Early Giving Day was born from a collection of community groups in Wisconsin.

Partners share why they’re joining
Early Giving Day

  • America's Black Holocaust Museum

    “ABHM is proud to take part in this amazing collaboration of Milwaukee’s nonprofit organizations again this year! This is a great cause that prioritizes charitable contributions during the holidays FIRST and demonstrates the collaborative nature of Milwaukee area nonprofit organizations. By supporting ABHM, you are supporting our mission to create space for racial repair, reconciliation, and healing. By supporting the other organizations involved, you are encouraging a community that brings people together under the banner of respect, understanding, and caring.”

    Mia Phifer, Education & Research Coordinator

  • Art Therapy House, Inc.

    "The Art Therapy House is participating in Giving Day to secure vital funding that strengthens our ability to serve the greater Milwaukee community. Our mission is to provide accessible art therapy and wellness services led by licensed professionals, tailored to the unique needs of individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Your support directly fuels healing and connection, helping us expand our programs, reach more people, and promote mental wellness through creativity. By giving to our organization and others, you help build a stronger, more compassionate community for all.”

  • ArtWorks for Milwaukee

    “We are participating in the Giving Day because we love being part of a coalition of nonprofits that together do incredible work across the region and in different spheres. Donors should support ArtWorks and other organizations because through the deployment of our resources, we have the power to create positive change for Milwaukee and beyond.”

  • Autism United of Wisconsin

    “It is important that we do what we can to build up our community and make meaningful connections. Our organization is participating in this event because we know how much stronger we are when we work together. Please consider supporting us in our mission of helping families and individuals reach their goals and connect with each other.”

  • Dominican Center

    “At Dominican Center, we believe every neighborhood in Milwaukee deserves to thrive and that starts with making sure people can access resources and opportunities right where they live. Amani residents are leading the way in strengthening their community, and we proudly support their vision. But lasting change doesn’t happen in isolation. When one neighborhood rises, our entire city rises. That’s why we are joining this city-wide Giving First effort, because we are all Milwaukee, and we each play a role in building a stronger future. Your support stays local, uplifts families and helps Milwaukee grow — together.”

    — Britney Roberson, Executive Director, Dominican Center

  • Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail

    “At a time of pivotal change, many of us are finding alternative avenues to support organizations that beautify our area. We are grateful that the Hank Aaron State Trail just celebrated their 25th anniversary and look forward to your support enabling us to enhancing, supporting and promoting the Trail and all of its assets for generations to come!”

    - Bob Peschel, Board President

  • Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast

    "At Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, we believe in the power of collective generosity to create lasting change. Give Early Day is more than a fundraising moment - it’s a celebration of community, collaboration, and shared purpose. By supporting this initiative, donors are not only investing in the leadership development of girls across our region but also strengthening a network of organizations working together to build a brighter, more equitable future for Milwaukee. We’re proud to stand alongside our nonprofit peers in this united effort."

    —Ana Simpson, CEO, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast

  • Great Lakes Community Conservation Corpsnc.

    “Great Lakes CCC carries on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s...engaging military veterans and young adults united in service to build and strengthen the community's public infrastructure, parks and neighborhoods.”

  • Hope Street

    "We often get to collaborate with other Milwaukee organizations on programming and resources, but don't usually get to work together on fundraising efforts. We all have a big part in Milwaukee's growth, so this is a great opportunity to highlight each other's work!"

    -Me

  • Kinship Community Food Center

    “Kinship recognizes that a healthy community is a well-connected, collaborative community. We are grateful to be part of the Early Giving Day effort which brings our city together around a common table so we can begin to dissolve the barriers that divide our city as we seek lasting, sustainable ways of helping one another flourish in both body and spirit.”

  • Lake Michigan Bird Observatory

    “We have solid evidence that North America has lost more than 3 billion birds in the last 50 years. The Lake Michigan Bird Observatory strives to reverse that trend through its scientific studies, monitoring of bird migration, encouragement of conservation at the community level through Bird City Wisconsin, and finally through  its neighborhood habitat improvement program so that our yards and parks can play a role an ensuring that the birds we love have the habitat they need to thrive.”

    - Carl Schwartz, Board of Directors

  • Milwaukee SCORES

    “A thriving community includes a network of nonprofit organizations that helps fill gaps, provides essential resources, offers safe spaces, and delivers unique programs to community members, often when they need it the most.

    By participating in Giving Day, together we lift up the work that tirelessly goes on day-to-day in an effort to encourage those that can to give to a cause that is meaningful to them so that the work can continue.”

  • Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation

    “Early Giving Day is a reminder that we’re stronger together. MTEF joins this day of giving to celebrate all the organizations working to make Milwaukee a more connected, healthy, and hopeful community. By supporting MTEF, donors help young people gain confidence, build character, and find belonging through tennis and education.”

  • Near West Side Partners

    “As we prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, (name of day) provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect and express your value and gratitude for the many gifts we have here in Milwaukee. Near West Side Partners is proud to be a part of (name of day) and grateful for the businesses, individuals, and community members who generously share their time, talents, and treasure in support of our neighborhood of neighborhoods.”

    - Lindsey St Arnold Bell, Executive Director

  • PEARLS

    “Early Giving Day is choosing impact over impulse purchases. Aligning with your values to support our greater Milwaukee community in this time of presence and gratitude. Your dollars can buy gadgets or grow greatness. Choose greatness.”

    - Molly Prater

  • Reflo

    “Reflo is participating in Early Giving Day to celebrate and strengthen the collective effort toward a more sustainable and equitable Milwaukee. Every drop of support boosts our mission to support community-based water projects that have real social and environmental impacts in the communities that support them.”

    - Justin Hegarty


  • St. Francis Children's Center

    “We’re participating in Early Giving Day because we believe in the power of community. Together with other local nonprofits, we’re raising awareness and support for the essential programs that help children and families thrive. When you give—whether to us or another organization—you’re strengthening the network of care that makes our community stronger for everyone.”

    - Cornelius Holt

  • TRUE Skool

    “The whole goal of this collaborative Early Giving Day is to demonstrate our ecosystem of cooperation among orgs in Milwaukee that serve the people that need it the most. We need hundreds of people to step up and champion our mission and invest into a better Milwaukee.”

  • Urban Ecology Center

    “Giving First encourages the Milwaukee community to put critical support of nonprofits at the top of their to-do list during the holiday season. We are thankful to be a part of this collective action and to connect more people in cities to nature and each other through these generous gifts.”

    Jen Hense, UEC's Executive Director

  • WAVE Educational Fund

    "Wisconsinites take care of each other. We shovel our neighbor's driveway, we deliver food when someone is sick, and we support organizations that strengthen our communities. That's what Early Giving Day is about. As WAVE works to prevent gun violence across our state, we are proud to unite with other organizations doing important work to create a stronger, safer Wisconsin."

    - Nick Matuszewski, Associate Executive Director

  • We Got This

    “When you donate to We Got This—or any organization building up the community—you’re helping more than a single program. You’re investing in kids who are learning to lead, in neighborhoods transforming into vibrant spaces, and in hope that ripples through every family.”

  • YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee

    “The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is honored to participate in Giving First. This is an opportunity for the community to show support to the non-profit organization that support the residents of our great city and county. The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee has been a part of the greater Milwaukee community for more than 165 years and has continued to evolve over time to meet the greatest needs. “