Honoring Our Foundation’s Impact and Legacy

Zonta Foundation Inc.

In the 1950s the Club was concerned about affordable housing for seniors and worked to build Zonta Manor, a $1.3 million passive solar apartment building on East Cambridge Ave. designed by a female engineer, one of our own members! Due to a need experienced by the Club while raising funds for Zonta Manor, the Zonta Foundation Inc. was established – On January 25, 1957. This is the charitable arm of the club. All members of the Club are members of Zonta Foundation Inc.

The Foundation of the Zonta Club of Milwaukee, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, exists to raise and disburse funds. One third of funds raised are used to support Zonta International Service Projects in several parts of the world. Two thirds of funds raised remain in the greater Milwaukee area and have been used to help other 501 (c) 3 non-profit agencies such as women’s shelters and Read More

Credentials

Tax Exempt Status

The Foundation is classified as a 501(c) 3 organization under the US Internal Revenue Service rules, which allows donations to be tax-deductible.
Financial

The Foundation’s budget is kept separate from the club’s operating budget. The Foundation accepts donations and bequests and considers suggestions from members for charitable donations and financial support. It is guided in its activities by documents currently in place with regard to its mission and investment policy. Members can be assured that Board members are credible and that all monies raised will go to support that mission.
2024 Zonta Foundation Annual Report

A diverse group of women smiling at a conference or event.

Agencies Receiving Funding From Zonta Foundation in 2025

2025 GRANT RECIPIENTS: Total Local Grants: $21,500

The Cathedral Center.....

The Cathedral Center is dedicated to helping women and families who are experiencing homelessness or poverty. They provide housing, case management, and other support services to help people achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Their work focuses on creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can receive the tools and resources they need to rebuild their lives. CCI's Employment Services Program funded in part by Zonta, focuses on employment, developing each client's work readiness and provides a direct connection to employment, resulting in increased income, long term independence & financial stability.

Chayil, Inc.....

Chayil, Inc. focuses on empowering women and young girls through mentoring, advocacy, and education. Chayil’s Blueprint Business & Succession Planning program is a 15-week cohort-based training designed to help women launch, grow, and sustain small businesses. The program is tailored for women facing systemic barriers to entrepreneurship, including those who are low-income, women of color, single mothers, and justice-involved individuals. Zonta funding is used to support one 15-week cohort annually.

The Franciscan Peacemakers.....

The Franciscan Peacemakers work to restore peace and hope for people impacted by sexual exploitation and addiction. They provide dignified work for women who have been victims of human trafficking. Zonta Foundation provides financial support for their Social Enterprise (SE) program that provides employment training to survivors of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, homelessness, and substance abuse. The program gives women survivors of sexual violence the opportunity for employment and learning over 18-22 months in a safe environment while they are on their healing journey.

Milwaukee Diaper Mission.....

The Milwaukee Diaper Mission (MDM) operates as a "basic needs bank," providing free diapers and period products to families in need. Zonta funding supports MDM’s diaper and period product distribution program which serves low-income families and individuals who struggle to afford basic hygiene essentials. They have a network of over 20 partner agencies that help with distribution of both disposable and reusable options for diapers and period products. By addressing diaper need and period poverty, MDM reduces financial pressure on families, enabling them to reallocate resources toward other essentials like housing, food, and transportation, and ultimately, overall family well-being and stability.

The Milwaukee Women’s Center.....

The Milwaukee Women's Center, a division of Community Advocates, is a crucial resource for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. They offer comprehensive services, including emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy. Their mission is to provide safety and support to victims and to work toward preventing violence in the community. Zonta's contribution supports their Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Program, providing safe housing and supportive services to empower women and their children to live their lives free from domestic violence.

The Muslim Women's Coalition.....

The Muslim Women's Coalition works to promote greater understanding and cooperation among people of all faiths. They advocate for social justice, provide educational programs, and empower women in the community. Their efforts are centered on building bridges and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. MMCW launched the Girls Hoops Club in 2023 with the support of Zonta Foundation Inc., and we continue to support this program. Using the sport of basketball, this program builds girls’ self-esteem and confidence, and encourages the development of leadership, strategic thinking, teamwork, and other skills.

Sojourner Family Peace Center.....

Sojourner Family Peace Center is Wisconsin's largest provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services. They offer a wide range of support, including safe shelter, legal assistance, and counseling for adults and children. The center brings multiple services together under one roof, making it easier for families to access the help they need to escape violence and build a peaceful future. Zonta supports their Healing Services programming which aims to address the long-term effects of domestic violence including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and others. Healing Services provides survivors with the resources, support, and the assistance they need to achieve personal goals as they work toward self-sufficiency.

The Women’s Center in Waukesha.....

The Women's Center in Waukesha provides free and confidential services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. They offer a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, and support groups. The organization is dedicated to empowering survivors and promoting safe communities through education and prevention programs. Zonta is a key partner in their mission, helping to fund their programs, which provides shelter and transitional housing for women and children fleeing violent situations.