Old World Wisconsin Foundation

Old World Foundation is aiming to preserve history in all forms at Old World Wisconsin, At this site, history is found in historic buildings, heritage breed animals, heirloom gardens, collections of artifacts, stories of our ancestors and more. Since this is a living history attraction, trained facilitators who interact with guests must also be clothed in the appropriate clothing. Guests learn about the past in an interactive environment. Therefore, reproduction items must be available for guests to use. Often school-age children visit this site on a school sponsored trip. Old World Foundation provides school field trip subsidies to help children from low-income schools visit and participate in activities related to history, social studies, art, science, technology, engineering and math. Teaching children STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) principles applied throughout history, helps connect the past to the present and the future.

Old World Wisconsin is a dynamic site that strives to create new, immersive experiences for guests each year. We are aiming to reach potential visitors and current visitors to deliver the message that guests can visit Old World Wisconsin every year or even several times within the year and experience something new.

As a fundraising organization, Old World Foundation's strategy for increasing awareness and raising the necessary funds is to constantly communicate with our current supporters. We send out monthly newsletters, post on Facebook weekly and update our website approximately once a month or more often as necessary. We also are actively involved in networking within the surrounding communities by staying active within eight local Chambers of Congress or community groups.

In addition to increasing awareness of Old World Wisconsin to the surrounding communities, we must raise the needed funds to support projects and programs. We seek out foundations that have an interest in funding particular projects and programs and complete grant applications.

Old World Foundation also stewards gifts from individuals and corporations who support our mission. One major fundraising event is also held annually with the goal of raising the necessary funds while also engaging with new potential supporters.

Old World Foundation is capable of fulfilling its mission through on-going donor support. We host donor "thank you" events and recognize the value of our supporters.

In addition, our Executive Director researches other possible sources of funding. Approximately 12-15 grants are applied for each year based on the specific current needs of Old World Wisconsin.

One full-time staff person and one part-time staff person plan, organize and host all the Old World Foundation events produced each year. These include one large fundraising event and four to six donor recognition events.

The Old World Foundation Board of Trustees consists of 12 individuals who are passionate about our mission of support for Old World Wisconsin. These people support our mission by sharing information with those they come in contact with in the community and by attending our events.

Since 1984, Old World Foundation has gifted $9 million to Old World Wisconsin. In the 1970's and 1980's several historic buildings were moved to Old World Wisconsin from various locations around the State of Wisconsin. More recently, Old World Foundation has funded the restoration of the Sanford house and yard, new theater chairs for Caldwell Hall, repairs to several chimneys, opening of The Garden Shop, planting of many heirloom gardens, feeding and care of the 100 + animals on site, printing and distribution of promotional rack cards and site maps, prairie restoration, 15 memorial benches, harness and livery carriage repair, fabric for clothing, school field trip subsidies, sponsorship of programs and many other items.

Old World Foundation is currently raising funds to repair/restore several additional buildings and chimneys. We are also in the process of raising awareness and funds for the various hands-on, family-friendly programming. For example, each year, Old World Wisconsin honors Independence Day with a 19th century celebration. In December, they showcase how the holidays were celebrated by the people who immigrated and migrated to Wisconsin. Raising additional funds for this type of programming will ensure that Old World Wisconsin can maintain and even enhance the guest experience.

Enhancing the guest experience and creating new opportunities for guests remain priorities at Old World Wisconsin. Old World Foundation will continue to support Old World Wisconsin's goals in this area. It is only with continued significant attendance that Old World Wisconsin can share the stories of the resilient people who settled in the unforgiving Wisconsin wilderness. Every aspect of Old World Wisconsin -the buildings, gardens, animals, artifacts, facilitators and programs-contributes to the story of our past.

In addition to these plans for the future, Old World Wisconsin is looking to enhance the entry experience for guests. The feasibility of adding buildings, such as a new ticketing building, are being explored. After a final determination is made as to the design and the scope of this project, Old World Foundation will begin the campaign to raise needed funds.