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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.
Join the movement:
Be an outlaw for change, and let’s weave possibilities into reality together.
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.
WF Imagining the Possibilities with Saint Paul City Council
For the first time ever, the Saint Paul City Council is all women—a historic milestone worth celebrating! Join us for a special Community Talk Back event where we’ll dive into the ins and outs of campaign financing, co-campaign strategies, and how these trailblazing women are using a gender lens to meet the needs of their constituents and shape the future of our city.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with Saint Paul City Council members, Milwaukee’s First Lady Dominique Johnson, and Milwaukee Common Council members. RSVP now to be part of the conversation!
recent media
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...
Preserving a City
WF executive director Lisa Attonito shares insights in an interview with the Milwaukee...
Starla Thompson, WF Board Director featured in Milwaukee Magazine
This is exciting! We are relaunching our brand and are thrilled to share our journey with you.
For nearly four decades, we have been advancing equity for women…by providing scholarship dollars, making grants, and convening community around important issues that impact women.
Today, we have incredible resolve to mobilize and foster unity. In an effort to strengthen interest and expand our impact, we reveal a new logo, refreshed colors, and messaging that resonates more authentically. We demonstrate our commitment to creating ripples of change with new WF Flash Grants, a collaboration with Lela, and another Women’s Fund Presents event.
The journey started months ago with intimate conversations with several stakeholders. Then we implemented a broad community survey. We asked what you wanted our focus to be, what is most important to you as a donor, and what is missing from our work.
You answered and we incorporated your feedback into our relaunch. This is the beginning our next chapter. We hope you like what you see and that you are inspired to enhance and deepen your commitment.
Please know that through the power of collective philanthropy, we use each gift to unite people, shape community consciousness, and promote solutions that create gender equity. We appreciate and value your ongoing curiosity and support. Thank you.
Warmly,
Marilka Vélez
Chair, WF Brand Relaunch Committee
P.S. Over the next several months we will continue to update our website and other marketing materials with our refreshed brand. Check back often to see what’s new!
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