Support nonprofits serving our community on the local front of the global coronavirus pandemic by donating to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s MKE Responds Fund.
To alleviate the profound impact the coronavirus outbreak is having on Milwaukee and beyond, philanthropic partners have come together to align resources to increase the capacity of local agencies and programs on the front lines of the pandemic to do the greatest good. This coordinated response includes the MKE Responds Fund, a fund managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and supported by a coalition of funders and collaborators. MKE Responds provides resources to organizations working in the greater Milwaukee area with communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and its economic consequences.
Our community’s effective, coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic is possible through the generosity and commitment of many partners. We are proud to recognize our funding partners who have contributed to the Foundation’s MKE Responds Fund as well as the community partners with whom we are working side-by-side in this time of need.
COVID-19 continues to be an ever-evolving situation. As cases continue to grow in Milwaukee and nearby communities, we are increasingly aware of the impact this pandemic is having on the people we care about, local nonprofits and our health care system. Many more will be affected. We also know it is having a disproportionate impact on the health and economic well-being of children and families, aging populations, those with underlying health conditions and college students. As schools and businesses have closed, there is a growing and immediate need for food, housing and shelter, medical support and more. This is placing enormous stress on local nonprofits, particularly those that provide basic needs and health services.
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s MKE Responds Fund has helped support a wide range of nonprofits providing relief and recovery services in our community.
Recent MKE Responds Fund grants >
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, in partnership with local philanthropists and funders, has created a fund to respond to community needs caused or deepened by COVID-19. The MKE Responds Fund will provide resources to organizations working in the greater Milwaukee area with communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this pandemic.
We are accepting applications for projects focused on helping to meet the food, housing, physical health, mental health, early childhood education, K-12 education, and economic needs of the community - especially Black and Hispanic community members - as it recovers from COVID-19. Current Funding Priority:
FOOD: Ensuring nonprofits can secure and purchase food, distribute to individuals, families and organizations serving those in greatest need
HOUSING & SHELTER: Supporting shelter operations including increased hours, and expansion of temporary and permanent housing stock to prevent and reduce new homelessness
MEDICAL SERVICES/CLINICS: Increasing medical access through coordination of testing and care systems, and support expanding clinics serving low-income families
MENTAL HEALTH: Responding to the trauma and mental health needs of the community during this time of heightened stress and isolation
EARLY CHILDHOOD: Supporting family- and center-based childcare providers to re-open and operate, including through financial assistance, supplies and technical assistance to ensure health and safety, and mental health support for staff, children, and families.
K-12 EDUCATION: Providing financial support for staff, support for education consultants, family communication, remote enrichment/learning activities, and digital connectivity/access.
ECONOMIC RECOVERY: Provide support for small businesses, employment and workforce and efforts to promote financial stability & wealth building and homeowner stability.
The fund will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. An eligible fiscal sponsor may apply on behalf of an organization that is not a 501(c)(3). Requests will be reviewed weekly. Grant decisions will be made by a Fund Advisory Committee.
Aging and Older Adults – Services and programs for low-income seniors
Housing – Quality affordable housing, pathways to homeownership and eviction prevention
Basic Needs – Food access and distribution and temporary shelter support
Arts and Culture – Visual, performing and multidisciplinary arts, and arts education
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Application open |
Nov. 9 |
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Application close |
Nov. 30 |
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Board meeting |
March 17 |
Mental Health – Access to care and services to address trauma and mental health needs
Medical Research – Address health disparities in disease and chronic illness
Arts and Culture – Visual, performing, and multidisciplinary arts, and arts education
Environment – Protection and conservation of environmental assets and strengthening of local and community-based food systems
Basic Needs – Food access and distribution and temporary shelter support
Equitable Economic Opportunity – Entrepreneurship and small business
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Application open |
Feb. 22 |
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Application close |
March 15 |
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Board meeting |
June 16 |
Basic Needs – Food access and distribution and temporary shelter support
Healthy Birth Outcomes – Access to care and support
Early Childhood Education Facility Upgrades - Quality and access improvements
Community Capacity – Resident-led neighborhood priorities and solutions
Arts and Culture – Visual, performing, and multidisciplinary arts, and arts education
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Application open |
Aug. 23 |
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Application close |
Sept. 13 |
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Board meeting |
Dec. 15 |
Return to COVID-19 home
Our Donor Resources – COVID-19 page offers information and tools for Foundation donors who want to help.
