Give to UW-Extension
Help build a strong Wisconsin
We encourage you to learn more about the many education and applied research programs that you can support with a gift to UW-Extension. Whether you make a secure online gift or use the print-and-mail pledge form, you may select any number of ways to direct your donation to a specific area.
Where the Need is Greatest
Unrestricted gifts to UW-Extension offer the greatest flexibility and support for new initiatives that respond to emerging needs, as well as established programs with a successful record of addressing the lifelong learning needs of Wisconsin people. Contributions will underwrite innovative new pilot projects, enable collaborative efforts across individual program areas, and help keep existing programs on the cutting edge. Unrestricted gifts may be used to fund professional development, technology upgrades, facility improvements and other projects that are critical to UW-Extension's success.
Broadcasting & Media Innovations
The University of Wisconsin is recognized as a pioneer in the use of public broadcasting for educational purposes. Funds designated for Broadcasting and Media Innovations support a wide variety of educational, public service and cultural activities offered through UW-Extension's public television, public radio and instructional communications. Donations will support applied research in distance learning and digital communications, enhance popular television and radio broadcasts, and help bring university knowledge to larger audiences using datacast, Internet-based communications and other emerging technology.
Epsilon Sigma Phi
Epsilon Sigma Phi, a professional fraternity for former and current Extension employees, has established an endowed fund to support professional development for faculty and academic staff associated with Cooperative Extension. Your donations to this fund help foster continuing innovation and excellence in the delivery of community-based outreach education, by helping faculty and staff grow through in-depth learning opportunities such as advanced degrees, professional certifications, study leaves, research and other special projects. ESP's goal is to establish an $800,000 endowment that will provide a steady stream of funding to develop the educational leaders of tomorrow.
Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who help people in the community better understand horticulture and their environment. They assist the elderly and disabled with garden plots, work with youth on creating school gardens, organize community gardens, and contribute fresh vegetables to food pantries. Your contribution to the Master Gardener program helps ensure that quality educational materials Ð such as a new training video on plant pathology Ð will be available to those taking training. Contributions also help the Master Gardener Program Office continue to offer exceptional educational opportunities for all Wisconsin residents who wish to become UW-Extension Master Gardeners.
Outreach & E-Learning
Outreach and E-Learning works with our partners at the 26 University of Wisconsin campuses to offer more than 6,000 continuing education programs to 200,000 lifelong learners each year. We provide educational opportunities at times and locations that are convenient and accessible to learners everywhere. Your contribution will support a wide range of educational services, such as scholarships for pre-college programs for youth at the UW campuses, funding for new collaborative programs for underserved populations, and support for PK-16 educators so they can engage fully in using the IDEAS Portal Web site.
The Pyle Center
The Pyle Center is UW-Extension's flagship distance education and conference center, offering learners direct access to university resources wherever they live or work and extending the Wisconsin Idea to a global audience. Donations to the Technology Endowment help UW-Extension keep pace with evolving communications and instructional technology. Gifts may be used to upgrade cutting-edge equipment and software applications and acquire new technologies, or in other ways that expand the University's distance education capabilities.
Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), an advocate for small business, provides no-cost, confidential counseling to help clients manage and run their businesses more profitably and offers a wide range of educational services tailored to the needs of small-business clients. The SBDC courses and workshops feature new and innovative management techniques that help educate entrepreneurs and small-business owners. The SBDC helps clients who would be unable to afford comparable private-sector services. Your contribution to the SBDC helps small businesses continue to benefit from these educational offerings -- such as the creation of peer networks or new curriculum for a particular industry -- and enables the SBDC to continue to support WisconsinÕs entrepreneurial spirit.
Wisconsin 4–H Foundation
4-H is the largest and oldest youth organization in Wisconsin, offering a wide variety of programs on both urban and rural settings. From the 4-H activities in the city of Milwaukee to the 4-H clubs in Bayfield County, 4-H is making a positive difference in our young people throughout the state.
Recent research shows that 4-H kids are more apt to have good grades, to have good parental and peer relations, to be involved on community service, and to go on for higher education. 4-H youth consistently score high in leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.
Your support will help 4-H continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our young people. Your contribution will help make a difference in the life of a young person today. Funds may support long-standing programs and pilot programs at the club, county and state levels.
Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program (WRLP)
The Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program strengthens communities by preparing leaders to deal effectively with today's changing world. WRLP was recently recognized by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation as one of the exemplary leadership programs in the nation. WRLP participants gain confidence and motivation to promote positive change for Wisconsin. Over 69 percent of graduates are elected to school, town and county boards, as well as our state legislature. Over 50 percent serve as board members for area hospitals, community and civic organizations. Graduates have gone on to establish organizations and build community clinics or schools using their newly acquired knowledge and skills for the public good. Your contributions can be directed to support seminars - in-state, national, regional or international; scholarships for participants; other leadership programming and/or the WRLP endowment fund.
If you have questions, drop us an email at give@uwex.edu.