BizTimes: UPAF Allocating $8.8 million to Member Groups

Reveal of 2019 UPAF fundraising total. (Photo: UPAF)

The United Performing Arts Fund announced it is allocating $8.8 million to its 14 member groups.

The largest portion, $7.5 million, will go to UPAF’s six cornerstone groups: First Stage, Florentine Opera Company, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Skylight Music Theatre.

“Since 1967, UPAF has played a key role in ensuring a vibrant arts scene for southeastern Wisconsin,” said Deanna Tillisch, UPAF president and CEO. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors and volunteers, we are proud to continue supporting our 14 Member Groups as they enrich our lives and contribute to the vitality of our region.”

UPAF raised a total of $11.9 million in fiscal 2019, which ended Aug. 31. The fund raised $12.1 million in 2018.

“Going into the 2019 campaign, we knew that we were going to face a number of headwinds due to changes in employee demographics as well as the ever-changing environment of charitable giving,” said Tim Stewart, attorney and partner at DeWitt LLP and 2019 UPAF co-chair. “Due to the tenacity and dedication of the UPAF team and our supporters, we are pleased that despite these external forces we were still able to come through in providing crucial resources to our 14 member groups.”

UPAF is allocating $1.16 million to eight member groups: Bel Canto, Danceworks, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Milwaukee Children’s Choir, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Next Act Theatre, Present Music and Renaissance Theaterworks.

Smaller performing arts groups will receive $176,498 through the UPAF Affiliate Program.

The allocation of UPAF funds is determined by an independent committee of representatives from Northwestern Mutual, We Energies, Baird, MillerCoors and PNC Bank.