2011 Foundations in Wisconsin

2011 Print Edition
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September 2011—Marquette University Libraries' Funding Information Center announces publication of its 2011 Foundations in Wisconsin: A Directory. This is the 30th production of the print directory and the 11th year of the online edition.

The directory is designed to assist grantseekers in locating private, corporate, and community foundations registered in Wisconsin. Each entry in this new edition has been updated or reviewed to provide the most current information available. Both spiral-bound and online subscription formats of Foundations in Wisconsin may be purchased through the Funding Information Center, located in Marquette University's John P. Raynor, S.J., Library.

While the national economic downturn has had a negative effect on Wisconsin foundations during the past two years, there are some positive signs of recovery. The total number of grantmaking foundations increased to a record high of 1,324 (with 67 new foundations identified), and the total assets increased by 11% over last year to $6.2 billion. However, total grants fell to $458 million, a 3% decrease from last year. A table in the directory's introduction illustrates the 10-year history of grants and assets.

Online database
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Foundations headquartered in ten counties account for 85% of the total giving by Wisconsin foundations, with Milwaukee County topping the list at 25% (335) of the total number of foundations and 46% of the total grants. Waukesha (118 active foundations), Dane, Outagamie, Brown, Racine, Rock, Winnebago, Ozaukee, and Marathon round out the top ten counties in foundation grants. The directory also contains a ranking of the 50 largest foundations, which account for 62% of the total grants, or nearly $283 million.

Foundations in Wisconsin profiles include street and Web address, telephone/fax number, contact person, officers and directors, donors, financial information, purpose statement, application information, geographic focus, sample grants, and grantmaking interests. The print format is enhanced by three indexes: area of interest, county, and officers. The online directory, with its custom-designed search interface, allows searching by keyword, foundation name, officers, donors, city and county, areas of interest, and sample grants. Search results may also be sorted by various criteria. A demonstration is available at the directory's Web site.

To obtain the latest foundation directory see the complete price structure, order form (PDF), and license agreement online or call the Funding Information Center at (414) 288-1515. Separate pricing is available for the printed Foundations in Wisconsin, subscription to the online database, and a book/online package.

The mission of Marquette University Libraries’ Funding Information Center is to serve the research needs of Wisconsin grantseekers. In the past year, the FIC welcomed nearly 300 visitors and responded to more than 580 telephone, e-mail, and IM inquiries. In addition to publishing and maintaining the database of Foundations in Wisconsin, the Center holds the state’s largest collection of information on private foundations, fundraising, philanthropy, nonprofit organization and management, grantmaking, and proposal writing. The Center, located in Marquette's John P. Raynor, S.J., Library at 1355 W. Wisconsin Avenue, is free and open to the public. Group and individual orientations to the collection and to the grantmaking process are held regularly. Appointments are recommended for in-depth research assistance.

See the Libraries' Web site for full information on services and resources, or call (414) 288-1515, or e-mail Mary Frenn, Funding Information Center librarian.