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.

"Thank you so much for supporting me in my educational journey. It truly means so much to know that someone I never met before believes in the arts and me." Sam Christian ’27 First Year

23% of students are the first in their family to attend college

$19.6 million in scholarships are awarded yearly

34.5% of students self-identify as students of color

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

Illustration seniors land NASA and Disney internships

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design seniors Grace Weisner ’26 and Allison Stras ’26 have landed the internship of their dreams: Weisner at NASA and Stras at Disney. Both are Illustration majors with minors in Communication Design.

Meet Kas Cook and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Mcallaster’s Special

Cas Kook ’26 (Animation Track in Illustration) is a Dean’s List student from the Greater Chicago area and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award. “Project Calvin Sazerac” is about Calvin Sazerac, a seasoned barkeep, who creates new cocktails for his favorite regulars. When he is challenged to meet the demands of a picky saloon patron, he creates something life changing.

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