In March of this year Wiscraft, Inc., …Vision Beyond Sight initiated a significant fund raising effort.

The effort has two objectives, fundamentally to increase Wiscraft’s ability to fulfill its core mission of providing worthwhile, sustainable employment for people who are blind and/or severely visually impaired, while at the same time raising the profile and understanding of that mission throughout the greater Milwaukee area.

We have long been supported by our customers and that income stream continues to be vital to Wiscraft’s operating strength and growth.  However, since Wiscraft is a non-profit organization chartered under the 501(c) 3 Internal Revenue Code, we are also able to request consideration for donations from a variety of sources including foundations, corporations and individuals.  We are delighted to report that despite a challenging economy, overall Wiscraft has been warmly received by the philanthropic community.

Since March, the Badger Meter, Forest County Potawatomi, Harley Davidson, Jay-Kay and Park Bank Foundations have all made contributions to Wiscraft.    We are very grateful to them.

To remain competitive and grow strategically we have several operating and expansion needs that require more funds than Wiscraft has available.  For example, an exciting addition to Wiscraft started in August of this year with the opening of our Communications Center.  This call center division is armed with the latest telephone technology adapted to our JAWS computer system, enabling our customer service representatives the ability to efficiently handle a variety of contact projects.  This new white-collar job training and employment opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired would not have been possible without the financial support from donations.

Wiscraft is now turning its attention to other critical projects that will allow us to increase overall quality for customers and employees alike, including:

• In September Wiscraft contracted for a badly needed new roof at its 5316 West State Street location.  The cost of this renovation is nearing $225,000.  We are happy to report that $148,000 has been raised thus far to defray this significant expense, but we still need to raise $77,000 more to fully pay for this new roof.
• Wiscraft has nearly 1,500 windows in our two buildings and most of them are damaged or faulty.  The lighting is also outdated and inefficient.  To replace the windows and design new lighting is estimated to cost nearly $150,000.
• Wiscraft’s security system is inadequate; a system to provide our employees safe harbor while on the job is expected to cost $40,000.
• To expand and continue to grow, we plan to move our machine shop operation to Wiscraft’s unused building across the street.  The building isn’t fit for occupancy at this time and requires about $130,000 of upgrades and repairs before a move can take place.
• The fire protection at the current plant is also weak and needs replacing at a cost of about $130,000
• And finally, to continue to grow and prosper there are several marketing and operating efficiency programs that should be implemented; these will cost nearly $100,000.

We need to raise nearly $600,000 more to bring Wiscraft’s physical plants and operating procedures completely up-to-date.   We’re doing this by approaching dozens of foundations who have an interest in the workforce development Wiscraft provides.  The board of directors is also working on raising funds and in November Wiscraft will launch its first annual campaign – $70 for 70%.

The 70/70 campaign will be sent to nearly 5,000 generous people in the five county greater Milwaukee area in the hopes they will contribute at least $70 to help eliminate the 70% unemployment rate of people in our area who are blind or severely visually impaired.

If you are interested in learning more about our fund raising efforts, please contact Wiscraft’s Fund Development Leader Nick Czaplewski, or leave a message at our corporate headquarters 414-778-5800.