The United Performing Arts Fund announced on Wednesday it will receive a $1 million gift from the Bucyrus Foundation to be distributed over the next 10 years.
The donation is the largest sustaining gift in UPAF’s 47-year history. For the 2014 UPAF Campaign, the funds will be designated to the Bucyrus Foundation Leadership Challenge to match – up to $100,000 – new Leadership gifts of $1,000 plus or existing Leadership gifts that increase at least 10 percent over last year.
“It is important that we protect the world-class performing arts community we’re so fortunate to have in southeastern Wisconsin,” said Tim Sullivan, president of the Bucyrus Foundation. “We are proud to have a longstanding commitment to UPAF, an organization that is integral to ensuring these valuable assets thrive today and for generations to come.”
Bucyrus Foundation has been a major supporter of UPAF since 1996, donating more than $2.5 million in the nearly 20-year partnership.
“Bucyrus Foundation is a true partner to UPAF,” said Deanna Tillisch, president and chief executive officer of UPAF. “This generous multi-year gift will help grow our campaign not only in 2014, but over the next decade. We are extremely grateful for Bucyrus Foundation’s long-term dedication to the mission of UPAF.”
In 2013, a $100,000 gift from Bucyrus Foundation was used as a challenge grant that incentivized donors to raise their gift by one giving level. The challenge match contributed to significant growth in Leadership giving and membership in UPAF’s affinity groups: UPAF Notable Women, sponsored by BMO Harris, and Next Generation UPAF, sponsored by We Energies Foundation.
As an umbrella organization, UPAF supports a breadth of performing arts groups in Milwaukee.
