Starting a fund is easy. It’s just one of the reasons donors have turned to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for nearly a century to make a lasting difference. With a minimum gift, a small amount of paperwork and expert guidance from a member of our staff, you can begin to serve the communities and causes that are important to you.

There are five easy steps to start:

Choose a name for your fund.

Unless you prefer anonymity, the name you select for your fund is listed in the Foundation’s reports, in grant award letters and other materials, maintaining your charitable presence in the community.

Focus on your fund’s impact.

Is there a favorite charity you wish to support? Are you dedicated to making college more accessible for today’s students or improving the air we breathe for the next generation? Do you want a more hands-on approach to your grantmaking and possibly involve future generations of your family? Are you interested in starting off small and building a fund over time? Or do you wish to leave the decision up to our Board to determine how best to meet the community’s pressing needs? The way you answer these questions will determine what type of fund you create.

Determine your grant advisers.

You and your family may direct the grantmaking of your fund much like a private foundation. You may want to assure that the causes you care about most will always be supported; in this case the Foundation Board will follow your directions in perpetuity.

Select an investment pool manager.

At the Foundation, we take our responsibility as steward of your funds very seriously. We provide you with access to a variety of investment options to make the most of your giving. You may select from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Investment Pool or one of our three trustee bank investment pools. 

Decide when to give.

Can you give today or do you choose to give later through your estate plan or through other assets? We’re happy to help you explore either option – or both.

Learn More

Contact a member of our philanthropic services team to learn more about starting a fund

Join us in building a vibrant, economically thriving region.

Learn more about our generational commitment to equity and inclusion.