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The Wipfli Foundation

Supporting our firm’s mission to create a lasting, positive impact

The Wipfli Foundation supports organizations that reflect our mission and that our associates are personally committed to.

Through an employee matching program, we support charities with a focus on:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Human services
  • Public/societal benefits

Each year, the foundation also supports scholarships, including the Mary T. Wylie Scholarship for women in accounting and the National Association of Black Accountants leadership program.

The foundation was formed in 2005 as part of an effort to give back to colleges and universities. At that time, the funds the foundation donated were primarily used to fund scholarships, purchase textbooks and, occasionally, support universities’ capital campaigns and endowed professorships. The program also provides an opportunity for the foundation to match donations from associates and retired partners to universities.

In 2020, the foundation expanded its focus to include a new emphasis on promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through scholarships, leadership programs and campus programs. 

In 2021, we refined and expanded the foundation’s mission to reflect our commitment to the communities we serve by creating an employee matching program for charitable organizations.

In recognition of urgent needs in our world, the foundation also occasionally offers to match associate donations to causes, such as to India during the height of the pandemic, and to Ukraine charities following the Russian invasion.

The foundation does not accept external requests for funding.

The fund is overseen by an elected board of directors.

Wipfli Foundation board members

Ken Kortas

Ken Kortas

Ken Kortas has more than 25 years of management and information technology consulting experience. A partner with Wipfli, he is the practice leader for the firm’s Business Solutions group, the management consulting division of the firm.

John Nihill

John Nihill

John Nihill is a partner in Wipfli LLP’s audit and accounting practice with more than 30 years of experience in public accounting. As an engagement partner, he is responsible for strategic oversight and overall client satisfaction.

Jessica Schwantes

Jessica Schwantes is the Madison market leader and tax partner. As the leader of the Madison market, she is responsible for the overall financial results of the region, new client development, client retention, partner and associate development and community engagement.

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