Donors Forum of Wisconsin President Named as 2010 Woman of Influence

MILWAUKEE-Donors Forum of Wisconsin (DFW), a statewide membership association for grantmakers, is pleased to announce President Deborah Fugenschuh has been named to the The Business Journal of Milwaukee's 2010 Women of Influence for nonprofit leadership.

"On behalf of the Donors Forum of Wisconsin Board of Directors, I'd like to congratulate Deborah Fugenschuh on this well-deserved honor," said DFW Board Chair Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation. "Under Deborah's leadership, DFW has become the premiere resource for the sharing of information and resources between grantmakers and nonprofit organizations. We are all very proud to have Deborah recognized with this award."

Ms. Fugenschuh has served as the President of DFW since 1999, growing the 50 member organization with an annual budget of $50,000 to a vibrant 140 member organization with an annual budget of $500,000. Ms. Fugenschuh created the Wisconsin Community Foundation Division; has been instrumental in creating a voice for the nonprofit sector at the state and national level; and has played a key leadership role in the initiative to promote philanthropy in Wisconsin.

"Deborah's work is firmly rooted in the belief that only by really developing a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by nonprofits and philanthropists alike could the sector achieve its highest potential, " said Mary McCormick, President of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and DFW member. "Under Deborah's leadership, DFW dramatically deepened its impact in Milwaukee, developed a formidable statewide presence and a compelling voice across the nation. "

This is the 11th year the The Business Journal is recognizing 24 women in Milwaukee with this honor from more than 180 nominations received. Winners were chosen in ten categories, including nonprofit leadership, behind the scenes, community supporter, corporate executive, entrepreneur, family business, innovation, inspiration, mentor and public policy. DFW member Doris Heiser of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation was also honored in the mentor category.

Women of Influence recipients will be honored in a special section in the June 18th issue of The Business Journal. The award will be presented on June 17th at the Frontier Airlines Center. If you are interested in attending the awards ceremony and luncheon with the Donors Forum of Wisconsin, contact Samantha Dennis by Monday, June 7th. Individual tickets and tables of 10 can be reserved through the Business Journal's event webpage.

About the Donors Forum of Wisconsin
Donors Forum of Wisconsin is a professional membership association for grantmakers in Wisconsin with a focus on creating opportunities for the exchange of ideas and information, disseminating current nonprofit sector trends and research, fostering relationships between service providers and funders, building partnerships within and outside the sector, and advancing the growth and enhancement of stewardship of philanthropic resources for the betterment of all Wisconsin residents.

For over 30 years, the Donors Forum has served family foundations, corporate foundations and giving programs, independent and community foundations as the premiere resource for philanthropy in Wisconsin. For more information visit our website at www.dfwonline.org or call (414) 270-1978.

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