The We Energies Foundation and We Energies employees are making a showstopping contribution to support performing arts in southeastern Wisconsin.

Hundreds of We Energies employees pledged more than $130,000 during the annual United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) campaign. On top of that, the We Energies Foundation will donate more than $380,000 to the fund in 2025, which includes a match for all employee donations over $50.

In total, the company and its employees are contributing more than half a million dollars to directly support world-class performances and access to arts education.

UPAF is a local umbrella fundraising organization that supports groups like First Stage, Florentine Opera Company, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Skylight Music Theatre. By raising necessary funds, UPAF allows these groups to focus more of their efforts on creating, performing and educating.

“I’ve been impressed with UPAF’s ability to steward the community’s dollars for maximum impact across so many diverse arts organizations,” said Mike Hooper, president — We Energies and UPAF donor. “But the performing arts scene in southeast Wisconsin is not just a great benefit to lovers of music, theater and dance. The numerous arts organizations provide family-supporting jobs and additional benefits to area bars, restaurants and hotels.”

The We Energies Foundation also continues this year as a sponsor of UPAF’s Bright Minds initiative, which delivers high-quality arts education programming to young students. Collectively, UPAF’s member groups impact the lives of more than 80,000 children — many of them underserved — through in-classroom and after-school programming.

About We Energies charitable giving

Since the early 1980s, We Energies has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the state. The We Energies Foundation donated $11.5 million to support community events and nonprofit organizations in 2024 alone. To learn more about the We Energies Foundation, go to the We Energies website.

Funding for the We Energies Foundation is made possible thanks to the generosity of WEC Energy Group shareholders and does not come from customer rates.