National Philanthropy Day

AlphaGraphics Middleton, under the leadership of Ryan Paulsrud, has consistently demonstrated an inspiring commitment to local philanthropy. Known for their generosity toward nonprofits, they provide critical in-kind services such as printing, design, and mailing support. This support has been invaluable to organizations like the Madison Reading Project, Wisconsin Youth Company, and WayForward, helping them to reduce operating costs and direct more resources to their missions. AlphaGraphics’ strategic partnership empowers these organizations to enhance their community impact.

Beyond donations, Ryan and his team actively engage in community events, strengthening connections and fostering a culture of giving within the local business community. By aligning its resources and expertise with the needs of nonprofits, AlphaGraphics Middleton exemplifies how a business can integrate philanthropy into its core operations and values, supporting nonprofits in their work to uplift and serve communities in need.
 

Vicki Kenyon is a dynamic and engaged community leader who has made an immediate and lasting impact in Madison. After relocating to the city and transitioning into a real estate career, Vicki set her sights on giving back to her new community. She has volunteered extensively, including supporting events and procuring unique auction items, such as a fly-fishing excursion, and bringing fresh ideas to the Madison Reading Project. Her passion for supporting nonprofits and her work with the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce further highlight her dedication to creating inclusive and equitable spaces. Vicki’s leadership and enthusiasm inspire those around her to get involved in philanthropy.

Vicki’s commitment to giving back to the community is also evident in her role as a connector. She actively brings people and organizations together, leveraging her network to support charitable causes. Whether by introducing individuals with shared interests or recommending new opportunities for collaboration, Vicki amplifies the work of others. Her ability to inspire those around her to act charitably and to make meaningful contributions is a testament to her generosity and community spirit. Vicki’s impact goes beyond her volunteer efforts—she is a catalyst for positive change.
 

Ascendium is a non-profit organization dedicated to removing barriers and driving innovation. Opportunities are created for learners from low-income backgrounds to achieve academic and career success. EMCC is just one of many non-profit organizations to partner with Ascendium to provide these education opportunities.

Ascendium focuses on collaboration as the “key to building strong communities.” We couldn’t agree more. Ascendium awards grants to organizations in the Madison area that share the same commitment to helping others.

Ascendium Education Group has been a transformative force in advancing public policy education, leveraging strategic philanthropy to shape future leaders and promote social equity. Through a $500,000 grant to the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison, Ascendium is fostering the development of an undergraduate major in public policy, with a special emphasis on experiential learning. This support not only enhances classroom experiences but also expands opportunities for students, including internships and vital financial support.

A visionary in innovative philanthropy, Ascendium integrates a strong IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) framework into its work, with a commitment to serving underrepresented groups, such as rural populations and individuals transitioning from the justice system.

Ascendium’s dedication to fostering inclusive, meaningful change is setting a new standard in educational philanthropy, nurturing a generation of public servants equipped to make an impact on local, national, and global levels. This enduring commitment to IDEA values and innovative philanthropy reflects a legacy that not only enriches the educational landscape but also ensures a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
In the last year, Ascendium Community Giving has made gifts to:
East Madison Community Center, Black Men Coalition, One City Schools, University of Wisconsin- THe LaFollette School of Public Affairs, Wisconsin Technical College System, Literacy Network, and various other organizations. Additionally, employees volunteer regularly at organizations such as East Madison Community Center helping in the children’s garden, organizing the men’s First Impressions clothing closet, cooking, assisting teens with job applications and more.
 

By Youth For Youth (BYFY) is an inspiring volunteer committee composed of high school students across Dane County who are dedicated to shaping a better future through youth-led philanthropy. Founded in 1993, BYFY empowers young people to identify critical issues, establish funding priorities, and allocate grants to impactful youth-driven initiatives. Over its 30-year history, BYFY has awarded nearly $1 million to 496 projects, touching on urgent issues like mental health, climate change, poverty, and food insecurity. Each year, a new cohort of high school students is selected to participate, bringing fresh perspectives and commitment to fostering positive change in their community.

This year, BYFY’s innovative spirit led to several advancements: students now receive stipends and school credit for their service, making participation more accessible. They also conduct site visits, gaining deeper insights into the issues they seek to address. BYFY's inclusive approach to philanthropy embraces diversity, offering seats at the table to youth from various backgrounds, fostering a shared commitment to building a thriving community.

In 2024, BYFY's dedication to youth empowerment earned a Bloomberg Philanthropies grant for a Youth Climate Action Fund, furthering the organization’s impact on climate resilience. With support from entities like Madison Civics Club, which endowed BYFY with $20,000, the organization continues to inspire not only young people but also adults and community leaders across generations. The result is a vibrant, youth-led movement of compassion, leadership, and sustained philanthropic impact that truly represents the spirit of National Philanthropy Day.