Wisconsin needs strong local journalism. Just like public libraries and community centers, local news is a part of the fabric of a vibrant community. When you give to one of Wisconsin Watch’s newsrooms, you’re helping us report on the issues that matter to everyday life and a strong, connected democracy — from education to public health, local government, criminal justice and beyond. Your support ensures that communities across the state have access to accurate, timely and deeply reported news.

The Watchdog Club and Leadership Circle are a special community of individuals, families and local businesses believing in the power of investigative journalism to make Wisconsin stronger. These are Wisconsin Watch’s most loyal and generous annual donors, united by a shared commitment to truth, transparency and civic responsibility.

Why your support matters

Strong, informed, and connected communities start with trusted journalism. Our mission is simple but urgent: News that serves—using journalism to make the communities of Wisconsin strong, informed and connected. But we can’t do it without you.

When you join the Watchdog Club or Leadership Circle, you’re investing in journalism that:

  • Strengthens communities by exposing the root causes of complex problems and elevating local voices.
  • Informs Wisconsinites with trusted, nonpartisan reporting that helps residents make better decisions for themselves, their families and their neighbors.
  • Connects people by shining light on shared challenges and solutions across urban, rural and tribal communities.

Your support ensures that powerful, independent reporting remains a public service—not a commodity—and that all Wisconsinites, regardless of ZIP code, have free access to the information they need to thrive. Every gift at this level directly fuels the reporting that informs policy, sparks dialogue and empowers citizens.

From left: Wisconsin Watch CEO George Stanley and chief revenue officer Lauren Fuhrmann talk to donors Wendy Fearnside and Bruce Meier during a Wisconsin Watch Watchdog Club reception at the AC Hotel in Madison, Wis. (Joe Timmerman / Wisconsin Watch)
Lau Christensen, left, and Bea Christensen, middle, talk to Wisconsin Watch co-founder Dee Hall during a Wisconsin Watch Watchdog Club reception at the AC Hotel in Madison, Wis. (Joe Timmerman / Wisconsin Watch)

Member levels and benefits

Watchdog Club

Annual gift of $1,000 or more
Join a network of changemakers who believe that local investigative reporting is essential to a vibrant state and a healthy democracy. As a Watchdog Club member, you’ll receive:

  • Invitations to intimate “behind the story” events with our reporters and national journalism leaders.
  • Exclusive briefings and newsroom updates.
  • Recognition as a valued supporter of Wisconsin Watch’s mission.

Past guest speakers include:
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Walt Bogdanich (The New York Times), Caitlin Dickerson (The Atlantic, formerly NYT) and Jonathan O’Connell (The Washington Post). 

Join the Watchdog Club

If you prefer to join via a check donation, our secure mailing address is:
WCIJ Inc./Wisconsin Watch (either will work), PO Box 88166, Milwaukee, WI 53288-8166.

Leadership Circle

Annual gift of $5,000 or more
Leadership Circle members take their commitment to the next level, helping us tackle ambitious investigations, expand multimedia storytelling and grow our training programs.

In addition to all Watchdog Club benefits, Leadership Circle members receive:

  • Recognition as a cornerstone supporter shaping the future of nonprofit journalism in Wisconsin.
  • A private lunch and newsroom tour with CEO George Stanley and Wisconsin Watch staff.
  • Invitations to exclusive Leadership Circle gatherings with journalism leaders and thought partners.
Join the Leadership Circle

If you prefer to join via a check donation, our secure mailing address is:
WCIJ Inc./Wisconsin Watch (either will work), PO Box 88166, Milwaukee, WI 53288-8166.

The Watchdog Club was founded in 2017 to bring our most engaged supporters closer to the work they make possible. It has helped grow Wisconsin Watch into a more resilient, trusted voice in Wisconsin media, built on the belief that truth drives progress.

Your giving supports a full year of public service journalism and builds a legacy of accountability and transparency that will inform Wisconsinites for generations.

Questions?
Please reach out to Anna January, director of philanthropy, at ajanuary@wisconsinwatch.org or (608) 910-0665 for more information.

Thank you to our Watchdog Club members

Adam Balin and Karin Mahony  •  Judith Bentley  •  Linda Bernhardt  • Ann Brill  • Eileen Burke  • Ms. Courtney Byelich • Dr. Marcus and Sheila Cohen • Betty and Corkey Custer • James Danky and Christine Schelshorn • Brian Davis and Deborah Umstead • Dr. Jean Espenshade • Mark and Sara Eversden • Don Ferber • Barbara Frank • Lewis Friedland and Stacey Oliker • Christopher and Erin Glueck • Andrew and Dee Hall • Dr. Philip and Janet Hasler • Jean Henderson • Tania Ibarra •   Vince Jenkins and Stefanie Moritz • Margaret Jones and David Linton • L Jesse Kaysen and Nevin Olson • Drs. Douglas and Martha Lee • Walter Lethem and Mary Matthias • Charles Lewis and Pam Gilbert • Peter and Jill Lundberg • Richard Luxton • Roberto Michel and Karen Lincoln Michel • Regina Millner • Jack and Bonnie Mitchell • Brad Niemcek and Sharon Murphy • Dr. Elizabeth Neary • Carol O’Leary • Peters Family Foundation • Brook Soltvedt and David Nelson • George and Pam Stanley • Susan Troller Cosgrove and Howard Cosgrove • Michael Vinson • Thomas Warren and Anna Marie Benander Warren • Judith Werner • Brian Wielgus • Roger and Kristi Williams

Thank you to our Leadership Circle

American Journalism Project • American Press Institute • Arnold Ventures • Ascendium Education Group • Bader Philanthropies, Inc. • Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation • Borealis Philanthropy • Mary Burke • Lau and Bea Christensen • Emerson Collective and Silicon Valley Community Foundation • Karl and Angela Farnung • Wendy Fearnside and Bruce Meier • Deirdre Garton • Greater Green Bay Community Foundation • Greater Milwaukee Foundation • International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter Institute for Media Studies, Inc. • Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) • Jampart Charitable Trust • The Joyce Foundation • The Joseph and Vera Zilber Family Foundation, Inc. • Barbara Johnson • The Kelben Foundation • The Kingsbury Family Fund • David and Madeleine Lubar • Marquette University, Diederich College of Communication • Microsoft • Poynter Institute • Press Forward • Pro Publica, Inc • The Reva & David Logan Foundation • Report For America • Scripps Howard Fund, Roy W. Howard Fellowship Program • SeaChange-Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration • University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Journalism and Mass Communication • Wm. Collins Kohler Foundation