The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Will Provide $7.18 million to Members and Affiliates for the 2023-24 Season
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced this evening at its Season Launch Celebration that the 2023 UPAF fundraising year reached a total of $10,596,622 from nearly 13,000 donors.
“The fundraising successes we had in 2023 is a testament to the passion and dedication of our donors, volunteers and partners who understand the profound impact of the arts on Southeastern Wisconsin,” said UPAF President & CEO Patrick Rath. “Our local performing arts scene nurtures creativity, inspires innovation and enriches the cultural fabric of our community. The record 56 organizations that will be funded by the 2023 Community Campaign do just that and we look forward to the best in music, dance, song and theatre that they will all present throughout the 2023-24 season.”
A total of $7,180,000 will be allocated to 56 performing arts organizations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Of this total, $6,868,660, or 96%, is allocated to UPAF’s 14 Members. The remainder is distributed as one-year grant awards to 42 UPAF Affiliates who represent the breadth and depth of the performing arts in our region. Finally, $100,000 received through bequests will be held in the UPAF Catalyst Fund for future Member initiatives.
Collectively, UPAF Members and Affiliates are expected to reach over 1.2 million people in Southeastern Wisconsin with performance, education and outreach programming in the 2023-24 season. In addition to providing critical operating support to these organizations, $507,000 of the total allocation to Members will support education, community outreach, accessibility and audience development through UPAF’s grant programs.
Throughout the 2022-23 season, UPAF Members presented over 1,500 performances showcasing beloved stories, diverse voices and expanded access to the arts, including 800 free events for the community. Over 40,000 students received world-class arts education programming both inside and outside of the classroom through UPAF Bright Minds, presented by We Energies Foundation.
The UPAF Affiliate program increased once again in 2023, now funding 42 arts organizations. 4 in 10 (38%) of these Affiliates have a distinct mission of advancing access to the arts for underserved communities.
About UPAF
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment in our region’s vibrant performing arts scene. UPAF’s mission is to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin. UPAF proudly bears Charity Navigator’s highest distinction for nonprofits – a four-star rating – and is the No. 1 united performing arts fund in the country in terms of dollars raised.
With generous community support, UPAF funds 56 diverse local performing arts organizations that provide our community with the best of music, dance, song and theater. In addition to entertainment excellence, these organizations provide transformative educational programs for local children, ensure that individuals from marginalized neighborhoods have opportunities to participate in the arts and expand arts access for people with disabilities.