Nonprofits have been gutted by the COVID-19 pandemic. And the fiscal deficit continues to accumulate as current social distancing regulations prohibit numerous in-person fundraising events many organizations rely on annually to support their programming and services. 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.
“With COVID, we are seeing a lot of new clients who may only see us one time and need emergency funds to support housing or other basic emergency resources. The donation you provide gives us flexibility to support folx with housing, emergency funds and youth support—now with PPE and masks too—that we hand out at every week’s pantry,” says Director of Grants and Development Nancy Vue Tran. “It also helps our mutual aid network, food pantry and transportation support for clients and emergency goods stock for COVID-positive families.”
“So many amazing things can come from a kid owning a bike, like improved self-confidence, establishing a love for recreation and a healthy sense of independence. So Free Bikes 4 Kidz Madison annually gives away 1,500 bikes to underserved communities in Dane County. In 2020, we had over 2,500 requests for bikes so we’ve scratched the surface of meeting the needs of the community, but we can do more. While our name is Free Bikes 4 Kidz, we gave bikes to essential workers in 2020 who are using their bikes as their main form of transportation,” says Executive Director Kristie Goforth. “We also try to provide bikes to whole households because we believe biking should be a family activity whenever possible, in addition to providing helmets, headlights and tail lights.”
“In March, our staff began contacting more than 400 adult learners—and learned more than half had lost work. As a result, our team made more than 900 connections to food pantries, rent support and income assistance. Our mission has expanded because we are doing more to provide connections to essential community resources,” says Executive Director Jeff Burkhart. “Despite the pandemic, student enrollment is still at 90 percent of 2019 levels. We’re also pleased 48 of our adult learners have gotten new jobs or been promoted, in addition to 52 graduates of our U.S. Citizenship program reporting having voted or planned to vote in this year. So know every donation we receive does make a difference. A gift of $50 provides one hour of tutor training, while $100 provides lessons for one evening of our individualized English tutoring for eight students.”
“Like many businesses and organizations, we are feeling the impact of Covid-19. Not just on the bottom line but also the loss of connection to our community. Donations received are more vital now than ever before as we are unable to receive ticket revenues. The only real life line we have currently is the support of our community,” says Executive Director Allen Ebert. “We know our youth are struggling with not having the emotional and social interactions with peers. We believe that we change lives through the arts. By making a gift today you will ensure we will be here in the future.”
“A gift to the Midwest Artist Academy means a gift to a young artist. Nearly every penny goes directly toward scholarships, with priority given to those students with financial need,” says Founder and Director B.J. Hollars. “We believe that art is no indulgence, it’s a necessity. Art doesn’t just transform a life, sometimes it can save a life, too. Together, let’s nurture and empower the next generation of young artists. And in doing so, let’s build a better world.”