About Us

We’re for Eastern Wisconsin and beyond. We’re for the magic of music, dance, song and theater. We’re for raising our community up. With your support, UPAF funds 40 diverse local performing arts organizations, producing:

• Performances that inspire, challenge minds and stir emotions
• Confident and energized youth who use the arts as a springboard for lives filled with creativity
• Shared experiences that connect people from all backgrounds and ages

UPAF engages the community to support 14 Performing Arts Members, including First Stage, Florentine Opera Company, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Skylight Music Theatre, as well as numerous Affiliates. Since 1967, our work has been instrumental in allowing these groups to focus more of their efforts on what they do best — creating, performing, educating and inspiring — by:

1. Raising much-needed funds to ensure entertainment excellence
2. Promoting the performing arts as a regional asset
3. Responsibly stewarding the dollars our donors so generously give us

Our vision is:
Shaping a diverse, vibrant and sustainable cultural life for all.

Your gift to UPAF is a sound investment in the vitality of Eastern Wisconsin. UPAF holds the highest rating from Charity Navigator for financial management, transparency and accountability.

UPAF receives NO government funding. Generous individuals, companies and foundations contribute to all dollars raised.

UPAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the U.S. under EIN: 39-6100399.