The Wipfli Foundation
Supporting our firm’s mission to create a lasting, positive impact
The Wipfli Foundation has evolved to become a catalyst for positive change in our communities through various initiatives. We have three programs to support our community impact — university support, community support and grantmaking.
University support
The Wipfli Foundation was formed in 2005 to give back to colleges and universities. Since then, we have worked in conjunction with talent and culture and talent acquisition to fund scholarships, purchase textbooks and, occasionally, support universities’ capital campaigns and endowed professorships.
Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, the Wipfli Foundation expanded our focus in 2020 to include DEI initiatives. This includes offering scholarships to interns who demonstrate a dedication to fostering inclusivity in their workplaces and communities.
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.
Community support
In 2021, we expanded the Wipfli Foundation’s mission to reflect our commitment to the communities we serve by creating an associate matching program for charitable organizations.
In 2023, a corporate social responsibility platform was implemented to facilitate our associate matching program. Over 75% of our associates are participating in philanthropy through this program, accelerating the impact and creating discretion for our associates much like donor-advised funds. To jump-start associate philanthropy, the Wipfli Foundation frequently gifts funds in the platform for associates to contribute to charitable organizations that are meaningful to them.
In 2024, our community support program was expanded to include our international locations.
In response to global crises, we have also extended our support beyond traditional avenues, providing matching donations to causes such as pandemic relief efforts in India and charitable organizations assisting Ukraine during recent events.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Wipfli Foundation launched its external grantmaking program. This program supports nonprofits and aims to make a lasting positive impact in the communities in which our associates live and work. Over $250,000 has been awarded to qualifying charities since the inception of the program. The recipients include a mix of Wipfli clients and nonclients, demonstrating our commitment to supporting a diverse range of organizations.
The Wipfli Foundation only accepts external requests for funding during advertised grantmaking cycles.
The Wipfli Foundation and its investment fund are overseen by an elected board of directors.
