Cream City Foundation (CCF) is the only non-profit, grant making, community-based
foundation serving the entire State of Wisconsin whose sole purpose is to support the
changing needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. The Cream City
Association Foundation, as it was originally known, was formed in mid-1982 as the charitable
arm of the Cream City Business Association (CCBA). However, CCAF quickly adopted its own set
of bylaws and registered with the State and Federal I.R.S. as a separate charitable
foundation. The first board meeting of the CCAF was called to order on October 5, 1982. In
December 1986, CCAF changed its name to the Cream City Foundation. Past presidents include
Ralph Navarro (1982-1983), Don Schwamb (1984-1989), Warren Breitlow (1989-1991), William
Frank (1991-1993), Tony Rhodes (1993-1998), and Mary Messerlie (1999-).
In addition to awarding grants, CCF has also sponsored the Milwaukee Gay/Lesbian Cable
Network, a volunteer group that produced regular and special programming on gay and lesbian
issues for Milwaukee's public access cable channel. It helped establish the Foundation
Community Center in 1988 as a gathering place for various groups in Milwaukee's LGBT
community. CCF raises funds by participating in the United Way and A CHOICE programs,
holding fundraising events such as Casino Night, and relying on the donations of private
individuals.
