Gerald W & Sharon K Wadina
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes. Its mission focuses on education, community service, health initiatives, and the promotion of arts and culture. The foundation provides grants to organizations that serve low-income populations, support educational institutions, and promote community development. Notable recipients include educational institutions, health charities, and organizations focused on affordable housing. The foundation primarily operates within the state of Wisconsin, reflecting a commitment to local community needs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A local or regional Wisconsin nonprofit with an established track record in education, human services, affordable housing, or community arts that can be brought to the funder's attention through a local intermediary or referral.
Good Fit
- • Organisation based in Wisconsin or serving Milwaukee/Waukesha area
- • Clear program alignment with education, human services, Latino arts, or housing
- • Capacity to manage grants in the $5k–$80k range
- • Existing relationships with local intermediaries, community foundations, or past grantees
- • Demonstrated local impact and reputable financials
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Wisconsin (about 86% of dollars in the latest year), though a few small out-of-state grants appear; the footprint is therefore primarily local to the foundation's state.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows nine distinct recipients across education, human services, arts and health, indicating a moderate spread of grantees, but dollar concentration is high with the top five recipients receiving most funds.
New Applicants
The foundation's filings explicitly state it only funds preselected applicants; while multiple new recipients have appeared in observed years, the stated invitation-only policy and absence of a public application path make it unlikely an unfamiliar applicant could easily enter without referral.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
