Donors Forum of Wisconsin Honors Joseph J. Zilber with the Wisconsin Philanthropic Leadership Award 
Philanthropist to be recognized for inspiring neighborhood revitalization 

MILWAUKEE-The Donors Forum of Wisconsin (DFW), a statewide membership association for grantmakers, is pleased to announce that Joseph Zilber will receive the 2009 Wisconsin Philanthropic Leadership Award. 
 
The Wisconsin Philanthropic Leadership Award honors living philanthropists who have shown exemplary leadership through their charitable giving and recognizes the impact philanthropy has on maintaining and sustaining the quality of life that makes Wisconsin a great place to live, work and raise a family.
 
"This award highlights the power of philanthropy to achieve positive change and seeks to encourage others to give," said Deborah Fugenschuh, President of the Donors Forum of Wisconsin. "DFW is proud to honor Mr. Zilber's investment in community revitalization and inspirational leadership."
 
Announced in 2008, Mr. Zilber established the Zilber Neighborhood Initiative, a $50 million commitment to Milwaukee neighborhoods. Over the course of a decade, grants will fund community plans to neighborhoods across Milwaukee and support programs that benefit multiple neighborhoods and their residents. Foundation funds will be used to support community planning processes and improve the quality of community life. "The Zilber Neighborhood Initiative was created because I see the promise and opportunity to make a difference in Milwaukee that will be felt for generations to come," Zilber said in announcing his commitment. 
 
A member of the Zilber Family Foundation will formally accept the award on Thursday, September 10, 2009 on Mr. Zilber's behalf during the Donor Forum of Wisconsin's 10th Annual Conference on Philanthropy Reception at Discovery World in Milwaukee.  
 
Through his Joseph J. and Vera J. Zilber Family Foundation, Mr. Zilber is one of Milwaukee's leading philanthropists whose previous gifts include a $30 million gift for scholarships at the Marquette University Law School including a Public Policy Forum, a $10 million gift to UWM to establish a Graduate School of Public Health, as well as significant contributions to numerous other charities throughout the city. At 91 7/8 he continues to be active in a wide range of charitable, professional, and civic organizations, while overseeing the operations of Zilber Ltd., a diversified commercial and residential real estate development and asset management company headquartered in Milwaukee.