Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging
Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR) is a nonprofit public charity established in 1973 and based in Madison, Wisconsin. The organization operates as an area agency on aging, providing support and leadership to aging agencies across Wisconsin. GWAAR serves 70 counties and 11 tribes throughout the state, functioning as a resource and support organization rather than a direct service provider.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$13.9M
+27.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.5M
-95.5% YoY
Grant Count
69
-36.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$22K
-92.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: The mission of the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources is to deliver innovative support to lead aging agencies as we work together to promote, protect, and enhance the well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers.
Core Philosophy: GWAAR operates according to five guiding principles:
- Quality: Ensuring programs and services serving Wisconsin's seniors are available, accessible, and meet the highest quality standards
- Innovation: Anticipating needs and fostering creative approaches to training, technical assistance, and service delivery
- Leadership: Demonstrating and supporting leadership development at all staff levels throughout the organization
- Advocacy: Playing a leading role in developing and monitoring legislation impacting older people
Primary Activities: GWAAR provides training, technical assistance, and advocacy support to aging lead agencies in its service area to ensure the availability and quality of programs and services meeting the changing needs of older people in Wisconsin.
Grantmaking
GWAAR distributes grants to support aging programs and services across Wisconsin. Based on recent financial data, the organization made total grants of approximately $34.2 million. Grant awards typically range from $5,135 to $2,200,770, with funding priorities including aging services, senior support, assisted living facilities, and nonprofit human services.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
GWAAR's service area encompasses 70 counties and 11 tribes throughout Wisconsin, with primary operations based in Madison.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Financial Summary (Most Recent Filing):
- Total Assets: $13,871,588
- Total Giving: $34,212,289
- Annual Revenue: $195,953 (from recent program reporting)
- Program Expenses: $45,808,766
The organization maintains a strong financial position with a three-star rating reflecting an 81% overall score in accountability and finance metrics.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $13,871,588 | $10,855,947 | $17,295,837 |
| Revenue | $47,222,491 | $43,488,887 | $44,763,910 |
| Expenses | $46,837,771 | $43,838,534 | $44,367,538 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $84,272 | $71,234 | $2,048 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Adrc of Central Wi ($72,795), Adrc of Brown Co ($59,130), Kenosha County Division of Aging and Disability Services ($44,915).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ADAMS COUNTY AGING UNIT ADAMS, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $8,359 |
| ADRC OF BROWN CO GREEN BAY, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $59,130 |
| ADRC OF BUFFALO AND PEPIN COUNTIES DURAND, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $17,328 |
| ADRC OF CENTRAL WI WAUSAU, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $72,795 |
| ADRC OF CHIPPEWA COUNTY CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $14,657 |
| ADRC OF CLARK COUNTY NEILLSVILLE, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $18,851 |
| ADRC OF EAGLE COUNTRY - CRAWFORD COUNTY PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $14,952 |
| ADRC OF EAGLE COUNTRY - JUNEAU COUNTY MAUSTON, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $14,356 |
| ADRC OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY EAU CLAIRE, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $42,549 |
| ADRC OF GRANT COUNTY LANCASTER, WI | OLDER AMERICANS ACT - FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS | $27,380 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
John Schnabl serves as the Principal Officer of the organization.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAVE OSTNESS | BOARD CHAIR | 1 | — |
| BETH ESSER | VICE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| DAVE HOBERG | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| ROBERT BORREMANS | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| ROWENA NELSON | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| ROB WILKINSON | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| JOHN HELLING | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| WES MARTIN | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| COOKIE LOUGH | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| CATHERINE JONES-FERK | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| JOHN SCHNABL | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $116,600 |
Contact Information
Address: 1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A, Madison, WI 53714-1318
Phone: 608-243-5670
Website: www.gwaar.org
EIN: 39-1204540
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging fund?
**Mission Statement:** The mission of the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources is to deliver innovative support to lead aging agencies as we work together to promote, protect, and enhance the well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. **Core Philosophy:** GWAAR operates according to five guiding principles: • **Quality:** Ensuring programs and services serving Wisconsin's seniors are available, accessible, and meet the highest quality standards • **Innova…
How do I apply for a grant from Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging?
GWAAR distributes grants to support aging programs and services across Wisconsin. Based on recent financial data, the organization made total grants of approximately $34.2 million. Grant awards typically range from $5,135 to $2,200,770, with funding priorities including aging services, senior support, assisted living facilities, and nonprofit human services.
Where does Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging make grants?
GWAAR's service area encompasses 70 counties and 11 tribes throughout Wisconsin, with primary operations based in Madison.
What size grants does Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging award?
In 2024, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging awarded 69 grants totaling $1.5M — an average of about $22K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging's EIN?
Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1204540. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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