Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund

What Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund does

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWW/CF) is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1996 that provides emergency energy-assistance grants and case-management services to vulnerable Wisconsin households facing heating and cooling crises. Headquartered in Madison, WI, the organization operates as the charitable arm of Energy Services, Inc. (ESI), reaching all 72 Wisconsin counties through partnerships with county Departments of Human Services and 22 customer care centers. Its core programs include the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) application services, the Heat for Heroes initiative (a subsidiary launched in 2013 targeting veterans), and the Crescendo On Wisconsin campaign (launched April 2021 for entertainment industry workers). Additional services include budget counseling, payment plan facilitation with utilities, and energy conservation education.

KWW/CF generates revenue primarily through donations from individuals (17,000+ annual donors), corporate sponsors, and contributions from all five Wisconsin Class A utilities (Alliant Energy, MGE, We Energies, WPS, Xcel Energy). A unique 2-to-1 state matching challenge effectively triples each donated dollar, and the organization maintains 90-95% program efficiency (10% or less administrative costs). To date, KWW/CF has assisted 152,460+ households with more than $46.3 million in cumulative assistance, with average grants of approximately $400 per household. Major fundraising events include the Annual Charity Golf Classic, Flannel Fest, Caring Crafters, Vet Aid concerts, and Day of Warmth telethons. Executive Director Tim Bruer has led the organization since its founding, working with every Wisconsin governor since Tommy Thompson to maintain the state matching program.

Name

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund

Legal name

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund

Website

https://kwwf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 that provides emergency energy-assistance grants and case management to vulnerable Wisconsin households across all 72 counties, operating as the charitable arm of Energy Services, Inc. with a 2-to-1 state matching program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Energy Assistance Services

NAICS

Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Emergency Shelter, Camp Management & Non-Food Items (NFI) (BPAGAAAC)

Keywords

• Energy assistance
• Nonprofit charity
• Bill payment help
• Veteran support services
• Heating cooling assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations from Public: Individual Wisconsinites donate to the fund through various channels including online donations, phone, mail/fax. Over 17,000 donors contribute annually.
2. Corporate and Business Donations: Corporate partners donate funds and sponsor events. The organization has a unique 2-to-1 state matching challenge where every dollar donated is matched by $2 from the state.
3. Utility Company Contributions: All five major Wisconsin Class A utility companies (Alliant Energy, MGE, We Energies, WPS, Xcel Energy) contribute along with their customers who donate through energy bills.
4. Government Grants: The organization works closely with Wisconsin Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) and receives government support as part of the funding model.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWW/CF) is a 501(c)(3) statewide nonprofit charity founded in 1996 that provides free emergency energy assistance grants and crisis prevention services to vulnerable Wisconsin households. The organization administers the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and supplements it with its own private donations through a unique 2-to-1 state matching challenge, helping seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and working families afford heating and cooling costs, furnace replacements, and budget counseling.

Product overview

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund is a statewide nonprofit charity founded in 1996 that provides emergency energy assistance and crisis prevention services to vulnerable Wisconsin households. The organization operates as a portfolio of programs centered on the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP), supplemented by its own energy assistance grants, and the specialized Heat for Heroes initiative for veterans. Additional offerings include IRA Home Energy Rebates administration, budget counseling, payment plan facilitation, and energy conservation education. The organization partners with the Wisconsin Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR), county agencies, and utility companies to deliver services across all Wisconsin counties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Heat for Heroes: Charitable initiative specifically created to provide extra assistance to Wisconsin veterans in need with energy and housing costs.
• Crescendo On Wisconsin

Products and services

• Energy Assistance Grants (KWW/CF) Free emergency energy bill payment grants provided directly to utilities or fuel vendors on behalf of income-qualified Wisconsin households facing heating/cooling crisis, disconnection, or running out of fuel. Average grant is approximately $400 per household, funded through private donations matched 2-to-1 by the state.
• Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) A state-administered energy assistance program that provides one-time payments during heating season to qualifying low-income Wisconsin households, with crisis assistance available for those facing disconnection or running out of fuel. KWW/CF partners with DEHCR to administer WHEAP applications via online portal (esi.help) and in-person through county agencies.
• Heat for Heroes (Heat and Housing for Heroes) Specialized KWW/CF initiative providing emergency energy assistance and long-term stabilization support specifically for Wisconsin veterans in energy crisis, including those with service-related disabilities whose medical conditions drive high energy costs. Reached veterans through veteran service organizations, county veteran service offices, American Legion, Madison Vet Center, and veteran-focused ad campaigns. Has served over 10,000 Wisconsin veterans to date.
• IRA Home Energy Rebates (HOMES and HEAR) Inflation Reduction Act-funded rebates for Wisconsin home energy improvements including insulation and efficient heating/cooling equipment, administered through Focus on Energy with KWW/CF referral support. HOMES (Home Efficiency Rebates) is now available; HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates) is being launched. Rebate amounts based on household income level and predicted energy savings.
• Energy Assistance Application Services Application processing services for energy assistance, including online applications via esi.help (24/7 availability), appointment scheduling by phone (1-800-506-5596), in-person visits at county agencies and 22 customer care centers, document collection, eligibility determination, and home visits for ambulatory homebound individuals.
• Budget Counseling and Payment Plans Financial guidance and case management services provided through county agency partnerships, including budget counseling, money management assistance, and arrangement of more affordable payment plans with utility companies to help households manage energy costs and prevent disconnection.

Quantifiable outcome

• 152,460+ households served with $46.3 million in assistance
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Xcel EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 December 2020Xcel Energy donated $50,000 to KWW/CF in December 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic. The company is committed to customers and communities and sees this as a way to provide helping hand to those most in need.
• River 2 Ridge Disaster Resilience GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2020Partnered with KWW/CF in October 2020 to provide $30,000 of energy assistance relief to Vernon, Monroe, Crawford, and LaCrosse counties during COVID-19 pandemic.
• Energy Services, Inc. (ESI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergy Services, Inc. is the parent organization of KWW/CF. ESI operates customer care centers in 22 Wisconsin counties and administers the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Founded in 1982 after hypothermia deaths of seniors. ESI provides the administrative infrastructure and staffing for KWW/CF operations.
• Wisconsin Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKWW/CF works in close collaboration with DEHCR to administer programs and bring benefits to low and fixed-income households. DEHCR oversees the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and provides state matching funds through a unique 2-to-1 challenge.
• Alliant EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Wisconsin's five Class A major utility companies that generously supports KWW/CF. Provides sponsorship and participation in events. Works with KWW/CF on payment plans and energy conservation.
• Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner
• We EnergiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Wisconsin's five Class A major utility companies that generously supports KWW/CF. Provides sponsorship and participation in events, including the Charity Golf Classic.
• Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Wisconsin's five Class A major utility companies. WPS has been a presenting sponsor of the Golf Classic. Also supports veteran initiatives through WPS Military and Veterans Health.
• Ideal BuildersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMadison-based construction company and longtime supporter since the first Golf Classic. Major supporter of fundraising efforts including Day of Warmth telethon. Dave Martin serves as co-chair of golf outing. Built the customer care center facility.
• MIG Commercial Real EstatemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelped build and donated significant support toward the expanded customer care center on Madison's west side. Longtime supporter of grassroots survival safety net efforts. Brad Hutter has been instrumental in the partnership.
• Schoep's Ice CreammajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMadison-based ice cream company hosting multiple fundraising events including $5 all-you-can-eat ice cream socials at Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Wo Zha Wa Days. CEO Al Thomsen has been deeply committed. Company has been involved for nearly 90 years of community giving.
• Morgan Murphy Media / Channel 3000 / WISC-TVmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLongstanding media partnership spanning decades. Host Day of Warmth telethons raising $60,000+ in single events. Weather calendar and ongoing coverage. First to support Heat and Housing for Heroes campaign. Tom Keeler has been a key champion.
• KS Energy ServicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Berlin-based major contractor in the energy industry. Presenting sponsor of the Golf Classic. President Dennis Klumb Jr. has been a supporter for a decade. Understands the need during Wisconsin's frigid winters and humid summers.
• First Weber FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports veterans through partnership with KWW/CF and Heat for Heroes. Sponsors putting contest at Golf Classic. Contributes to veteran outreach efforts.
• Focus on EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide energy efficiency program partnered with 108 Wisconsin utilities. Delivers IRA Home Energy Rebate Programs including HOMES and HEAR. Helps WI residents manage rising energy costs through conservation.
• American Transmission CompanymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrand Slam level sponsor of Golf Classic. Supports the mission of keeping heat and power on for those most in need.
• Plumbers Local 75majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLabor organization that has been a longtime supporter. Business Manager Steve Breitlow has been instrumental in organizing and supporting golf outings. Supported Heat for Heroes ad campaign.
• Steamfitters Local 601majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHas run the Heats On Program for over 30 years, volunteering time to inspect furnaces in veterans' homes. Raised $8,000 at golf outings. Business Manager Joel Zielke has been deeply involved. Replaced carbon monoxide-poisoned furnaces at no cost to veterans.
• Wisconsin Pipe Trades AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsored veteran ad campaign running on major TV networks and at Milwaukee Brewers games. President Terry Hayden has been a champion. Campaign significantly increased veteran participation from 3,680 in 2016 to over 9,400 in 2018.
• 6AM MarketingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMadison-based marketing agency led by Army Reservist veteran Wayne Harris. Builds and maintains websites (Heat4Heroes.com), provides marketing support, and is co-chair of golf outing. Site developer for KWW/CF.
• County Departments of Human ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKey to KWW/CF's success. Partner to administer federal heating assistance and KWW funds. Located in all Wisconsin counties. Handle applications and case management at the local level.
• County Veteran Service OfficescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBoots on the ground partners who hear directly from veterans about their struggles. Critical in connecting veterans to Heat for Heroes assistance. Brian Erickson in Douglas County highlighted as example.
• Olbrich Botanical GardensmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMadison landmark hosts ice cream socials during summer concert series. Partnership allows KWW/CF to raise funds while attendees support the cause. Perfect match of community-focused organizations.
• Schmidt's Auto Inc.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-generational family business that donated and restored a 1937 Divco ice cream truck for fundraising events. Also contributed a Vet Mobile van for veteran events with patriotic graphics.
• BroadjammajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMadison-based online music promotion company with 8,000-9,000 Wisconsin artists on email lists. Partnered with Crescendo On Wisconsin campaign to reach entertainment industry workers during COVID-19. CEO Roy Elkins has been instrumental.
• Geneva National Golf ClubmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for KWW/CF Charity Golf Classic. Features 54 holes designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino. Committed to keeping costs down to maximize fundraising. Director of Sales Rob Booth has been a key partner.
• Betty Lou CruisesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBetty Lou Cruise package donated as popular auction item at annual Golf Outing. Von Rutenberg family has been supporter for 23 years.
• American LegionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor veteran service organization partnering with KWW/CF to help veterans access Heat for Heroes assistance.
• Madison Vet CentermajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-affiliated facility. Outreach specialist Dave Hosking volunteers with KWW/CF/Heat for Heroes. Vet Center Mobile van participates in events to reach veterans in need.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Citizens Energy Corporation: Massachusetts-based nonprofit (founded by Joseph P. Kennedy II) providing discounted heating oil and natural gas to low-income households, plus bill-payment assistance. Operates an analogous state-level energy charity model with utility-style discount programs.
• Dollar Energy Fund: Pennsylvania-based nonprofit hardship fund helping families pay utility bills through pooled donations and utility-side customer contributions. Operates a near-identical model to KWW/CF, including direct payment to utilities and a multi-county service footprint.
• Energy Outreach Colorado: Colorado statewide nonprofit providing energy bill payment assistance, furnace repair, and energy efficiency services to low-income households. The most direct state-level counterpart to KWW/CF's mission and operating model.
• Operation Fuel: Connecticut-based nonprofit providing emergency energy assistance to households in crisis. Uses a similar state-level charity-plus-utility-partnership model with bill payments made directly to vendors.

Broad incumbents

• The Salvation Army: National faith-based nonprofit offering energy bill assistance as part of a much broader portfolio of emergency, housing, and social services. Provides utility-payment help in many states including Wisconsin, overlapping with KWW/CF's household segments and county-level delivery network.
• Community Action Partnership: National network of Community Action Agencies that administers LIHEAP and other energy assistance programs at the local level. KWW/CF works through all 72 Wisconsin county CAAs as the front-line delivery arm for federal heating assistance.
• Catholic Charities USA: National network of diocesan social service agencies that includes energy and utility assistance among broader case management, housing, and food programs. Overlaps with KWW/CF through parish-level referrals and shared low-income clientele.

Others

• National Energy Assistance Directors Association: Industry association representing state directors of LIHEAP. Sets policy and best-practice frameworks that shape how KWW/CF partners with Wisconsin DEHCR on energy assistance delivery and federal funding alignment.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kwwcf
• Facebookfacebook.com/KWWCF
• Instagraminstagram.com/keep_wisconsin_warm_cool_fund
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/keep-wisconsin-warm-cool-fund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund