Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association

What Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association does

The Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association (WFDA) is a nonprofit professional trade association founded in 1881 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Operating with approximately 6 employees, the association serves funeral directors licensed in Wisconsin through a membership-based model delivering continuing education, professional development, legislative advocacy, networking opportunities, and member benefits including access to association healthcare plans and legal counsel. Core offerings include the annual convention (145th edition scheduled June 8-10, 2026 at Glacier Canyon Lodge in Wisconsin Dells), a Fall Conference (September 2026 in Oshkosh), a 5th Annual Professional Women's Conference (April 2026 in Sturgeon Bay), Preneed Certification courses providing 24 CEUs, regional district meetings across seven Wisconsin districts, a Career Center for job postings and resumes, a Political Action Committee supporting state legislative advocacy, and a Preferred Vendors program connecting members with vetted industry suppliers.\n\nThe association generates revenue through three primary streams: recurring membership dues, one-time event registration fees (district meetings $25-$40, women's conference $150-$350, fall conference $200-$325, annual convention $350 members/$650 non-members, preneed courses $350-$450), and PAC donations used to support state lawmakers. Sponsorship is layered, with annual packages at Bronze $1,500 / Silver $3,500 / Gold $5,000 and event-level sponsorships ranging from $150 to $3,500, alongside Foundation fundraising events including casino nights and boat cruises at $50-$1,000. The technology stack is operational rather than product-oriented, centered on Wild Apricot membership management software; the organization explicitly does not develop proprietary technology products.\n\nWFDA is governed by a Board of Directors with district representation, supported by Legislative, Education, Finance, and Membership Committees. In 2021, the association expanded its scope by establishing the WFDA Leadership Development Foundation, a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) public charity providing scholarships, transportation assistance, and mentorship for mortuary science students and member funeral directors. The WFDA self-describes as the largest state trade association assisting funeral service professionals in Wisconsin.

Name

Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association

Legal name

Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association

Website

https://wfda.info

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1881 serving licensed funeral directors in Wisconsin through continuing education, legislative advocacy, networking events, and member benefits including healthcare plans and legal counsel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees supporting funeral directors licensed in Wisconsin with access to benefits including legal counsel, healthcare plans, continuing education, legislative advocacy, and networking opportunities.
2. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from annual conventions, conferences, and educational courses including the 145th Annual Convention ($350 members/$650 non-members), Fall Conference ($200 members/$325 non-members), Professional Women's Conference ($150-350), and Preneed Courses ($350 members/$450 non-members).
3. PAC Donations: Political Action Committee donations from members used to support lawmakers who fight for public policy initiatives benefiting funeral service and small businesses. 100% of PAC funds support such candidates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association is a nonprofit state trade association representing funeral service professionals licensed in Wisconsin. Its core offering is an annual membership package that bundles continuing education (CEU-bearing courses including a 24-CEU Preneed Course), legal counsel, an Association Health Plan, Wisconsin Funeral Trust, legislative advocacy through a Political Action Committee, the Career Center, and access to events such as the 145th Annual Convention (June 2026), Fall Conference (September 2026), and Professional Women's Conference (April 2026).

Product overview

The Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association operates as a state trade association serving funeral service professionals licensed in Wisconsin. The organization offers a unified suite of membership services centered around professional development, networking, and advocacy. Core offerings include membership with benefits (legal counsel, healthcare plans, insurance), continuing education programs spanning preneed certification, OSHA training, and CEU courses across multiple categories. The association hosts major annual events including the 145th Annual Convention (June 2026), Fall Conference (September 2026), and Professional Women's Conference (April 2026), plus regional district meetings throughout the year. Supporting services include a Career Center for job postings, a Political Action Committee for legislative advocacy, the Leadership Development Foundation for scholarships and student support, and a Preferred Vendors Program connecting members with trusted industry suppliers. The organization uses Wild Apricot membership management software to power its member portal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• WFDA Membership Services

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Preferred Vendors NetworkcoreOthersThe WFDA has established relationships with trusted preferred vendors including funeral supply companies, insurance providers, biohazard cleanup services, construction firms, and payment processors. These vendors are promoted to members as trusted service providers.
• Valor Technical CleaningcoreOthersBiohazard cleanup service with offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and nationwide. Provides emergency cleanup services 24/7/365 for families who have experienced traumatic loss. Web: valortechnicalcleaning.com, Phone: (855) 476-4911
• Brown WilbertcoreOthersOne of the largest burial vault producers in MN, ND, and WI. Also largest Casket & Urn Supplier in the Midwest with other products including monuments and cemetery services. Has proudly served customers since 1922.
• Urns UnlimitedminorOthersLocated in Madison, WI. Creates urns with quality craftsmanship using various materials and styles to suit each family's unique needs.
• National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGLIC)coreOthersLocated in Madison, WI. Helps families with estate planning, funeral planning, long term care assistance, and specialty insurance solutions. Processes new policies and claims with accuracy and speed.
• PrecoaminorOthersNational leader in preneed sales and marketing since 2004. Partners with funeral homes to help families through lead generation, appointment setting, sales support, and marketing.
• G4 Funeral Home ConstructionminorOthersMid-sized general contractor of commercial properties throughout the Midwest. Meets construction and renovation needs under tight deadlines through regional network of subcontractors.
• Funeral Directors LifecoreOthersFull-service preneed company founded by four funeral directors. Helps funeral directors grow their businesses with accounting, financial, marketing, and sales support services.
• Krause FinancialminorOthersAttorney-led firm in De Pere, WI providing asset preservation solutions for estate planning. Specializes in Medicaid-compliant annuities, long-term care insurance, funeral expense trusts.
• IMPACT GeneralminorOthersSoutheast Wisconsin's premier commercial building firm with over 100 years of combined experience. Offers design/build and construction management services.
• Wilbert / Fond du Lac Wilbert VaultcoreOthersLeading provider of burial vaults, cremation urns, and graveside services. Specialty urns can be customized with emblems, engraving, and jewelry. Has served families since 1909.
• Aurora PaymentscoreOthersMost prominent credit card processor in the deathcare industry. Endorsed by many state associations. Offers special WFDA member rates and ZERO-fee credit card processing options.
• Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Inc.minorOthersAffiliated with Dr. David Finkbeiner, instructor for WFDA Preneed Course. Emergency responder with State of Michigan's Mortuary Response Team.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wfda

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association