Wisconsinites continue to invest heavily in the cultural and economic vitality of their communities through philanthropy, and the momentum appears to be gaining as the state heads into the giving season.

In a new survey from Wisconsin Philanthropy Network, more than 78 percent of survey respondents said they are looking to increase partnerships and collaborations, and at least 56 percent said they are planning to increase grantmaking. Both of these numbers represent year-over-year increases from 2017-2018.

The 2018 Wisconsin Gives Report provides readers with an in-depth look at the state’s philanthropic sector. The biennial report compiles information from numerous national studies and sources, and is supported by data collected through WPN’s survey of Wisconsin grantmakers.

The survey gathers feedback on topics such as the type and level of support awards; projections for the upcoming year; and funders’ perceptions of the overall health of Wisconsin’s nonprofit groups. As a result of the survey feedback, the report also provides philanthropic best practices, trends and benchmarks.

“The goal of the Wisconsin Gives Report is to provide our statewide network of philanthropic partners, as well as other stakeholders, usable data and in-depth information on national and regional trends, while deepening the understanding of Wisconsin philanthropy,” said Tony Shields, WPN President and CEO. “As one of the most charitable states in the nation, it is an honor to represent these organizations, capture some of the ‘why’ behind philanthropy, and benchmark the generosity overall of our state’s residents and corporate citizens.”

The report’s findings reflect national philanthropy trends which have attributed increases in charitable giving to the current political climate, a strengthening economy, and a rise in “everyday philanthropists,” especially among Millennials.

Key findings in 2018 include:

• Total charitable giving in the United states rose 5.2% between 2016 and 2017, to $410.02 billion (est.)
• Fifty-six percent of WPN survey respondents plan on increasing their grantmaking in 2018.
• Seventy-eight percent of WPN survey respondents are increasing partnerships or collaborations.
• Nationally, giving by corporations increased 8.0% to a total of $20.77 billion.

Download an electronic version of the 2018 Wisconsin Gives report, here: https://wiphilanthropy.org/learn/wisconsin-gives/.

This report is generously supported by the Mathematics Institute of Wisconsin, Northwestern Mutual, Alliant Energy Foundation, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, National Guardian Life, Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Madison Community Foundation, Rockwell Automation, National Investment Services, Northern Trust, Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Racine Community Foundation, AFP Southeastern Wisconsin and AFP Greater Madison.

About Wisconsin Philanthropy Network

Wisconsin Philanthropy Network is a nonprofit professional membership association of philanthropic organizations. It is Wisconsin’s only statewide association for private foundations (family, independent, and corporate), corporate giving programs, community foundations, donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, university and healthcare foundations, and individual philanthropists who together represent over $7 billion in assets and invest over $600 million annually to improve the quality of life for Wisconsin residents. For more information, visit http://wiphilanthropy.org.