Annual Fund
Your gifts to MIAD’s Annual Fund, regardless of size, support the people and programs that propel MIAD’s growth and excellence as an educational institution and an agent of change in our shared community.
Wherever you direct your Annual Fund gift, and whatever amount you generously donate, you will make a significant difference.
Ways to direct your funds
Immediate Needs and Priorities
Unrestricted gifts allow MIAD to say “Yes!” to bold new ideas, including new programs like Animation and Fashion and Apparel Design; innovative technologies and facilities like the Lubar Centers for Innovation and Emerging Technology; equity and inclusion (E&I) initiatives like the AICAD Fellows program and expanded E&I Center and programs, and more.
Scholarships
Scholarships help bridge the gap between talent and financial need, allowing students to focus on their studies. From First in My Family Scholarships to Housing Scholarships and General Scholarships, your gift is a direct investment in a student of promise. A gift of $1,000 minimum allows you to name a scholarship.
Senior Thesis Awards are one way that alumni can help students complete their capstone projects. Looking for other ways to get involved as an alum? Let us know.
MIAD is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Gifts may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you have any questions about contributing to MIAD, please contact us.
News
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Lisa Floading
Lisa Floading, Coordinator of Tutoring Services, received the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) MIAD Values Recognition Award for November 2025. Lisa received nominations that highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Innovation and Community.
MIAD lands #1 Graphic Design school in Wisconsin 2025
In its 2025 rankings, Animation Career Review named the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) the #1 Graphic Design School in Wisconsin and #11 in the Midwest. The college’s Animation and Illustration programs also received top rankings.
Social Choreography: A practice of dancing toward liberation
Kim Miller, professor of Fine Art + New Studio Practice, returned to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) following her sabbatical year with a Ph.D. and an innovative presentation and practice for students, faculty and staff.
Fine Art senior selected for Wisconsin Artists Biennial 2026
Marta Tereziya ’26, a Fine Art + New Studio Practice senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), is one of 50 Wisconsin artists selected for the 2026 Wisconsin Artists Biennial. The Wisconsin Artists Biennial is co-sponsored and organized by Wisconsin Visual Artists and the Museum of Wisconsin Art.
Sabbatical journey: Revelations and a new course for students
A sabbatical year immersed in Japanese culture, language and the study of Ukiyo-e – images of Japan’s “floating world” – led Professor Chelsea Holton to two main “aha” moments and development of a new course for students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).