United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fundraising and fund distribution organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1967, UPAF functions as an umbrella organization that secures community resources and distributes funds to support the performing arts ecosystem in Southeastern Wisconsin. The organization serves as a collaborative entity designed to reduce competition for funding among arts organizations while allowing member groups to focus their efforts on creating, performing, educating, and inspiring audiences.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12.7M
-5.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$7.0M
-11.7% YoY
Grant Count
30
-6.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$233K
-5.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: UPAF advances the vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin by raising essential funds, providing strategic stewardship, and inspiring involvement in the performing arts.
Vision: A thriving Southeastern Wisconsin community uplifted by the performing arts.
Core Pillars:
- Regional Vibrancy: UPAF's strategic stewardship contributes to the vibrancy and growth of the entire region by stimulating related economic activity, enhancing the business sector's opportunities to attract and retain talent, and fostering creativity and innovation across sectors.
Primary Activities:
- Raising funds to ensure entertainment excellence
- Promoting the performing arts as a regional asset
- Responsibly stewarding donor contributions
- Providing financial support to member and affiliate organizations
- Operating UPAF Connect, a program that connects world-class performing arts experiences with those who may not otherwise have access to cultural assets
Grantmaking
UPAF distributes funds to 14 Member Groups and 41 Affiliate organizations through its annual fundraising campaign. Recent grant allocations include:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
UPAF defines its service region as Southeastern Wisconsin, encompassing seven counties. The organization's work reaches more than one million people annually through performances, educational outreach, special events, and community partnerships.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (Fiscal Year 2024):
- Total Revenues: $7,598,518
- Total Expenses: $8,904,685
- Total Assets: $12,653,978
- Total Liabilities: $1,330,000 (as of 2023)
- Staff: 29 employees
Historical Context:
- Since inception in 1967, UPAF has raised more than $400 million in support of the performing arts
- 2023 Campaign: Nearly $10.6 million raised
- 2022 Campaign: More than $10.7 million raised
Ratings & Accountability:
- Holds a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a 100% score
- Maintains the highest rating for financial management, transparency, and accountability
- Receives no government grants
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,653,978 | $13,410,096 | $12,908,010 |
| Revenue | $7,598,518 | $10,439,171 | $9,681,014 |
| Expenses | $8,904,685 | $9,717,290 | $9,614,383 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $279,478 | $457,340 | $296,615 |
| 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
142 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Milwaukee Repertory Theater ($1,602,071), Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra ($1,360,334), Milwaukee Ballet ($809,663).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BEL CANTO CHORUS FRANKLIN, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $60,147 |
| BLACK ARTS MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $166,667 |
| DANCEWORKS MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $171,860 |
| FIRST STAGE MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $734,983 |
| FLORENTINE OPERA MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $579,034 |
| MILWAUKEE BALLET MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $809,663 |
| MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $118,390 |
| MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $1,602,071 |
| MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $1,360,334 |
| MILWAUKEE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MILWAUKEE, WI | FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF OPERATIONS | $436,136 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
President & CEO: Deanna Tillisch
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCOTT BEIGHTOL | CHAIRMAN | 1 | — |
| TIM MATTKE | PAST CHAIRMAN | 1 | — |
| BRENT TISCHLER | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| STEPHANIE LYONS | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| RYAN BARBIERI | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| STEVE BOOTH | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JIM BORRIS | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JEFF CADY | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ANDREW FLACK | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DAN GALLEGOS | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DUSTIN GODSEY | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHRIS GOLLER | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| C GREER JORDAN | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BILL GUC | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KATY HOOK | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JULIET KERSTEN | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DR PHYLLIS KING | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MELANIE MADDUX | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DANIEL MCCONEGHY | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| GEORGE MEYER | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| REBECCA MITICH | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DR JAYA PHOOKAN | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| HEATHER RAMIREZ | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JOE ROCK | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| AMY SCHUBERT | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| RAY SNISKY | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DEBORAH SPANIC | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| TIM STEWART | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| NATACHA VELEZ | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| GARY WITT | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PATRICK RATH | PRESIDENT & CEO | 50 | $205,113 |
| BRUCE OSGOOD | CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFIC | 50 | $143,952 |
| CHRISTINE HOJNACKI | CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER | 50 | $136,076 |
| SUE CONNOR | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | 40 | $104,100 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**2024-2025 Season Highlights:**
1,388 performances held by UPAF Member Groups
52,501 free tickets offered to performances and community events
Nearly 100,000 youth trained and educated by Member Groups
$7 million+ allocated to Member and Affiliate performing arts groups
**Impact Metrics:**
More than 1.2 million people touched annually through in-person performing arts events, educational experiences, and community outreach programs
UPAF - The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Will Provide $7.18 millionOver 150,000 children reached through educational programs
Over 400,000 children engaged annually through performances and educational initiatives
Contact Information
Address: 301 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 600, Milwaukee, WI 53203-2232
Phone: 414-273-8723
Website: upaf.org
EIN: 39-6100399
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does United Performing Arts Fund Inc fund?
**Mission:** UPAF advances the vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin by raising essential funds, providing strategic stewardship, and inspiring involvement in the performing arts. **Vision:** A thriving Southeastern Wisconsin community uplifted by the performing arts. **Core Pillars:** • **Regional Vibrancy:** UPAF's strategic stewardship contributes to the vibrancy and growth of the entire region by stimulating related economic activity, enhancing the business sector's opportunities to attract an…
How do I apply for a grant from United Performing Arts Fund Inc?
UPAF distributes funds to 14 Member Groups and 41 Affiliate organizations through its annual fundraising campaign. Recent grant allocations include: **2024-2025 Season:** • Total allocation: $7 million+ to Member and Affiliate performing arts groups • 31 performing arts groups supported through annual fundraising campaign **Recent Major Grants (2024):** • Milwaukee Repertory Theater: $1,602,071 (Financial Support of Operations) • Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra: $1,360,334 (Financial Support of Op…
Where does United Performing Arts Fund Inc make grants?
UPAF defines its service region as Southeastern Wisconsin, encompassing seven counties. The organization's work reaches more than one million people annually through performances, educational outreach, special events, and community partnerships.
What size grants does United Performing Arts Fund Inc award?
In 2024, United Performing Arts Fund Inc awarded 30 grants totaling $7.0M — an average of about $233K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is United Performing Arts Fund Inc's EIN?
United Performing Arts Fund Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-6100399. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
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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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