Become an Affiliate

UPAF Affiliate Program

The UPAF Affiliate Program is an annual grant program that provides unrestricted funding to performing arts groups located in Eastern Wisconsin.

  • UPAF selects Affiliates that reflect the excellence in performing arts available in the region.
  • Organizations receiving UPAF funding through this program are required to use the dollars during the fiscal year for which the funds are granted.
  • No guarantee of funding year over year is intended nor implied in the Affiliate program.

Important Information for 2024 Funding Cycle:

Applications for the 2024 Funding Cycle are open June 1 – June 30, 2024. If you have interest in applying, please contact Dani Kuepper at dkuepper@upaf.org.

  • An outside Review Panel consisting of local community leaders evaluates the funding requests and the UPAF Allocation Committee, Executive Committee and Board of Directors review their recommendations.
  • Applicants may apply for up to 5% of their operating budget.
  • Affiliate funding range: $1,000 to $15,000.
  • Affiliate funding decisions are announced following UPAF Board approval in October.
  • If selected as an Affiliate, the organization will receive grant payment in full once a Letter of Agreement has been signed and returned to UPAF.
  • Affiliate will need to adhere to UPAF brand and recognition standards.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements for Affiliate Applicants:

  • Applicant is tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code for a minimum of 12 months prior to applying for UPAF funding.
  • Organization compensates professional staff.
  • Organization primarily serves residents in Southeastern Wisconsin – specifically, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha and/or Walworth Counties.
  • The mission of the organization is performing arts based.
  • The applicant has an active Board of Directors.
  • Principal objective of applicant is one of the following:
    • Delivers high-quality productions using compensated professional artists; or
    • Serves youth by providing compensated professional performing arts training. The training must culminate in a public performance(s).

Ineligible for Affiliate Status:  

  • Primary mission is not directly related to performing arts
  • Government agencies or religious-based entities serving only individuals within their denomination
  • School or community bands or choirs
  • Clinics, lessons and/or workshop activities that do not culminate in a performance
  • Individuals for any purpose

Contact 

Please contact Dani Kuepper with any questions.