Every organization in the Wispact Foundation network brings something unique to Wisconsin’s disability community. Some have decades of experience in housing or employment services. Others are leaders in recreation, transportation, advocacy, education, healthcare, or family support. Together, we represent an incredible depth of knowledge and passion.
Yet many of us face similar challenges.
How do we reach more people? Recruit volunteers? Build sustainable funding? Measure impact? Find the right community partners? None of us has all the answers, but together, we have a wealth of experience to share.
One of the greatest strengths of being part of the Wispact Foundation network is the opportunity to learn from organizations that have already navigated challenges we may be facing today.
Think Beyond Your Traditional Partners
Sometimes the best ideas come from organizations that serve a different population or work in another part of the state.
Perhaps a recreation program has developed an innovative volunteer recruitment strategy that could help a housing provider. An arts organization may have found new ways to make programming more accessible. A rural nonprofit may have discovered creative approaches to transportation that could benefit communities elsewhere.
When we share what’s working—and what’s not—we all move forward.
Reach Across the Network
We encourage our nonprofit partners to see the Wispact Foundation community as more than a list of fellow grantees. It’s a network of colleagues who understand the opportunities and challenges of serving people with disabilities.
Consider reaching out to another organization to:
- Exchange fundraising ideas or grant-writing strategies.
- Learn how they measure outcomes and demonstrate impact.
- Share resources, training opportunities, or volunteer recruitment ideas.
- Explore joint programming or referral partnerships.
- Discuss how you’re adapting to policy or funding changes.
A conversation over coffee—or even a quick phone call—can spark ideas that strengthen both organizations.
Collaboration Creates Capacity
Throughout this year’s Leadership Summit and nonprofit partner gatherings, one theme surfaced again and again: relationships matter.
In our 2025 Community Impact Report, grantee partners described the value of coming together to exchange ideas, build trust, and develop lasting partnerships. Those connections are helping organizations strengthen programs, expand community engagement, and prepare for future challenges.
As Megan Huse, Vice President of Development at Marcus Performing Arts Center, shared, the Foundation’s role as a connector and thought partner has strengthened their ability to build relationships and serve their community in more inclusive and meaningful ways.
Let’s Learn From One Another
Beginning with future newsletters, we’d like to highlight more stories from our nonprofit partners. Have you launched a successful collaboration? Tried a new fundraising strategy? Found an innovative way to engage participants or volunteers? We’d love to share those ideas with the network.
The challenges facing our communities are too important for any one organization to tackle alone. By sharing our experiences, celebrating each other’s successes, and learning from one another, we strengthen not only our own organizations but the entire disability services community across Wisconsin.
Because when one organization grows stronger, the people we all serve benefit.