Reflecting on 20 Years of Partnership

In 2024, the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) marked 20 years of grantmaking. We celebrated this milestone by reflecting on our proud history and sharing the impact and achievements of grant partners throughout the state.

From the Beginning

At our special anniversary events on October 9, 2024 and through multimedia and print stories, grant recipients shared how WPP has helped advance their work and missions. We are grateful for the many partners and visionary leaders who helped establish WPP at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and to those who continue to support our mission to improve health and advance health equity for the people of Wisconsin and beyond.

Anniversary reception guests smile for a photo

Anniversary Events

Over 200 people, including faculty, community members and WPP partners gathered at the Health Sciences Learning Center for two WPP anniversary events.

Photo Gallery

Grantee Showcase

Three panels of grant recipients across the domains of research, education and community partnerships shared how WPP funding has helped them innovate, discover and transform lives through impactful work. Thank you to the presenters and attendees who joined us – we enjoyed learning, connecting and celebrating with you!

Six panelists sit and listen together while one speaks into a microphone — From left: Lisa Peyton, Foundation for Black Women's Wellness; Jennifer Falck and Gary Besaw, Menominee Tribe Department of Agriculture and Food Systems; Al Castro and Vanessa Anciani, United Community Center

Evening Reception

At an evening reception, we celebrated and honored the visionary leaders who helped establish the Wisconsin Partnership Program at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, UW School of Medicine and Public Health Emeritus Dean Philip Farrell, UW School of Medicine and Public Health Dean Robert N. Golden, and Associate Dean and WPP Executive Director Amy Kind shared their thoughts and reflections on the transformational impact of WPP on our school and state.

School leaders smile surrounding a celebratory cake — From left: Eileen Smith, WPP founding director; UW School of Medicine and Public Health Emeritus Dean Philip Farrell; Amy Kind, associate dean for social health sciences and programs, WPP executive director; UW School of Medicine and Public Health Dean Robert N. Golden

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and SMPH Dean Robert N. Golden — Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and Dean Robert N. Golden

Spotlight on Progress

A man signs a board with his name — Aaron Perry, WPP grant recipient and Oversight and Advisory Committee member

Web stories about our two decades of impact and an announcement of 25 projects selected for funding chronicled the progress of the last twenty years, and shared the vision powering WPP into the future.

Stories of Achievement and Impact

Our 20th anniversary offered the perfect opportunity to share our history and impact through storytelling. Engaging articles trace WPP’s beginnings and shine a light on the work that grantees across the state are leading to improve health and advance health equity.

- Grants power two decades of impact
- WPP celebrates 20 years of moving health forward

Announcement of New Grant Recipients

The Wisconsin Partnership Program announced 25 projects selected for funding through its 20th anniversary community and postdoctoral grant programs. The grant programs, launched as part of WPP’s 20th anniversary celebration, provide $444,000 in awards for research and community projects to improve health and advance health equity in Wisconsin.

View the full list of awards