen to this interview between TMJ4's Cassandra McShepard and WF executive director Lisa Attonito.
Author of ‘The Inclusive Language Field Guide’ visits Milwaukee
Click here to view this interview with Steph Connects with Dr. Suzanne Wertheim on TMJ4's "Steph...
Cream City Dreams Podcast
Listen in as our executive director, Lisa Attonito, and Sandy Cunningham, HER Scholarship...
Community Book Read Shout Out
Thank you Meagan Schultz for including the Women's Fund community book read of She Speaks in your...
As we honor the remarkable achievements and resilience of women worldwide, we’re reminded of the profound impact that local women have within their communities. As the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, we stand in solidarity with women everywhere, advocating for their voices to be heard, their talents to be recognized, and their potential to be fully realized.
The WomenStrong organization recently wrote an essay that included: “when local women step up, speak up, and are actually heard, their advice and choices usually turn out to be the best available for the communities they serve.” This sentiment resonates deeply with our mission here at the Women’s Fund. We believe that empowering local women is not only essential but transformative for our communities.
Local women-led organizations are the heartbeat of change, embodying authenticity, resilience, and unparalleled expertise. Their unwavering dedication to creating positive change is evident in every initiative they undertake. Yet, for their impact to reach its fullest potential, a shift in mindset is required from those with resources to spare.
This National Women’s History Month let’s recommit ourselves to supporting and amplifying the voices of local women. Together, let’s foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment, where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and lead.
Empowering local women isn’t just a mission; it’s a movement. Join us.
Warmly,
Lisa Attonito, executive director