MKE Responds to COVID-19

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.

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Committed partners

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. 

Our partners 


more than $5.7 million

Donations committed to the MKE Responds Fund


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.

Funding priorities:

  • 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; this has also been the focus of our partner, Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin
  • MENTAL HEALTH: Responding to the trauma and mental health needs of the community during this time of heightened stress and isolation
  • EARLY CHILDHOOD AND K-12 EDUCATION: Supporting early childhood education centers and system and K-12 schools, including financial support for staff, family communication, remote enrichment/learning activities

Grants support community

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 >


Return to COVID-19 home

Learn more

Our Donor Resources – COVID-19 page offers information and tools for Foundation donors who want to help.