“ABHM is proud to take part in Giving First 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. is participating in Giving First because we are deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our community through accessible, innovative art therapy programming. Our work focuses on providing therapeutic services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, helping them to process emotions, heal from trauma, and build resilience through creative expression. We believe in breaking down barriers to care, offering support in ways that are both innovative and responsive to the diverse needs of the people we serve.

Donors should support Art Therapy House Inc. because every contribution directly and positively impacts the lives of individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges. By supporting our mission, you help ensure that art therapy remains accessible to those who need it most, fostering healing, growth, and connection.

Supporting other Giving First organizations extends this impact by bolstering a wide range of grassroots efforts that prioritize community welfare and holistic healing. Collectively, these organizations create sustainable change, meeting critical needs that often go overlooked or underfunded, making the Giving First initiative a vital component of a thriving, compassionate society."

Marissa Biswabic, Lead Art Therapist & Programming Coordinator

Giving First Day is an incredible collaborative effort spearheaded by the Urban Ecology Center that promotes wonderful organizations that rely on community support to provide quality programs to those in our community who need it most.

AWE is looking forward to being part of this effort knowing that Wisconsin has slipped to last place in the rankings of public support for the arts, which emphasizes the urgent need for community support in our sector.

Now, more than ever, we must come together as a community to champion Giving First Day ensuring continued access to vital programming.

“ArtWorks for Milwaukee is participating in Giving First because we are part of a tapestry of community organizations working to improve the lives of our youth, build a stronger workforce, increase access to mental health resources, promote environmentalism, and beautify our city.

Donors should support ArtWorks if they believe that the solutions to complex problems should be holistic, art is essential, and local youth are worth investing in.”

Rhiannon Orizaga, Executive Director

Bloom is thrilled to join in Giving First with other nonprofit organizations that serve our city. Our mission is to support the mental health of ALL Milwaukee residents through inclusive access to high quality individual art therapy, school-based art therapy, free services for aging adults, and free community art studios. We are seeking donors who believe creative healing approaches are for all community members and that making art together uplifts our collective wellbeing. We believe we can blossom where we are planted.

The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation (BRPF) is reaching new heights to find a cure for paralysis. We do this by working with the brightest minds in the field of research on spinal cord injuries. We fund innovative research that will lead to a cure. In addition, the BRPF provides support to individuals who are paralyzed through scholarships, and charitable grants for essential needs. Bryon Riesch, President of the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation shares, “It is inspiring to work with a collaboration of other non-profit organizations doing important work in our community through the Giving First initiative. Together we can share our missions and expand our messages of hope to reach the people who need us most. As a person living with quadriplegia, my goal is that the work of the BRPF will lead to a cure for this life altering injury for everyone who is affected by paralysis. My dream is that we will one day be able to walk again.”

While incredible strides have been accomplished in the research on spinal cord injury and paralysis, our work is not yet finished. Your contribution will help us fulfill Bryon’s dream and give people the possibility of walking again. So, as we come together to “Give First”, please join other supporters and make a pivotal impact by donating to the Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation today. Your generosity not only reflects your values but also propels us forward in this crucial fight. Let’s make this time of year, when we “Give First” count for those living with paralysis. Thank you for considering a gift to BRPF. Your donation is more than a gift; it's a beacon of hope for countless individuals dreaming of a life without limits.

“At the Center Street Nail Technology Academy, LLC we are so appreciative of any support that we are able to obtain for our students. Often times we have students that come to school unsupported as far as paper, pens, nail kit, items, supplies, tablets, food items, personal hygiene items, as well as snacks for the classroom.”

Dr Jennifer Potts, 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

Ezekiel HOPE provides a win-win solution to the community--workforce development by training individuals in the skilled trades, rehabbing blighted housing, and selling homes to first-time home buyers.

Your donation helps FOHAST provide free bike camps for youth living along the trail, trail maintenance and signage, native plantings, organizing Stewardship Crews "(“Stew Crews”) to help keep the trail clean and green, and events that connect people and build support for the trail year-round.

FOD participates in Giving First because we believe in the power of collective impact. Supporting us—and other Giving First organizations—strengthens our community and ensures lasting positive change.

"Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin is proud to participate in Giving First Day. Just like our 3rd-8th grade girls learn the power of teamwork, resilience, and confidence through our program, Giving First Day reminds us how we can all work together to create meaningful change. By supporting us and other Milwaukee non-profits on this day, you're helping empower the community to pursue our collective dreams with courage, strength, connection and care.”

Tina Jones, Executive Director

We are a fully volunteer nonprofit supporting grandmothers in Uganda who are raising their orphaned grandchildren. Our grandmothers have formed associations, under their own leadership, for this purpose. "Today's grandchild is tomorrow's grandparent."

“Historic Milwaukee's annual programs like Doors Open Milwaukee celebrate our city's neighborhoods, history, and architecture. These programs rely on support from the community, which is why we join many other wonderful organizations for Giving First, offering the chance to support your favorite Milwaukee institutions first this holiday season.”

Grace Fuhr, Events Director

IMPACT, Inc. is proud to participate in Giving First because it highlights the importance of prioritizing community well-being during this season of generosity. By supporting our organization and others in Giving First, donors can ensure their contributions have a meaningful and lasting impact on addressing critical needs and strengthening the fabric of our community.

By using creativity, technology, and mentorship, Islands of Brilliance's programming is positively changing perceptions of self and promoting broader community views of neurodivergent individuals as people with unlimited abilities rather than persons with disabilities. In a world that treats these people as "other" and socializes them to mask their differences, IOB is creating a safe, collaborative and joyous place for them to thrive and learn new skills.

“Kathy's House is proud to participate for the third year in Giving First. This community-wide celebration of generosity corresponds with the example set by our namesake: thinking of others before ourselves. Giving to participating organizations ensures that your donation has an impact right here in Wisconsin. At Kathy’s House, 73% of guests are Wisconsinites. We are grateful to the many community members who support our mission of affordable lodging for all families traveling to Milwaukee for critical medical care.”

Kinship recognizes that a healthy community is a well-connected, collaborative community. We are grateful to be part of the Giving First 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.

MKE Black is participating in Giving First because we believe that prioritizing charitable giving before the traditional buying season is a powerful way to impact our community. Donors who give to MKE Black and other Giving First organizations help us create new opportunities, strengthen, and improve our city.

“MKE Urban Stables is excited and proud to participate in Giving First with so many local organizations that share our passion for supporting our most vulnerable neighbors in our Milwaukee community. MKE Urban Stables is the first facility of its kind in the nation and combines mounted patrol, equine-assisted therapy and learning, and community engagement programs under one roof. Founded in 2018, construction of MKE Urban Stables was completed in May 2020 and in May of 2021 our doors opened to clients. MKE Urban Stables fills an essential need in Milwaukee by providing mental health services to at-risk children, people with disabilities, seniors, and Veterans through our Equine-Assisted Learning and Therapy Programs. Our programs utilize the incredible connection that exists between humans and horses to help our clients improve self-esteem, build confidence, strengthen communication skills, better their relationships, and make other positive changes in their lives.”

Mary McIntosh, 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 and treasure in support of our neighborhood of neighborhoods.”

Keith Stanley, Executive Director

When you support our organization, you are directly investing in the future of Milwaukee’s youth and helping to build a more inclusive and equitable city. Your contributions amplify the voices of young leaders who have the courage to shape a just, loving, and united community. Giving First allows you to set the foundation for lasting impact, strengthening not just Project Kindred, but the entire community.

“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. 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

When you support SMAC, you strengthen 11 community arts initiatives that change lives across Milwaukee, yet are often overshadowed by high-profile organizations. SMAC members provide training and performance opportunities to actors, dancers, writers, and visual artists of all ages and abilities and backgrounds. In fact, our participant demographics (38% Black/AA, 18% Hispanix/Latinx, 35% White) align almost perfectly with that of Milwaukee County!

We believe collaboration—not competition—is the key to accessible, equitable fine arts, and are changing the landscape of arts funding in Milwaukee by acting on that belief. Through joint fundraising and co-marketing initiatives, SMAC supports the sustainability of all 11 members. By pooling expertise, each of us can devote more resources to what we do best: create intimate, accessible artistic experiences for and with our neighbors. Giving First helps us get the word out. And your donation supports collective innovation across Milwaukee

Betty, Brian, Ferne, Jaimelyn, Jill Anna, Katie, Megan, Rhulene, Sally, Wanyah, Xela and everyone in SMAC’s 11 members

SFCC graciously participates in this collaborative initiative to raise awareness and support for all nonprofits. There are so many fantastic orgs doing great work that you are supporting the entire charitable landscape by giving to any one of them.

Our organization is participating in Giving First because we believe in the power of community-driven impact.

The Right Relief Inc. is participating in Giving First because we are in the business of caring, not only for Caregivers, but for our community and the Nonprofit organizations that support so many individuals through hard times. Kind people are our kind of people.

“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

“As we plan our holiday gift lists, Giving First gives us the opportunity to prioritize our community. Instead of waiting to see if we have anything leftover to share after all the shopping, we can put the wellness of our community first by putting charitable giving first.”

Erik Koepnick, Development Director

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

Jeri Bonavia, Executive Director

"Wild Space Dance Company, along with Milwaukee's vibrant nonprofit community, makes our city a more connected, compelling, and complete. Each year, Wild Space engages 1,300 underserved youth in dance and arts programs, and invites audiences to rediscover their city through original live dance performances in new neighborhoods, including free and accessible programs. These gifts to community are made possible by the generosity of donors."

“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 15,000 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

Studies show that charitable giving has a positive impact on happiness. Even more than buying things for us. Whether we are contributing to those in need, helping people stay safe and healthy or giving a person a positive outcome in their lives, we tend to also feel better about ourselves. Having the power and privilege of giving to those in need is a great way to reinforce our own personal values. That is why we are committed to giving first this holiday season. We want to look out for others before we look out for ourselves.