Leading Environmental Education in Wisconsin for 50 Years…
Help Us Grow
Be part of expanding environmental education efforts in the state. Consider a recurring monthly donation to make giving effortless!
Your gift:
- Funds essential staff positions
- Supports the EE movement in Wisconsin
- Provides scholarships for educators and students
- Helps create environmentally literate communities
- Can honor or remember someone who loved EE
- May be tax-deductible for charitable giving to a non-profit
Become a Sustainer
Become a sustaining supporter with a monthly donation in any amount and help us continue to provide trusted resources, content, and professional development to advance justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (JEDIA) in environmental education (EE) throughout Wisconsin.
- Every donor will receive our heartfelt thanks and a WAEE decal to showcase your support
- Give $10/month* receive our exclusive "We Need Nature" sticker
- Give $25/month* receive a surprise thank you gift from the WAEE merch store!
Thank you gifts will be sent after three months following initial donation.
*Or one-time donations of $120 or or $300 or more respectively.
To donate by mail, send a check to:
WAEE
PO BOX 370592
Milwaukee, WI 53237
The Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education is a U.S. non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN: 39-1390520).
Donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.
If you wish to keep your donation anonymous, please email admin@waee.org.
Partners in Giving (SECC)
Partners in Giving is the name of the nationally recognized charitable fundraising workplace campaign for state, UW Madison, UW Milwaukee, and UW Health employees. Since its inception in 1973 as the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC), Partners in Giving has raised an astounding $88 million for nearly 500 charities.
The State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC) provides State and University Employees the opportunity to enroll in automatic payroll deductions to support a wide range of charities doing important work, protecting our natural resources, providing health services and research, defending civil and human rights, and preventing violence. Learn more
For State and University Employees
Join Your Employer's Program
State, University and UW Health employees are using their numbers to make a large and lasting impact on the lives of their neighbors and other families in Wisconsin, across the U.S. and around the world.
Each year this campaign invites state, University, and UW Health employees to take part in special events and, most of all, make a direct donation to the charity or charities of their choice.
Employees are given the opportunity to make a donation to the charity or charities of their choice and select how they want to pay for it. Donations can be made by payroll deduction, credit card, check or cash.You can support environmental education in Wisconsin by donating to WAEE and our umbrella charities through the links below.
WAEE Code Number for SECC donations = #2500
Dane, Waukesha, or Milwaukee Counties:
CLICK HERE TO DONATE FOR RETIRED STATE & UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES
Statewide Giving (Outside of Dane, Waukesha, or Milwaukee Counties):
CLICK HERE TO DONATE FOR UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES
CLICK HERE TO DONATE FOR STATE EMPLOYEES
CLICK HERE TO DONATE FOR RETIRED STATE& UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES
For Organizations
Raise Money for your Organization
Nonprofit organizations can join the WAEE SECC umbrella to raise funds for their organization through the Partners in Giving Campaign! This is a low-lift fundraising opportunity for your organization.
You'll receive 100% of all funds pledged to your organization, as well as a percentage of total undesignated funds awarded to the WAEE umbrella (percent of undesignated funds based on your organization's fundraising total relative to the WAEE umbrella total).
Eligibility requirements:
- 501(c)(3) organization
- Related to environmental education (exceptions subject to approval from the WAEE board).
- Complete an annual audit and provide all other application materials required in the SECC application.
- Submit enrollment paperwork each January and marketing updates for the SECC booklets once per year. WAEE will inform all participating charities of deadlines with ample notice.
Watch this video to learn more about how your organization can benefit from joining!
How to Apply:
- Review the most recent SECC application for application requirements (new applications available in December)
- Email all required application documents to admin@waee.org one week before the deadline stated on the application**.
- Please use the subject line "20__(year) New SECC Application - YOUR ORGANIZATION NAME"
- **The application must be physically signed or DocuSigned. Please leave time for mailing if physically signing. All other application documents can be submitted via email to admin@waee.org.
**The SECC has a firm deadline for all application materials. WAEE must receive all materials at least one week prior to the SECC deadline to allow time for mailing and final reviews by WAEE staff.
If you have questions, please email Beca Borkowski at execdirector@waee.org.
Planned Giving
If you care deeply for the work and mission of Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education and want to help provide a sustaining source of support in the future, consider creating a legacy gift by including WAEE in your estate plans.
Legacy Giving provides WAEE the critical resources to ensure its future and the ability to support environmental education in Wisconsin for future generations.
To leave a bequest, simply incorporate the following language in your estate plans:
I/we bequeath to Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (tax ID# 39-1390520), located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (% of my residual estate) OR (the sum of $).
Become a Sponsor
Your financial donation to WAEE can be publicly recognized with exclusive outreach benefits highlighted below by becoming a year-round sustaining sponsor of WAEE or by sponsoring a single signature event or program.
Visit our Donate Page to see additional ways donors can support WAEE beyond the sponsorship opportunities listed here. WAEE is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN: 39-1390520). Donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.
Connect directly with Beca Borkowski, our Executive Director, to become a Sponsor of WAEE!
Sustaining Sponsorship
Recognition at All WAEE Events
Sustaining Sponsors are recognized year round on the front page of our website, on WAEE social media, and at ALL events and programs including:
- The Annual Conference
- The Celebration of Excellence in Environmental Education Awards Program
- Winter Workshop
- Member-only events
- Networking events
- Committee Programs
Exclusive benefits include:
- An exhibit table at the Annual Conference
- Complementary Event Registration
- Opportunity for conference address
- Dedicated e-blast to membership
- Social Media, Newsletter, and Website highlights
- And more!
Two Sustaining Sponsorships are available for donations over $2,000.
Signature Events Sponsorship
Annual Conference
Educators from across the state gather each fall at the WAEE Annual Conference. Your donation allows us to keep overall costs down for all, provide high-value Keynote speakers, and plan exciting, enriching experiences during our conference.
We have wide range of sponsorship levels available for the Annual Conference, each of which is valuable and appreciated by WAEE and our conference attendees.
About the Conference
- 3-day event
- Takes place annually in late October or early November
- Moves to different locations across the state
- Attracts 150+ educators
Learn more about the upcoming annual conference
Annual Member Meeting
Sponsor refreshments for the WAEE's Annual Member Meeting where we bring together our membership for in-depth brainstorming and strategic planning, looking forward to the next 12 months of advocacy, celebration, and networking in the EE community!
Winter Workshop
This three-day workshop offers opportunities to cross country ski, snowshoe, sledding, enjoying music by the beautiful stone fireplace or taking in the gorgeous view from the warm and cozy dining hall. January, 2024. Learn More
About the Workshop
- 3-day event
- Takes place annually in January or February
- Held in Central Wisconsin
- Attracts 75-100 educators
Celebration of Excellence in EE
WAEE's awards recognizes outstanding individuals and groups for their contributions to the field of environmental education. This event is held in collaboration with Wisconsin's K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Learn more
About the Event
- Evening event
- Takes place annually in April or May
- Held in Southern Wisconsin
- Attracts 50-100 attendees
Program Sponsorship
You can also support WAEE throughout the year by sponsoring specific programs.
Regional Network Events
WAEE hosts regional networking events around the state to gather like-minded individuals for dinners, trainings, canoe trips, and more. Help us share experiences and network!
Online Learning
WAEE hosts an online learning platform and hosts hybrid and asynchronous courses throughout the year. Learn More
Teacher Educators Network for Environmental Education
The Teacher Educators Network for Environmental Education (TENFEE) was created to serve 3 main purposes: Communication, Advocacy, and Research. Learn More
Green & Healthy Schools
Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin is a WAEE partner which connects, cultivates, and celebrates schools for nurturing healthy kids and sustainable communities. Visit GHSWisconsin.org to learn more.
Nature-Based Early Childhood
WAEE is a leader in the statewide movement for nature-based early childhood education. This includes convening a coalition for collaboration and hosting events. Learn More
Scholarship Fund
WAEE provides scholarships to large events and professional development opportunities in an effort to increase equity and accessibility in the community. Learn More
Webinars & Bookclubs
WAEE regularly hosts webinars to build capacity and expertise in our field. WAEE also hosts the JEDI book club to facilitate much-needed conversations about equity and accessibility in EE. Learn More
More Ways To Support Our Work
Visit the Outdoor Learning Store
Shop at The Outdoor Learning Store for your outdoor education curriculum and resources! WAEE gets a small percentage of ALL sales to residents in Wisconsin through our partnership with OLS.
Shop the Merch Store
WAEE works with a Beloit-based business to offer a variety of merchandise to show your EE pride.
Check out the entire catalog here:
Become a member! Annual membership supports WAEE's expenses for one year while lending your presence to our representative power with our advocacy work. We have options for individuals, nonprofits, and businesses to become organizational members of WAEE.
Volunteer your time for WAEE through joining a committee, the board, or at conferences.