The City That Philanthropy Built

Madison, Wis., has long leaned on philanthropy. When John Nolen had a vision of a city built on an isthmus, it was a small group of philanthropists led by John M. Olin who ponied up the $2,500 to publish the unique architectural plan. Since then, nearly everything people love about Madison has been built at least in some part, brick by etched brick, by the generosity of individual donors, foundations, faith communities, university alumni, civic officials, business groups and passionate families—and we’re not just talking about beautiful buildings and parks.

To every new need, a fresh response has risen—and Dane County now has one of the highest concentrations of nonprofits in the country, with more than 2,500 registered 501(c)(3)s, up from 2,000 in 2014.