When we welcome your student to UW-Madison, we welcome your entire family into the Badger community. Family members are deeply valued here, and we encourage your active participation and involvement in the life of the university.
Your student’s education is a life-changing journey, and Badger family members like you are enhancing the UW experience for all Badgers with your support and partnership.
Your gift, no matter the amount, provides flexible funding that strengthens the programs and services that benefit students most, which lead us to introduce our current initiative: “Badger Parents Helping First-Gen Badgers.”
First-generation students, those whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree, face unique challenges on their academic journey. Still, their potential knows no limits, akin to the Wisconsin Idea’s boundless pursuit of knowledge. With financial support from the Parents Fund, our mission is to provide these Badgers and their families with resources to overcome these challenges and thrive. And when all Badger flourish, UW–Madison becomes a better place for all students.
Through your support of the Parents Fund, we will undertake initiatives that support:
- Immediate Needs: Assist with housing, food, and mental health emergencies.
- Belonging: Create a community to enhance a sense of belonging.
- SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) and Family Weekend Support: Ensure first-gen families can attend essential events.
- Professional Development: Provide career resources and networking opportunities for students with financial need.
- Mentorship Programs: Connect students with experienced mentors for valuable insights.
We invite you to join us in empowering first-generation students. Your active involvement can help make their academic journey truly transformative.
When you make a qualifying gift, you’ll enjoy a variety of ways to engage more deeply with UW-Madison:
Badger
Parent Club
$500 annual gift
Membership includes:
- Weekly Flamingle newsletter from the Alumni Association
- Thank You Gift
Forward
Families
$5,000 annual gift
All the benefits of the Badger Parent Club, plus:
- Specialized campus access, tours, and receptions with UW leaders and faculty
Parent
Philanthropy Circle
Contact for information
All the benefits of Forward Families, plus:
- Personal invitations to special events and private receptions with university leaders
- A four-year subscription to the award-winning On Wisconsin magazine
“Families have a great opportunity to enhance the Wisconsin Experience for each of our students. A gift to the Parent Fund directly translates to programs, resources, and initiatives that positively impact the lives of each and every Badger. Thank you for living the Wisconsin way and taking care of each other.”
Christina Olstad, EdD- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dean of Students
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Areas of Support
Health and Well-being
Healthy minds, bodies and communities. We view health and well-being through an equity and social justice lens to include personal physical health, mental health, and connection to a safe campus where all students can thrive.
Identity and Inclusion
We value an inclusive environment where all Badgers feel like they belong and are supported. We also encourage student engagement with social justice in areas including race, health, gender and sexuality, socioeconomic status, religion, and more.
Student Advocacy
Students have an important role in shaping policy and access to campus resources. There are many ways across the UW-Madison campus for students to match their passions with opportunities to get involved.
Student Leadership and Community Engagement
UW-Madison is dedicated to supporting students as they develop their leadership capacity. There are many opportunities for students to connect with leadership and engagement opportunities throughout campus.
Connect
With Us
Student Affairs Parent Philanthropy
800 Langdon Street
Memorial Union Room 5195
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 263-5136
Meet Our
Staff
Our team of Advancement professionals are here to help you explore opportunities and making meaningful gifts to Student Affairs. Learn more about us!
Parent & Family
Resources
The Parent & Family Program connects parents & families of UW–Madison students to the university so that they may support their student’s success.