The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment Releases Annual Report

The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) invested more than $26 million in 101 new projects devoted to improving health and achieving health equity throughout Wisconsin in fiscal year 2023, the organization’s recently released annual report shows.

The new project count for FY 2023 represents the largest number of grants issued by AHW in a single year since its founding. Previously, AHW had averaged approximately 30 awards per year. In total, AHW funding supported 166 active projects representing $110 million in funding in FY 2023.

Notably, in its 20-year history, AHW has invested more than its original $320 million gift—reaching a running investment total of more than $338 million in FY 2023—all while the endowment’s principle has grown significantly, a testament to the prudent management of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s finance team.

“This record-setting year not only reflects the diligence of the AHW team in planning, promoting, and fulfilling new funding opportunities, but also the rising awareness of and interest in the important work we do,” said AHW Director Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH.

Ehrenfeld added, “As this report is being published and distributed, we have already begun building upon the lessons it contains and laying the groundwork for our next five years. With active participation from those who share our commitment to the health of ALL Wisconsinites, we face the future with unwavering resolve and confidence.”

The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment is Wisconsin’s largest health improvement philanthropy, and the only health philanthropy in the nation stewarding public funds from within a private medical school. AHW was formed within the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2004 as the result of a generous financial gift made by Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin to the people of Wisconsin.

Since issuing its first funding awards in 2004, AHW has, as of June 2023, invested in 643 projects aimed at maximizing the health of all residents of Wisconsin.

Read AHW’s fiscal year 2023 annual report here.

Watch to hear a message from AHW Director Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, about AHW's investments and impact in fiscal year 2023.