Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc. (WAICU) is a Madison-based public charity and the official organization of Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities. It works to expand educational opportunity through advocacy, student access programs, collaboration among member institutions, and support for students and colleges.
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc at a glance
In short: Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc gave $3.7M across 14 grants in 2025 (avg $265K), mostly in Wisconsin. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $3,709,927
- Grants made (2025)
- 14
- Average grant
- $264,995
- Median grant
- $108,850
- Total assets
- $27,259,322
- +10.9% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 122 W Washington Avenue 700, Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 256-7761
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Herzing University ($1.2M). Together the top 10 received $3.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
14 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 7 grants of 14 (50%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for 2025 went to recipients in Wisconsin. WAICU’s stated mission and membership criteria center on Wisconsin’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2025 it made 14 grants totaling $3.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Herzing University Milwaukee, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $1,213,686 |
| Edgewood College Inc Madison, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $673,497 |
| Alverno College Milwaukee, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $661,518 |
| Ripon College Ripon, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $408,610 |
| Concordia University Inc Mequon, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $231,110 |
| Lawrence University of Wisconsin Appleton, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $202,547 |
| Beloit College Beloit, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $170,000 |
| Lakeland University Plymouth, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $47,700 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $29,950 |
| Mount Mary University Inc Milwaukee, WI | Wisconsin Grant Shortfall | $22,635 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,259,322 | $8,340,936 | $7,925,932 | $3,709,927 | 14 | $1,019,862 |
| 2024 | $24,580,901 | $4,855,014 | $4,153,489 | — | — | $1,109,907 |
| 2023 | $22,443,882 | $4,101,241 | $4,344,013 | — | — | $542,542 |
| 2022 | $20,602,047 | $4,896,137 | $3,966,869 | — | — | $1,386,173 |
| 2021 | $24,160,741 | $4,562,280 | $3,749,758 | — | — | $781,138 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
WAICU’s mission is “Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities working together for educational opportunity.” It says it advances independent higher education, advocates for equitable public policy and cost-effective allocation of public funds, fosters resource sharing and cooperation among member institutions, and helps members promote access, affordability, and accountability.
The 2025 grants were reported for “Wisconsin Grant shortfall.” WAICU’s website identifies increasing the state appropriation for the Wisconsin Grant–Private Nonprofit as its top public-policy priority. The organization also describes collaborative services intended to help member institutions save money and improve services, and student access programming to introduce students, parents, and counselors to Wisconsin’s private nonprofit college sector.
Examples of supported institutions include Herzing University, whose stated mission is to educate, support, and empower students; Edgewood University, which describes its work as educating students for ethical leadership and service; and Alverno College, which says it prepares women for personal and professional distinction and also offers programs for women and men. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not WAICU’s.
WAICU’s 2024 filing also describes six endowed scholarship programs valued at approximately $17.5 million and annual awards of approximately $865,000 to 110 private-college students. These scholarships support individual recipients.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, WAICU reported 14 grants totaling $3,709,927. Grant amounts ranged from $6,175 to $1,213,686, with a median of $108,850. The largest reported grants included:
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists the following directors: Aaron Sadoff, Richard Trietley, Renee Herzing, Laurie Joyner, Laurie Carter, Lauren Whitnah, Kimo Ah Yun, John Walz, John Swallow, and John Raymond.
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc is led by Eric Fulcomer, President on every filing since 2023; 4 of 26 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Eric Fulcomer
President
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$13K (2023) → $350K (2025)
Shane Kellar
Executive Director & Wbc
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$101K (2024) → $113K (2025)
Andrew Manion
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cindy Gnadinger
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Connie J. Boerst
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Daniel W. Johnson
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Morin
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John R. Raymond
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Swallow
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Walz
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Renee Herzing
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laurie Carter
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Trietley
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aaron Sadoff
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Beth Borgen
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chadwick Dayton
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christy Brown
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Boynton
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erik Ankerberg
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Isabelle Cherney
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kimo Ah Yun
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Whitnah
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laurie Joyner
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Victoria Folse
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer E. Dehart
Chief Operating Officer
Senior Vice President for Collaborative Service → Chief Operating Officer, 2024
On filings since 2021
25 hrs/week
$141K (2022) → $180K (2025)
Rebecca A. Larson
Senior Vice President for Advocacy
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$156K (2021) → $181K (2025)
Former officers (19)
- Former: Elizabeth Simon (2021–2024) — Senior Vice President for Finance & Operations
- Former: Beth Borland (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Brian Bruess (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Christine Pharr (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Daniel Scholz (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Garwood Anderson (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: H. Scott Bierman (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Karl Solibakke (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Michael R. Lovell (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Michelle Majewski (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Rolf Wegenke (2021–2023) — President
- Former: Sr Andrea Lee (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Andrea Young (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Willima Cario (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Glena Temple (2021) — Director
- Former: Mark Burstein (2021) — Director
- Former: Patrick T. Ferry (2021) — Director
- Former: Rodney L. Opsal (2021) — Senior Vice President for Collaborative S · Filing note: Retired 123120
- Former: Zach P. Messitte (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $350K, to Eric Fulcomer (President). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
How much does Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc give each year?
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc gave $3.7M across 14 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990.
What is Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's typical grant size?
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's median grant in 2025 was $108,850, and its average grant was $264,995, across 14 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc give grants?
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc gives mostly in Wisconsin: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Milwaukee, WI (6 grants).
Does Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 14 grants with a stated purpose on Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Wisconsin Grant Shortfall" (14 grants).
Who are Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's largest grantees?
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Herzing University ($1,213,686), Edgewood College Inc ($673,497) and Alverno College ($661,518), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 69% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc?
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc reported $27.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $8.3M.
What does Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc fund?
WAICU’s mission is “Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities working together for educational opportunity.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc?
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's EIN?
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1039417. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 3, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/wisconsin-association-of-independent-colleges-and-universities-inc-morg_1b053dcdf4b840908b979a690aa4b905
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_391039417_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/wisconsin-association-of-independent-colleges-and-universities-inc-morg_1b053dcdf4b840908b979a690aa4b905},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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