“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee is proud to come together with our local nonprofit community to promote Giving First Day. Thank you for making life-changing impact on youth and families.”

Amy Chionchio, President & CEO

“COA is excited to be a part of Giving First and highlighting the importance of the nonprofit community working together.”

Betsy Mitchell, Director of Development

"We are so proud to participate in this grassroots and collaborative effort to support organizations doing life-changing work in Greater Milwaukee. Thank you to the donors who generously support us this holiday season by Giving First."

Emily Lukasek, Director of Development

"We are profoundly touched by the life changing work that is being done by so many non-profits. It is truly an honor and privilege for CORE El Centro to be part of this collaborative effort focused on serving our Milwaukee community.

CORE El Centro’s mission is to enhance the health and wellness of our community by offering integrative natural health services focused on empowerment, healing, safety and reducing barriers to access. We believe that when an individual heals so too does their family, our community and ultimately the world. Please join us on this journey toward wholeness.”

Madeline Gianforte, CSA Co-founder and Executive Director

"Giving is an expression for something we care about deeply. It connects us to something greater than ourselves, fulfilling our deepest need. Giving is not transactional, it is relational. Giving First is a generous act of investing in that which you believe in nurturing for the future of our community. Thank you for Giving First!"

Julia Gray, Executive Director

“The Dominican Center believes people shouldn’t have to leave where they live to find the resources they need. People’s lives are powerfully shaped by the neighborhoods and cities in which they live. We believe Amani residents are closest to the solutions needed to revitalize their community, but they cannot do it alone. We are all interconnected as Milwaukee residents, and we are all impacted by the challenges faced in the Amani neighborhood. Our work supports resident-led efforts to create positive social change, and we need your help to achieve our vision. By donating to Dominican Center or any of the Giving First organizations, you are keeping your support local and lending a hand to a neighbor, building our community up one gift at a time.”

Maricha Harris, DC Executive Director

“Ex Fabula’s mission is to connect Milwaukee through real stories. Our work highlights that each person is unique but also that our fates are intertwined; in fact, we’ve collaborated with many other #GivingFirst organizations! We’re delighted to be part of this movement that invites each of us to reflect on the world we want to live in - and invest in local efforts to make that world a reality.”

Megan McGee, Executive Director

"Working together always fuels greater impact and First Stage is so proud to be a part of this innovative collaboration that is Giving First! Each organization that is participating in this initiative serves a unique purpose with their mission but each of us is critical in helping to create a greater Milwaukee community that is healthier, safer, creative, and provides better futures for our children and their families. With this effort, we can encourage our community to think of the impact their more generous support can have in making a difference to all Milwaukee citizens. There will always be enough things to buy, and sales on Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays and all of the other “shopping” days – but if you “Give First” you will know that you have provided the best gift to help your community!"

Betsy Corry, Managing Director

“We are excited to partner with so many amazing organizations within our community in support of Giving First Day. We know we all do better when we come together to support our collective impact. First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is proud to impact kids in Southeast Wisconsin by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Your generous donations support our vision that all kids in Southeast Wisconsin have the opportunity to build their strength of character through the game of golf.”

David Cohn, Executive Director

“The holidays are a time of abundance for many in our community, but sadly some families still don’t have enough to meet their basic needs. Our participation in Giving First highlights the importance of sharing our abundance first and foremost, as it’s in caring for our community that we find the true meaning of the season.”

Sophia Torrijos, Executive Director

"Giving First is a meaningful way for neighbors and community members to support initiatives they are behind.

Your donation helps support bringing our vision to life through Fostering community connections, Promoting outdoor activity,

Cultivating a sense of exploration,

Inspiring awareness of the environment, and

Creating unique community experiences.

Thank you for considering!"

Jennifer Oakes, Director of Outreach and Events

“We are excited to participate in the Giving First initiative for the first time. Two anonymous donors have each committed to match every dollar raised this November 22 up to $1000, a double match! The Friends of Lakeshore State Park partner with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and our community to support Lakeshore State Park as Milwaukee’s premier urban lakefront destination for environmental and freshwater education, conservation, recreation and outdoor enjoyment. Our all-volunteer organization raises funds for educational programming, events, prairie restoration and park infrastructure. Together with other Giving First organizations we are dedicated to bringing the very best of Milwaukee to its residents and visitors.”

David Wenstrup, President

"Hillel Milwaukee is participating in Giving First Day because the Jewish commandment of "tzedakah" (translated to "justice", though more commonly associated with "charity") commands us to help others. Giving First Day, as a precursor to Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, asks us to reflect and see how we can help others before we focus on ourselves. Donating to Hillel Milwaukee and/or any of the other listed organizations on Giving First Day strongly aligns with our Jewish values by providing vitally needed financial support to these our/these organizations so we can in turn help the individuals we each serve."

Rodd Schneider, Board President

“As Milwaukee's only non-profit focusing on architecture and design, we welcome support to help make our programs like Doors Open a success. We are pleased to be part of this coalition to raise awareness of many wonderful organizations investing in Milwaukee.”

Grace Fuhr, Events Director

"Islands of Brilliance is proud to work alongside such a distinctive group of nonprofit organizations to champion Giving First Day in the Greater Milwaukee area. Our community is continually made more vibrant because of the contributions and collective impact of these organizations, which is reason enough to prioritize giving first."

Mark Fairbanks, Cofounder | Executive Director

“Journey House is grateful to be part of the Giving First collaboration with other organizations that provide high quality, effective programs that deeply impact our community. An investment in Journey House will positively impact over 9,000 economically challenged, predominantly Latino youth and their families by increasing their educational, social, physical, mental health, and creative development. The success of one person can significantly change history of his or her family for generations to come! Beyond advancing the trajectory of success for their family, they can change the game for the neighborhood and our entire community.”

Melissa Jerke, Director of Development

“Residents of Milwaukee and the surrounding areas have a reputation for stepping up to support our neighbors through difficult times. The Giving First Collaboration embodies the humble generosity that is both a tradition and a vocation for our community. It is an honor for Kathy's House to advance our mission of hospitality by participating in this unique initiative.”

Patty Metropulos, President & CEO

“The beauty of generosity is that it pursues the needs of another first. That’s why Kinship is excited to be part of this larger movement of Giving First among local nonprofits in Milwaukee.”

Vincent Noth, Executive Director

“Together, we can make this city a better place to live for all its residents. The Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee’s mission and passion is to ensure that the justice system works for everyone and not just those of means. We provide free civil legal services to qualifying Milwaukee County families through our Eviction Free MKE initiative, consumer and health & wealth teams, community redevelopment work, and representation for at-risk children. Legal Aid is a proud member of this community since 1906 and now a proud member of Giving First.”

Colleen Foley, Executive Director

“Once Wisconsin’s most visible eyesore with hundreds of acres of vacant buildings and abandoned land, the Menomonee River Valley has transformed thanks to partners and donors who believed it could once again provide family-sustaining jobs and an abundance of nature in the heart of the city. MVP is honored to be part of Giving First which encourages the community to support the nonprofits that provide so much value to our community year-round.”

Corey Zetts, Executive Director

“Giving First, while a newer initiative, has long been the Milwaukee way – to give, share, and lift up one another whenever possible. Meta House is grateful to be part of a community so grounded in generosity and is honored to start the holiday season with the many people and organizations that fill our community with kindness.”

Valerie P. Vidal, President of CEO of Meta House

“The Milwaukee Center for Independence is honored to be a collaborative partner with so many other community organizations, serving the diverse and critical needs of our neighbors. As we work together on this Giving First initiative, I look forward to all of us fostering an even greater season of gratitude and kindness.“

Teri Zywicki, CEO and President

“By ‘Giving First’, our community shows their commitment to local nonprofits and the work we do all year long. The Milwaukee County Historical Society is humbled by this support that strengthens our education, preservation, and programming initiatives. Together we can learn from and celebrate Milwaukee history!”

Siena Morrissey, Development and Communications Manager

“Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation (MTEF) is honored to be a part of Giving First Day. We are thankful for the collaboration with all these community non-profit partners. Together we can accomplish more and this is just one way you can see our collective power. This holiday season we are thankful for what we have and what we can provide for others. Thank you to all for your help and support of a better tomorrow!”

Rachael Badt, Executive Director

“Milwaukee Water Commons is pleased to be a part of the Giving First collaboration with so many outstanding nonprofits again this year. We want to say thank you in advance for supporting the Giving First initiative. We know Milwaukeeans give generously to causes that matter. At Milwaukee Water Commons every dollar you give helps us promote stewardship of, equitable access to and shared decision-making for our common waters. Our goal is to continue to expand and develop a broad cross-city network that fosters connection, collaboration and community leadership on behalf of our common waters. Your donation is a strong investment in Milwaukee’s water future.”

Kirsten Shead, Co-Executive Director

“The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center is honored to participate in this year’s #GivingFirst in partnership with our regional nonprofit colleagues. All year long, HERC -- the only organization in Wisconsin solely dedicated to Holocaust education -- changes society through its supportive resources and programming for educators, students, and communities statewide. With the Holocaust and genocide education mandate in effect for the first time this fall and antisemitism in Wisconsin on the rise, never has our work to build a more compassionate future been more essential.”

Samantha Abramson, Executive Director

"As we prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Giving First 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 Giving First and grateful for the businesses, individuals, and community members who generously share their time, talents, and treasure in support of our neighborhood of neighborhoods."

Keith Stanley, Executive Director

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this year's Giving First campaign. Many of the groups here are just like us, very small, grassroots initiatives that make our community a better, more equitable, and more supportive place. Your donation lifts our spirits AND our work.”

David Thomas, Project Coordinator

“Giving First is an opportunity to recognize all of the incredible work being done in our community by these participating organizations. At times, unfortunately, it can feel like we are competing for the same resources, but today, we remember that there is so much more to be gained when we work together!”

Tom Cramer, Executive Director

“I’ve had the pleasure of serving a diverse portfolio of audiences and organizations and look forward to bringing those experiences forward in my role as executive director. Radio Milwaukee’s mission of championing music, arts and culture, neighborhoods and community organizations strongly aligns with my passion for using public media to celebrate the nuance and intersectionality found throughout the patchwork of communities across the nation. More directly, public service and institution building are my motivations.”

Maxie Jackson III, Executive Director

“Reflo is excited to be a part of Giving First with so many other organizations doing amazing work in the community. Reflo's role as a catalyst and shepherd of critical human and environmental infrastructure projects is in need of funding support to continue to impact the health and well-being of tens of thousands of children and community members throughout the Milwaukee area. We recently moved into a larger office and workshop in Riverwest which offers exciting new possibilities for our placemaking and internship programs; however the additional expenses of moving and activating the new spaces are in need of financial support. Thank you for considering Reflo and the many other organizations doing life changing work this coming season.”

Justin Hegarty, Executive Director

“Here at Riveredge Nature Center, we're keenly aware of how all life is interconnected--ecosystems thrive when every element is in balance. Giving First reflects this same idea in a social sense. All of these wonderful nonprofit organizations are connected through the good that they do in our community, and we all benefit when people open their hearts to lend support to each of their important missions.”

Sharon Cross, Director of Development

"We appreciate the opportunity to be part of a collaboration of agencies that are doing great things in the Greater Milwaukee area. Giving First gives donors the ability to give locally first!"

Dawn Barnett, Co-Executive Director

"The holidays are a time to share the joy of togetherness and reflect on what makes us most grateful - a safe home, a loving family, a strong support system. For the women, children, and men who come to our shelter and use our services, Sojourner becomes all of those things during their stay. We're proud to join the Giving First movement that reflects our hard work and core values of integrity, courage, and respect. We are humbled by those who will donate to Sojourner and put families in need first."

Naomi Gould, Donor Impact Officer

"Add your nonprofit familia to your gift list this season to show them some love for the gifts they serve us with all year!"

Tammy L. Rivera, Executive Director of Southside Organizing Committee/Center

“Your support of United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee helps make Milwaukee's most promising neighborhoods stronger. Our 8 member collaborative shares resources and networks to support Milwaukeeans from the north side, south side and everywhere in between. Our initiatives focus on 5 social determinants of health: access to healthy food, affordable housing, quality education, employment and reliable transportation. We are stronger together.”

Renee Logee, Executive Director

“It has been incredible to see the seed of this idea grow into a powerful collaboration. Giving First encourages our community to approach the holiday season with abundance and generosity towards nonprofits who, in this typical time of joy, are often faced with fear and scarcity. We are thankful for the opportunity to connect more people in cities to nature and each other through these generous gifts.”

Ken Leinbach, Executive Director

“We’re still uncovering the ways the pandemic exacerbated youth mental health challenges and housing instability. We’re happy to join this collaboration because we know that our problems are interconnected and we’re stronger together. Your donation supports vital work that helps our community not just survive but to thrive.”

Audra O’Connell, Executive Director

“Giving First is our chance to enter the holiday season with our values front and center. So, before the cooking, entertaining, and shopping, let's take this opportunity to put what really matters at the very top of our list.”

Jeri Bonavia, Executive Director

“Help change the narrative around inner city spaces by supporting We Got This and the work we do in Milwaukee's 53206 zip code.

For over a decade, We Got This has provided young people the opportunity to make their neighborhood a better place by cleaning up trash, growing food in our neighborhood gardens, and beautifying the surrounding area all while earning a stipend for their work.

Help We Got This youth be the change by supporting our work with your charitable donation.”

Alex Bruzan, Executive Director

“We encourage you to consider donating to WAEE to support our vision of an environmentally-literate, action-oriented community that communicates, connects, and advocates for a sustainable, resilient Wisconsin. Help us bring kids outdoors and foster a generation of sustainability stewards by donating to WAEE today.”

Beca Borkowski, Executive Director

“Wisconsin Parkinson Association is honored to collaborate with other local non-profits in the Giving First initiative. It is WPA’s hope that our collective effort will generate awareness and resources to serve the people who need it most, helping those individuals thrive, and building stronger communities in the process.

WPA’s mission is to provide hope, community, support, and resources for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, helping them to live their best lives. More than 20,000 people in Wisconsin experience this disease.

Your donations ensure that access to programs and services remain free of charge to those who live with Parkinson’s disease. We believe that when people are inspired to donate, they start from a place of gratitude in their own lives and their act of donating creates positive impact and an investment in something greater than themselves.

Wisconsin Parkinson Association is grateful to our donors for their spirit of kindness and acts of financial generosity that improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease.”

Kelly Cieslak, Executive Director

“Our collective effort is helping greater Milwaukee become an inclusive world-class community where people, including women and girls, realize their full potential and everyone thrives. Philanthropy is powerful and we encourage everyone to engage. Thank you for your investments.”

Lisa Attonito, Executive Director

“Participating in #GivingFirst is a natural fit for Woodland Pattern. Putting community before commerce is what we do, everyday. #GivingFirst prompts us to think critically about our priorities—where do we find value in our lives? And then to align our answers to that question with our actions.”

Laura Solomon, Executive Director