Milwaukee, WI – Dec. 17, 2014 – On the eve of its 100th year of service, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is receiving the largest charitable gift in its history, having been named by former U.S. Senator and Milwaukee Bucks Owner Herb Kohl as the home for his generous gift promised toward the development of a new arena in downtown Milwaukee.
Earlier this year, when Kohl announced the sale of the Bucks, he also announced a $100 million gift for a new facility to help keep the NBA team in Milwaukee.
“Because of their long history of working with donors to strengthen the region, I am pleased to partner with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) to help me fulfill my promise to the community we cherish,” Kohl said. “As GMF looks ahead to its exciting next chapter of service to our community, and with the Bucks’ commitment to keep Milwaukee an NBA city, now is the time to keep the momentum and excitement growing for the future of downtown development and to preserve this important asset for our state.”
“This wonderful news comes as the Greater Milwaukee Foundation embarks upon its celebration of 100 years of service to this community,” said Ellen Gilligan, President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “From his years in business, philanthropy, and the U.S. Senate, to his stewardship of Milwaukee’s NBA franchise, Sen. Kohl has been a shining example of service. He has always served with both distinction and a generous spirit. As he looked for a partner to once again benefit his hometown, we are deeply honored that he selected the Greater Milwaukee Foundation to help him fulfill his philanthropic goals.”
The Board of Directors of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation approved receipt of Kohl’s gift with the directive that the funding be dedicated to a future arena entity.
For nearly a century, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has helped individuals, families and organizations realize their philanthropic goals and make a difference in the community, during their lifetimes and for future generations. The Foundation consists of more than 1,200 individual charitable funds, each created by donors to serve the charitable causes of their choice. The Foundation also deploys both human and financial resources to address the most critical needs of the community and ensure the vitality of the region. Started in 1915, the Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the world.
