The Foundation began in 1982 with only $500 in seed money and has granted more than $1.5 million to life-affirming, life-sustaining and life-celebrating programs for the LGBTQ+ communities of southeastern Wisconsin.
The Foundation’s work addresses the economic, health, safety and equity needs that prevent our LGBTQ+ communities from achieving full inclusion and acceptance.
Our work is not single-issue driven. It focuses on creating whole lives where the economic, health, safety and equity needs of our LGBTQ+ communities are met and individuals can flourish.
Cream City Foundation has developed three elevated priorities that will guide our fundraising and grant-making efforts. These priorities guide our proactive convening work to shine a light on the most critical issues that need to be addressed in our communities. The three elevated priorities are Equity, Health and Prosperity.
Cream City Foundation mobilizes philanthropic resources by harnessing the pride, passion, and commitment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies to advance the human rights and respond to the human needs of LGBTQ+ people in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Cream City Foundation mobilizes philanthropic resources to:
- raise money from individuals, corporations, and organizations who provide the Foundation with a diverse investment portfolio of general funds, donor and corporate advised funds, and the building blocks of an endowment;
- fund direct service and advocacy organizations to ensure meaningful change for the LGBT community, as well as encouraging vibrant arts, culture and athletic programs, and
- convene strategic collaborations and partnerships to identify effective solutions for the LGBT community.
Cream City Foundation serves as the leader in mobilizing philanthropic resources, fostering strategic collaboration, effecting positive change and the advancement of the quality, dignity, and health of LGBTQ+ people in Southeastern Wisconsin.