For Our Supporters
Our story and your impact
Our Story
FAST Fund MKE didn't start with a big office or a big budget. It started in a small brick building at 749 W. Juneau Ave. — a modest one-story structure tucked along the edge of MATC's downtown campus, home to AFT Local 212, the faculty union who refused to let their students fail for lack of twenty dollars.
In 2016, Dr. Michael Rosen — who had taught Economics at MATC for 29 years and served as President of the faculty union for 14 years — was preparing to retire. He'd spent nearly three decades watching students drop out not because they couldn't do the work, but because a $200 car repair or an overdue utility bill got in the way. Rather than accept goodbye gifts, he asked people to do something more useful: help him help students. His retirement party raised $17,000. A press release about that raised $4,000 more. Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, whose research on college student poverty had helped spark the idea, donated $5,000 and helped organize a fundraiser that brought in $2,500 more. With that support — and the backing of the union and fellow faculty — they launched what would become the FAST Fund: a simple idea that economic emergencies shouldn't end a student's education. A car repair, an overdue utility bill, an unexpected childcare cost — things that have nothing to do with ability and everything to do with circumstance. In that first year, they helped 26 students.
That building on Juneau is gone now. MATC demolished it in 2021 to build a pocket park. But the work that started inside those walls has only grown. Today, FAST Fund MKE is an independent 501(c)3 providing emergency financial assistance and in-kind goods to MATC students across Milwaukee — with over $1 million in annual aid and a community of donors, volunteers, and partners who believe what those first faculty members believed: that students who are close to the finish line deserve a fighting chance.
We outgrew that little building. We intend to keep outgrowing ourselves.
Why Your Support Matters...
When MATC students succeed, so do their families and our community. Each degree earned strengthens a household. Each career launched adds stability to a neighborhood. Your investment in the FAST Fund pays dividends that reach far beyond one student.
Return On Investment
2,980
Students received emergency assistance last year
89%
Of the students we assisted,
graduated or continued their education
~$350
Is the Average Grant -
The Cost of Keeping a Student in School
Diapers and Period Products distributed through our partnership with Milwaukee Diaper Mission
~120,000
Stories Of Impact
Past and present recipients of the FAST Fund from 2016 to Now
WHY OUR DONORS INVEST
The FAST Fund attracts remarkable people. Here is why some of them give.
Christine Symchych and James McNulty
Christine and Jim have been among the FAST Fund's most steadfast supporters, giving at the $10,000+ level across multiple years. Their investment in the FAST Fund reflects a belief shared by many in Milwaukee's professional community: that a small grant at the right moment can change the entire trajectory of a life. (Note to interns: If Charlie Dee or Mike Rosen wrote a personal profile of Christine and Jim, pull it from Drive and add it here. Otherwise this placeholder copy works until a full profile is written.)
Sabine Schwark
As a child of German immigrants who came to Milwaukee with nothing, Sabine knows what it meant to have community help. Her father studied English at Milwaukee Technical College — now MATC. "As a child of immigrants, I knew what it was like to have to be frugal and also to feel out of place. But I was lucky. My parents got to a place where they could afford to pay for my higher education. Since Ed and I are committed to helping students in need follow their dreams, we're happy to help MATC students get the education they deserve through FAST Fund emergency grants."
Jan and John Carroll
A nurse and a physician who spent their careers at Mt. Sinai Hospital and the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, Jan and John discovered the FAST Fund through their work with immigrant students navigating poverty and college. "It breaks my heart to see so many young people working so hard to finish school and get decent jobs who can get derailed by financial problems that we could easily help our own kids with. We think it's important for us to contribute to a safety net for all students, not just our own."
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
The FAST Fund does not work alone. These are the partners who help us reach further.
WAYS TO INVEST
There is a way for everyone to be part of this work. Here is how to join
Make a one-time gift
Every dollar goes directly to students in crisis. All donations are tax-deductible. [Donate Today →]
Set up a recurring monthly donation
Small, consistent support adds up. A $10/month commitment gives $120 a year — enough to cover a student's utility bill and keep them enrolled. [Give Monthly →]
Shop with RaiseRight
Buy gift cards for your everyday purchases through our RaiseRight link and FAST Fund receives a small percentage at no extra cost to you. It is one of the easiest ways to support students without spending anything extra. [Shop with RaiseRight →]
Sponsor or attend an event
Join us at our annual Spring Benefit Concert and Garden Party. Can't attend? Purchase a ticket for an MATC student to come in your place. [See Upcoming Events →]
Host a fundraiser
Organize a workplace giving campaign, a house party, or a community event on behalf of FAST Fund. We will support you every step of the way. [Contact Us →]
Donate highly appreciated stock
Donating stock that has increased in value directly to the FAST Fund allows you to avoid capital gains tax while making a meaningful gift. Contact us for transfer instructions.
IRA Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
If you are 73 or older, donating your IRA RMD directly to the FAST Fund is tax-free and counts toward your required distribution. Ask your financial advisor or CPA whether a Qualified Charitable Distribution is right for you.
Include FAST Fund in your estate plan
Name the FAST Fund in your will or trust and make your support part of your legacy. This is one of the most impactful gifts a supporter can make.
Become an ambassador
Help spread the word at events, on social media, or in your professional network. No fundraising required — just sharing our story. [Learn More →]
Join the District Board of Directors
We are always looking for committed community leaders to help guide our mission and growth. [Contact Us →]
FACULTY AND PARTNER VOICES
Address
500 Terry Francine St.
San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone
123-456-7890
Connect
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