From thoughtful nonprofit organizations to driven fundraising groups, the state is abundant in change-makers and community shakers. Here are a few of Wisconsin’s most fabulous philanthropists—worthy of celebration and praise today and every day.
Philanthropy
Nonprofit of the Month: The Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan
The Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan (SEAS) aims to promote safety and knowledge for a lifetime of boating enjoyment for all. With a slogan of “Boating for Everyone,” the nonprofit focuses on education, innovative solutions and accessibility for those with physical, cognitive or financial needs.
Nonprofit of the Month: Nature’s Edge
When speech pathologist, Becky Payne, invited some of her patients to her 65-acre ranch in Wisconsin, she was amazed to see how one of her patients reacted to a cow that was in the pasture. This interaction planted the seed for Payne to create Nature’s Edge Therapy Center, which offers rehabilitation through licensed speech and occupational therapy incorporating animal-assisted therapy, hippotherapy and horticulture therapy.
Nonprofit of the Month: Cook it Forward
In response to the global pandemic, Cook it Forward was founded in Madison by Joshua Berkson, Patrick Sweeney and Francesca Hong to tackle food insecurity in their community. “Our mission is to create an end-to-end distribution network to produce and distribute healthy, fresh meals for families, seniors, and those with disabilities experiencing food insecurity.”
Nonprofit of the Month: Madison Reading Project
Rowan Childs founded Madison Reading Project in 2013 to provide engaging reading materials to all children in the Madison area. Here, Childs discusses the nonprofit’s mission, goals for 2021 (including opening a new, larger book center) and how the pandemic has evolved the community’s reading needs.
Overture Center Honors Madison Essential Workers
Now more than ever, the world is searching for ways to thank its essential workers. In partnership with Broadway Across America, Overture Center announced the winners of its “Nominate a Star Contest,” shining a spotlight on essential workers within the Madison community.
5 Wisconsin Organizations to Support This #GivingTuesday
Online donations—in any amount—this Giving Tuesday will ensure the staff and volunteers at the Wisconsin orgs below (and many others around the state) have the fiscal support necessary to provide basic supplies and educational opportunities to Wisconsin residents in need.
Cheers to Community Building at Delta Beer
Building a business is not easy. Then try operating it during a pandemic. Checking all those boxes may sound nearly impossible, but so far Delta Beer Lab is doing just that—and more—on the southside of Madison.
Food Fight Restaurant Group Honors Hunger Action Month
In honor of the start of Hunger Action Month, Food Fight Restaurant Group is undoubtedly taking action. During September, the company partners with Second Harvest Foodbank to create awareness about this crisis in Madison and use collective resources to help generate donations for the fight against hunger.
Literacy Green Bay: Four Decades of Learning
Since the 80’s, Literacy Green Bay has been a constant resource to help adults and families in Wisconsin acquire educational, computer and workforce skills. This month, the nonprofit hosts its seventh-annual award and appreciation virtual fundraiser to honor the individuals and organizations who exemplified Literacy Green Bay’s mission in the past year.