Together we can help kids shine
Your support is powering a revolutionary approach to caring for kids’ physical, dental, social and mental health.
Wisconsin’s kids:
Brighter Than Ever
Wisconsin’s kids are facing unprecedented health challenges, and they need you now more than ever.
At Children’s Wisconsin, we’re doing everything in our power to make sure their light never dims. We go beyond for kids because it’s the right thing to do. But we can’t do it without you.
Your support is powering a revolutionary approach to care that focuses on every aspect of a child’s health — physical, dental, social and mental. Because every child deserves a brighter future.
Give today. Together, kids can shine Brighter Than Ever.
A message from Children’s Wisconsin Foundation President Meg Brzyski Nelson
The Children’s Wisconsin story started 130 years ago in a rented house on Brady Street in Milwaukee — a dream brought to life by seven women volunteers and philanthropists who thought kids deserved a different kind of care and a pastor who found kids safe and loving homes.
With incredible community support from people like you, Children’s Wisconsin has grown into a top-ranked pediatric health care system and the largest social services agency in the state. We are immensely proud to have more than 6.5 million annual connections with kids and families. Every one of you who walks by our side in partnership should feel proud of your impact.
Now, we ask you to continue powering the work Children’s Wisconsin is doing to care for the whole child. We’re turning strong into stronger. Kind into kinder. Sick into healthy. Healthy into healthier — into the healthiest kids in the nation. Your support is the multiplier effect. Thank you.
Now, more than ever, we need partners like you by our side as we turn bright into Brighter Than Ever for generations to come.
Stories of impact
Stronger than ever: Nazaria’s story
From thyroid cancer to world adventures, Nazaria is healthy and happy.
Mightier than ever: Holden’s story
Holden’s five-year journey has been a “miracle.”
Braver than ever: Marquan’s story
Accessing mental health care at school has helped Marquan heal from trauma.
Why did Children’s Wisconsin launch a comprehensive engagement and philanthropy campaign?
The only way we can give kids the best is by providing programs and services that wrap around the whole child — their physical, dental, social and mental health — making us a hospital and so much more. Many of these programs are not billable to insurance, and we offer them because it's the right thing to do for kids. Donor and community support is essential to ensure that we can continue caring for all aspects of a child’s health.
What is the timeline for the campaign?
The most ambitious engagement and philanthropy campaign in Children’s Wisconsin history, Brighter Than Ever covers a six-year period, with the goal of raising more than $300 million in support of Wisconsin’s kids and families by the end of 2025.
I have already donated to Children’s Wisconsin or I support other organizations through my giving. Why should I make a campaign gift now?
We have an ambitious goal, and every dollar counts. When you give to Children’s, you say yes to providing best and safest care to kids so we can have the biggest impact on their health and well-being.
Can I designate my gift to a specific initiative?
Yes, we invite you to learn more about how your gift can help kids Spark Forward, Glow Beyond and Shine Through. You also may designate your dollars to the Brighter Than Ever Immediate Impact for Kids fund, which allows us to support our areas of most critical need.
How do I make a deferred or estate-type gift?
Planning a future gift is a wonderful way to leave a legacy of support while benefiting you and your family. There are multiple ways to do so, including through a will or trust or designating Children’s Wisconsin as a beneficiary in your retirement plan or life insurance policy. Please contact Senior Planned Giving Director Kelly Sachse at (414) 266-6121 or ksachse@childrenswi.org.
Are gifts to the campaign tax deductible?
Gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the fullest extent as allowed by law. Please contact your attorney or tax professional for specific questions.
I’d love to volunteer for the Brighter Than Ever engagement and philanthropy campaign. How can I do so?
Children’s Wisconsin relies on the generous support of our volunteers in so many ways. We invite you to learn more about volunteerism by visiting or by contacting Director of Volunteer Leadership Heather Schilter at hschilter@childrenswi.org.
Do you have additional questions?
We invite you to contact the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation at foundation@childrenswi.org. You can also find additional ways to contact us.