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 professor, alum named 2026 Mary L. Nohl Fellows
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) Communication Design professor Laura Farahzad Mayer and alum Nomka Enkhee ’25 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice) each received one of five Mary L. Nohl Fellowships for 2026. The recipients of emerging artist awards, Farahzad Mayer and Enkhee were selected from among 168 applicants.
MIAD Independent Inquiry Program: Building knowledge, confidence
From a Fine Art major to Illustration, Communication Design and Product Design – first-year student to senior – participants in the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design’s Independent Inquiry Program say they are building both knowledge and self-confidence.
Pallas Textiles winner reflects as 2026 competition to launch
MIAD senior Julianna Frixione ’26 (Product Design) says winning the 2025 Pallas Textiles Student Design Competition will mainly affect her remaining studies at MIAD by “pushing me to continue working hard at the path I’m on.”
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.