Backpack Coalition

Backpack Coalition is committed to providing backpacks and school supplies to students with financial constraints to they have the tools they need to succeed in school. Each year the coalition distributes thousands of backpacks with grade appropriate school supplies to students in grades K-12.  

In 2023, more than 7,100 new backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to local students. 

Reasons to support:

• The average cost of school supplies hovers around $75 and not every family can afford this cost. 
• Reduces the amount of money teachers spend from their own pockets to provide school supplies for their students. 
• Helps families redirect their limited budgets to other important needs: rent, food, bills, school clothes, and more. 

Our goal is to provide over 9,000 filled backpack to students for the start of the 2024-25 school year.

When you donate to Backpack Coalition, we can purchase backpacks and school supplies at bulk rates.

Donate Now

Or to donate via check, mail to: United Way Pledge Processing, PO Box 88988, Milwaukee, WI 53288-8988
Payable to: United Way Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
NOTE: Please add to your check memo line, "Backpack Coalition Restricted Fund"