Membership at Wisconsin Philanthropy Network
Join a community of grantmakers committed to learning, collaboration, and impact. We exist to help you make more informed decisions.
Who can join?
Membership Eligibility
Who Benefits Most from Membership.
WPN welcomes grantmakers who are engaged, committed to learning, and focused on making informed decisions. Our most engaged members value collaboration, sharing insights, and building connections that enhance their philanthropic efforts and drive greater impact.
Appropriate candidates meet the following requirements.
- Community foundations funded or supported by endowments and a broad group of contributors
- Endowed operating foundations
- Corporate or company-sponsored foundations and corporate giving programs
- Independent foundations, including family foundations
- Public foundations and federated funds with a substantial grantmaking program (should have at least 60 percent of budget devoted to grantmaking programs, 75 percent if funding from private sources, and annual grant distribution in excess of $25,000
- Individuals whose grantmaking totals at least $25,000 annually to an array of 501(c)(3) organizations
- Retired staff, trustees or directors of member organizations
- Public funders, an organization predominately supported by government funds, quasi-government funding trusts (eligible for membership on a case by case basis) and government agencies whose re-granting is done on a competitive basis to a variety of nonprofit organizations
- Healthcare and Higher Education Foundations
“We consider WPN an invaluable resource for our staff and operations, offering exceptional opportunities for education, connection, and networking.”
— Andy Kitslaar | Executive Director, Alliant Energy Foundation
Why Join The Network?
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Skill Building
Leverage practical training, personalized support, and programming focused on national and statewide trends in the sector.
Bolster your expertise ›
Research Services
Expand your toolkit with member-exclusive resources, best practices, trending topics, benchmarking tools, newsletters, reports, and publications.
Explore our research services ›
Community Connection
Foster meaningful relationships, exchange knowledge and experiences, and explore the potential for collective action with our collaborative peer collective.
Connect with peers ›
Additional Benefits
As a member of WPN, you gain access to exclusive resources, connections, and learning opportunities designed to strengthen your philanthropy. Explore the full range of benefits that support your giving and amplify your impact. Download our brochure to learn more.
- Charity Checks
- Discounts
- Funder Roundtables
- Grantmaking Fundamentals
- Impact Investing
- Issue Collaboratives
- Job Postings
- Member Listing
- Peer Connections
- Policies & Procedures
- Public Policy & Advocacy
- Quarterly Orientations
- Resource Library
- Sector News
- Statewide Conference on Philanthropy
- Trust-Based Philanthropy
- Wisconsin Gives Report
“WPN Roundtables are a valuable outlet for sharing challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions with colleagues from across the state. I always leave those conversations with new perspectives and renewed energy for the work.”
— Thomas Rosenthal | Assistant Director – Philanthropy Programs, Northwestern Mutual Foundation
How to join?
Application Process
WPN is excited to learn more about your organization and how we can help – let’s start that conversation!
1. Fill out an interest form.
2. Speak about your journey.
3. Complete your membership.
Non-Solicitation Policy
WPN meetings and activities are not to be used to solicit grants, to solicit for professional services, or to promote any products, services, or events. This ensures a comfortable, respectful atmosphere in which professional relationships can be maintained. Members or guests who violate this non-solicitation policy will be executed from future WPN events and may not qualify for membership renewal.
Our Commitment to the Network.
At WPN, our commitment to the strength of our network drives everything we do. The power of our community comes from the dedication and shared purpose of each member. Together, we create a space where learning, growth, and collaboration thrive, knowing that our collective efforts are making a lasting impact across Wisconsin.