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How To Support Nonprofits
When most people hear the word “nonprofit,” they often think of charities focused on health or human services. But the nonprofit sector is far broader and more diverse. So, what is a nonprofit exactly—and how can you support one?
In its simplest definition, a nonprofit organization is a non-governmental organization that acts like a business but provides public benefits. If a nonprofit earns excess revenue, bonuses don’t go to management or a board of directors; instead, that money is reinvested within the company to grow and support more aspects of its operations and/or the community it serves.
Museums, political groups, hospitals, churches, social clubs, and more are all typically not-for-profit. Most importantly to us, however, is that almost all arts organizations are classified as nonprofits, including Milwaukee Ballet.
How does a nonprofit stay in business if it doesn’t “profit”? That’s where you come in. Read below to learn how you can support nonprofits like your Milwaukee Ballet today.
Donations & Patronage
Donations are the best way to support nonprofits, and its much more complex than meets the eye. Nonprofits can receive money from several sources, including the government, corporations, foundations, or individuals. Donations of each of these kinds have different requirements for receiving and reporting on funding. Funds may also be restricted for a distinct purpose depending on the stipulations of the donating entity. For example, Milwaukee Ballet donors can choose to have their donation directly benefit a Live Music Fund to maintain the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, which means that donation cannot be allocated towards other operations.
Individual Giving
At the end of the day, however, the most direct way to support any local nonprofit is through donating directly to that organization. Donations can be made one-time, on a recurring basis, in memory or honor, as part of your planned giving, and much more. Sponsorships of dancers, performances, and events are also available on a limited basis. You can learn more at www.milwaukeeballet.org/donate.
Nonprofits often reward individual donations through exclusive benefits and perks. At Milwaukee Ballet, donors of certain levels can learn cast lists early, watch professional rehearsals, or gain access to unique events. Donor benefits do not affect the tax deductibility of your gift. Your patronage means a great deal to us and is always the most reliable way to ensure that the nonprofits you love most grow within the communities you cherish most.
Donors enjoy benefits like attending the Donor Lounge during performances, meeting their sponsored dancer, and attending events like Coffee and Class at Baumgartner Center for Dance
Government Funding
Government funding has become one of the less utilized forms of funding, especially for arts organizations. Most federal government funding for arts nonprofits happens through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), but the amount provided to the NEA by the federal government varies, creating uncertainty for arts organizations who rely on it to varying degrees. Historically, Milwaukee Ballet receives very little if anything at all from the NEA.
The United Performing Arts Fund
The amount of state government funding varies by state, and historically, Wisconsin has ranked 49th or 50th lowest in quantity of funding given to arts organizations. That issue was tackled in Wisconsin through the creation of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), which collects donations from individuals and businesses before distributing them to eligible arts organizations through a grant application process. Milwaukee Ballet is one of six Cornerstone members of UPAF, receiving approximately 8% of its funding each year. You can learn more about UPAF and donate to their initiatives today at www.upaf.org.
Milwaukee Ballet supporters bike at UPAF's annual "Ride for the Arts" Fundraiser
Corporate and Foundations
Corporations and Foundations offer grants to nonprofits that align with the ideals or values of their company. If you work for a company that does sponsorships or has a foundation, you can make a difference by encouraging the relevant individuals or committees to direct their support towards Milwaukee Ballet. Many corporations also offer Matching Gift Programs, allowing an employee’s personal donation to a nonprofit to be matched by their corporation. This allows an individual’s gift to go twice as far and make double the impact.
Volunteering
Nonprofits understand that not everyone has the financial capacity to donate, so they often have ways that you can give your time instead. Here at Milwaukee Ballet, there are several ways to volunteer.
Boutique Volunteers
At every show, Milwaukee Ballet’s Boutique sells merchandise before, during, and after the performances. Helping at the cash register, assisting patrons, and maintaining inventory are just a few ways volunteers can help Boutique operations throughout the season.
Volunteers Assist Boutique Sales during The Nutcracker. Photo Courtesy Milwaukee Ballet
Ticket Scanner Volunteers
Shows held at our home theater in Baumgartner Center for Dance (BCD) always need volunteers to help everything run smoothly. Ticket scanners distribute will call tickets, scan digital tickets, and provide a friendly face to welcome patrons to our building.
Usher Volunteers
Also at our home theater in Baumgartner Center for Dance, ushers help direct patrons to their seats, hand out programs, and provide helpful and cheerful answers to any questions patrons may have. Training is provided by our expert Box Office staff.
As a thank-you for their time, Milwaukee Ballet volunteers are invited to watch the performance they’re attending for free, receive vouchers for future performances, and are entered into a raffle for a great prize at the end of the season. We know your time is valuable, and we appreciate you sharing it with us!
To get in touch with Milwaukee Ballet about volunteerism, visit www.milwaukeeballet.org/volunteer to fill out an application.
Social Media & Event Attendance
Nonprofits like Milwaukee Ballet also understand if you don’t have a lot of free time to volunteer. Fortunately, you can support us right from your phone or laptop.
Milwaukee Ballet maintains a strong online presence through posting on social media, sharing informative blogs on our website, and emailing bi-weekly newsletters. Interacting with and sharing any of these expands our presence and connection to the community around us. It also helps you share your passion with those in your social circle!
Another great way to spread the word is by posting on your own social media accounts and messaging your networks personally. Whether you snap a selfie at the next performance of The Nutcracker or tell your family about Swan Lake, your support in these little ways counts for so much more.
Milwaukee Ballet also hosts many events throughout the year, from the glamorous Ballet Ball to various pre-show events and our Annual Meeting. While access to some of these might be limited to our donors or subscribers, events are a great way to meet staff, dancers, choreographers, and like-minded people who also love to support the community. Attending our events and spreading the word about them is a great way for you to share our story and your own commitment to the arts.
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From left to right: Tale of Two Carmens, The Ballet Ball 2025: En Fuego, Pints Before Pointe. Photos Courtesy of Milwakuee Ballet
These are just a few ways to show your support for Milwaukee Ballet as a nonprofit arts organization in your community. We are always dedicated to expanding arts engagement throughout Milwaukee, offering the highest quality dance education & training, removing any barriers that might prevent someone from experiencing our art form, and putting on unbelievable performances with our spectacular Company Artists. Your support— be it through donating, volunteering, or spreading the word— makes a massive difference, not only for us, but for you and your community.