Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. It serves the dairy processing industry as a policy advocate, networking hub, and source of education and information, and represents more than 850 dairy companies, cooperatives, and industry suppliers in the U.S. and around the world.
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association at a glance
In short: Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association gave $7.0M across 90 grants in 2025 (avg $78K), top state Wisconsin. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $6,990,283
- +36.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 90
- +18.4% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $77,670
- +14.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $75,293
- Total assets
- $7,250,860
- -18.3% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (40% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
- Review Cycle
- Scholarship applications are due the following February.
- Deadline
- Scholarship applications are due the following February.
- Contact
Mailing address: 5117 W Terrace Dr Ste 402 402, Madison, WI 53718
Phone: (608) 286-1001
Website: https://wischeesemakers.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Specialty Cheese Inc ($289K). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($142,762), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
166 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 64 grants of 166 (39%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, Wisconsin recipients received 40% of grant dollars. Other leading recipient states were Iowa and Ohio at 11% each, Minnesota at 9%, and Missouri at 8%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 90 itemized grants.
Cities
How Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association gives
- 34% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $25K (2019) to $7.0M (2025). In 2025 it made 90 grants totaling $7.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Cheese Inc Reeseville, WI | Layered block form, improved separation of soft/flocculated curd from whey, fresh cheese packaging, export paneer | $288,730 |
| Hidden Springs Creamery LLC Westby, WI | Equipment modernization in order to utilize whey into ricotta and improve profitability | $275,897 |
| Goodsport Nutrition LLC Evanston, IL | Marketing Campaign for Protein Sports Drinks | $200,000 |
| Widmer's Cheese Cellars Inc Theresa, WI | Equipment Modernization Project - New Vats | $200,000 |
| Sartori Company Plymouth, WI | Scholarship for attending food and beverage industry trade shows. | $194,086 |
| Concept Processing LLC Melrose, MN | Fluid Milk Chiller System Expansion | $183,954 |
| Farm Life Creamery LLC Ethan, SD | Ice Cream Expansion | $177,707 |
| Knueven Creamery LLC Leipsic, OH | Equipment to Increase Ice Cream Capacity | $175,806 |
| Rosewood Dairy Inc Sturgeon Bay, WI | Trial vat and new presses. Labeler machine. Export growth plan. | $167,765 |
| Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin Inc Darlington, WI | Equipment to Produce Raclette | $133,680 |
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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 | $7,250,860 | $10,633,706 | $10,427,382 | $6,990,283 | 90 | $199,648 |
| 2024 | $8,877,082 | $9,474,925 | $8,643,625 | $5,137,234 | 76 | $169,992 |
| 2023 | $5,850,466 | $3,166,949 | $2,744,956 | — | — | $189,242 |
| 2022 | $4,571,560 | $3,452,824 | $2,700,594 | — | — | $95,662 |
| 2021 | $3,729,320 | $1,150,566 | $1,405,110 | — | — | $117,076 |
| 2020 | $3,821,765 | $1,065,109 | $1,762,952 | $50,000 | 1 | $72,175 |
| 2019 | $3,132,435 | $2,093,062 | $2,140,320 | $25,000 | 1 | $94,891 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
WCMA’s stated mission is to be the voice of the cheese industry, using its members’ collective knowledge and expertise to promote excellence in the U.S. cheese industry. Its filing describes conferences and trade shows that provide members educational insight into products and technology.
WCMA also describes a scholarship process for students attending a college, university, or technical school, or high school seniors registered to attend a qualifying U.S. school, who are employees of or children of employees of WCMA member companies. Applications require a current transcript, a recommendation letter, and a completed application form. Complete applications are independently reviewed by two WCMA employees and an outside business professional with no familial relationship to applicants.
Grantmaking
In 2025, WCMA reported 90 grants totaling $6,990,283. Grant amounts ranged from $8,040 to $288,730, with a median of $75,293.
Among the largest reported grants were $288,730 to Specialty Cheese Inc. for production and packaging improvements; $275,897 to Hidden Springs Creamery LLC for equipment modernization to use whey in ricotta production; $200,000 to GoodSport Nutrition LLC for a protein sports-drink marketing campaign; and $200,000 to Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Inc. for new vats. Other large awards included $194,086 to Sartori Company for a scholarship related to attending food and beverage industry trade shows, and $183,954 to Concept Processing LLC for a fluid milk chiller system expansion.
For its student scholarship process, WCMA distributes a call for applications in November.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Ben Smith, Bruce Workman, Declan Roche, Doug Simon, Gloria Joseph, Greg Alberts, and Gustavo Badino as directors; Betsy Erdelyi as treasurer; Chris Roelli as secretary; and Jeff Gentine as first vice president.
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association is led by John Umhoefer, Executive Director on every filing since 2019; 6 of 33 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
John Umhoefer
Executive Director
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$232K (2019) → $270K (2025)
Kim Heiman
President
President → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → President, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Judy Keller
Senior Director & Events
Events Director → Senior Director & Events, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$110K (2019) → $152K (2025)
Rebekah Sweeney
Senior Director, Programs & Policy
Senior Director, Programs & Policy → Senior Director & Programs, 2023
Senior Director & Programs → Senior Director, Programs & Policy, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$117K (2019) → $209K (2025)
Danica Nilsestuen
Director, Sustainability & Grants
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$103K (2024) → $107K (2025)
Caitlin Peirick
Expo & Conference Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$100K (2025)
Grace Atherton
Communications Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$112K (2025)
Kerry Henning
Director
First Vice President → Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bruce Workman
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Guggisberg
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Declan Roche
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Alberts
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Doyle
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Stettler
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ben Smith
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Doug Simon
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gloria Joseph
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gustavo Badino
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jenny Drake
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jon Metzig
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Pieh
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kurt Epprecht
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Luke Buholzer
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Federico
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matt Winsand
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mindy Berrey
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Orphee Paillotin
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tony Eafanti
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wilf Costello
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Gentine
First Vice President
Director → First Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Roelli
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mat Bartkowiak
Second Vice President
Director → Second Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Betsy Erdelyi
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (28)
- Former: Brian Baker (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Doug Wilke (2019–2024) — First Vice President
- Former: Kyle Jensen (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Mike Hinrichsen (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Mike Sipple (2020–2024) — Second Vice President
- Former: Randy Lagrander (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Tim Omer (2020–2024) — President
- Former: Chris Renard (2021–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Tom Dahmen (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Bob Greco (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Paul Bauer (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Craig Filkouski (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Gary Gosda (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Linda Lee (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Mike Neu (2019–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Paul Scharfman (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Steve Bechel (2019–2022) — President
- Former: Tayt Wuethrich (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Graham Archer (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Dave Buholzer (2019–2021) — President
- Former: Greg Siegenthaler (2019–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Mark Witke (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Chris Sandretti (2019–2020) — Second Vice President
- Former: Craig Linz (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Jeff Wideman (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Jim Bleick (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Ken Meyers (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Matt Zimbric (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $270K, to John Umhoefer (Executive Director). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
How much does Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association give each year?
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association gave $7.0M across 90 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $5.1M across 76 grants.
What is Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's typical grant size?
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's median grant in 2025 was $75,293, and its average grant was $77,670, across 90 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association give grants?
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's top state is Wisconsin, with 40% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Iowa (11%) and Ohio (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Anderson, IN (4 grants), Westby, WI (3 grants), Hot Springs, SD (2 grants) and Monroe, WI (2 grants).
Does Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 90 grants with a stated purpose on Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "H5N1 Biosecurity Farm Grant" (8 grants) and "Creamery Expansion" (3 grants).
Who are Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's largest grantees?
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's largest 2025 grantees include Specialty Cheese Inc ($288,730), Hidden Springs Creamery LLC ($275,897) and Goodsport Nutrition LLC ($200,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 individual scholarships ($142,762), which are not listed by name. Together they received 11% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association?
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association reported $7.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $10.6M.
What does Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association fund?
WCMA’s stated mission is to be the voice of the cheese industry, using its members’ collective knowledge and expertise to promote excellence in the U.S. cheese industry. Its filing describes conferences and trade shows that provide members educational insight into products and technology. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association?
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check wischeesemakers.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's EIN?
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-0712619. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 9, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 13, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 6, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
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