Browse our latest news, publications and stories of impact.
Denasha Scott was honored with the 2026 Herbert J. Mueller Society Award for her commitment to strengthening philanthropy and advancing meaningful impact throughout greater Milwaukee.
read postThe Foundation honored Brandon Currie with its Jackie Herd-Barber Award for investing his talents, experience and knowledge into supporting area youth.
read postThe Milwaukee Community Sailing Center uses its endowments for various projects.
read postIn its 10th year of impact, Reasons for Hope MKE supported more than 60 organizations this summer with micro-grants.
read postIn the second episode of Voices of Impact, Jacqueline Ward talks with Tom and Mary Avery about expanding economic opportunity through impact investing.
read postLocal data on wealth is hard to come by, and most traditional sources simplistically view wealth as assets minus debts. "Wealth in Milwaukee"
read postPhilanthropy offers path for community investment alongside family legacy
read postHow the Foundation is deepening its support for the region's food and shelter providers.
read postA Milwaukee resident finds his path to giving back through the Foundation.
read postEntertainer and Cream City Foundation donor Michael Johnston gives through the arts.
read postDisability services nonprofit ALAS creates an endowment to secure its future.
read postMeet three organizations rethinking who delivers health care and how.
read postThe Foundation's case study from the Economic Mobility Action Network is available to read.
read postCommunity foundation and its donors award nearly $97 million in 2025.
read postOur region excels at creating spaces that build community.
read postThrough planned giving, donors can support specific causes and nonprofits of interest, as well as the region’s greatest needs, beyond their lifetimes.
read postThe Foundation’s partnership with nonprofits extends beyond grant dollars to include a range of supportive resources.
read postEarly childhood education is a critical factor in the region’s workforce. In this video, Laura Gutiérrez and Tamara Johnson talk about it.
read postHelping people give their gift is an honor that defines our community foundation.
read postStreet Dreams Soccer Academy grows community-rooted soccer access, empowering Latino youth and girls to thrive on and off the field.
read postStories of community-focused leaders show how philanthropy, service, and relationships build a stronger Milwaukee region.
read postHow Ian Abston found community in Milwaukee—and dedicated himself to helping it thrive.
read postHow Francesca Wegner defines community as action, empowerment, and shared possibility.
read postMary Ellen Stanek’s servant leadership reflects Milwaukee’s unique “both/and” culture of giving and service.
read postFor Tom Florsheim Jr., family values shape both business leadership and lasting community impact.
read postLeague of Women Voters partners with the Foundation to build an endowment supporting long-term civic engagement and voter education.
read postFrom revitalized parks to youth collaboration, Foundation funding strengthens environmental sustainability and community stewardship.
read postFor Fred Geilfuss, community service is a rewarding way to give back in Milwaukee.
read postCorry Joe Biddle’s journey shows how people, relationships, and access bring Milwaukee’s community to life.
read postThe Foundation celebrated its "A Milwaukee for All" event and Greater Together Award honorees. Watch the video recap.
read postMilwaukee Succeeds’ 2025 Annual Report highlights stories of courage, creativity, and connection—showcasing youth stepping into leadership, early educators rekindling their passion, and partners driving change across Wisconsin.
read postGreater Milwaukee Foundation honors civic leaders in greater Milwaukee through its annual Greater Together Awards
read postThe first group of African American leaders to have their names bestowed to a public space in the ThriveOn King were announced.
read postThe Foundation launched a multimedia impact report that celebrates its strategic plan "A Milwaukee for All."
read postPardeep Kaleka turned personal tragedy into a commitment to peace, leading efforts to confront hate, build understanding and strengthen communities across the region.
read postRoger and Cindy Schaus have advanced inclusion, education and community well-being for decades through their volunteerism and support of a wide variety of area nonprofits.
read postVictor Amaya uses data to help communities solve challenges, spark opportunity and drive change.
read postThe mother/daughter duo are helping Metcalfe Park reclaim its story by strengthening community leadership, revitalizing spaces and driving lasting change alongside their neighbors.
read postDelays in November FoodShare benefits mean thousands of local families are struggling to access food. Your gift today helps ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
read postProactive and responsive outreach leads to greater understanding and solutions.
read postEleazar Lopez Jr. empowers underserved communities, advances equity in finance, and builds pathways to generational wealth.
read postJennifer Lasky was honored with the 2025 Herbert J. Mueller Award for her heartfelt work helping clients leave lasting legacies and strengthen her community through philanthropy.
read postThe Environmental Youth Collaborative and the city of Milwaukee’s Urban Forestry Fund are both using collaboration and equity and philanthropy to accomplish their work.
read postFoundation celebrated a win for early childhood education sector and established a new department to keep advocacy and policy efforts moving forward.
read postFoundation invests $1.4 million in Bronzeville Creative Arts & Tech Hub.
read postStorm and flood damage in southeast Wisconsin has left many in need. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is working with nonprofit agencies and regional funding partners to provide services and resources to those impacted.
read postThe ThriveOn Economic Opportunity Workgroup launches restaurant shuttle to increase foot traffic in Historic King Drive BID.
read postCommunity leaders coalesce to support teacher professional development in science of reading
read postState grant program contributes to area small business growth
read postPartner foundations strengthen philanthropy in four-county area
read postFueling futures through education, WBCF leads efforts to expand early learning across West Bend.
read postLiteracy Services of Wisconsin’s endowment helps secure its future, advance mission in community
read postFund continues the work of Jeanette Mitchell, one of Milwaukee’s trailblazing leaders
read postPreserving Cedarburg’s heritage while powering its future, GCF has become a hub for local philanthropy.
read postBuilding a vibrant Oconomowoc—OAF sparks joy, hope, and change through grants that uplift lives and energize community spaces.
read postArts drive Milwaukee’s vitality—the Foundation and its donors gave $9.5 million to public art, museums, and artists.
read postCream City Foundation’s new Foundation partnership secures its legacy of advancing LGBTQ+ equity and community well-being.
read postNew professionals join Foundation Board as Foundation thanks others for their service.
read postCommunity advocacy helped secure $330M for early childhood education in Wisconsin’s 2025–27 state budget.
read postThe Legacy Foundation continues the philosophy of Legacy Bank’s mission,whose mission was to make Milwaukee a better place for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
read postMilwaukee realtor and developer Beechie Brooks faced doubters when he proposed a suburban-style subdivision for the Black middle class.
read postImagine a single area of investment with the power to pay immediate dividends for countless employers and working families across Wisconsin.
read postMilwaukee Succeeds’ Autonomous Youth Council is putting youth-adult equity into practice.
read postThe Foundation is connected to two local efforts working to address mass incarceration.
read postGreater Milwaukee Foundation issues $800,000 in affordable capital.
read postAs the end of Child Care Counts approaches, Milwaukee Succeeds surveyed 650+ providers to explore the impact of the federal funding – and the looming crisis when it expires.
read postFoundation to distribute $3 million in grants to local nonprofits; application opens March 17
read postReserve a meeting space at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
read postA sturdy roof over one’s head and access to high-quality knowledge is essential to a person’s long-term well-being.
read postYour generosity can bring hope and relief to those affected, helping to rebuild lives and restore the community.
read postHow recent Foundation investments across sectors are helping the diverse south side thrive.
read postMeet our new President and CEO Greg Wesley.
read postExplore a year of growth and impact in Milwaukee Succeeds' 2024 Annual Report, featuring highlights from their youth leadership work, early educator trainings and brand-new policy initiative.
read postCommunity Connections Small Grants Program uplifts residents through direct small grants for neighborhood improvement projects.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation presents several prestigious awards to people who bring greater opportunity, diversity and progress to the Milwaukee region
read postThriveOn King has seen a flurry of activity in recent months with tenant partners, new construction and more.
read postOf all the roles a community foundation plays in a region's philanthropic, nonprofit and civic spaces, the role of a connector may be the most important.
read postBrad Pruitt has shepherded the reemergence of a cultural institution that is creating space for the difficult conversations that our community and country need to have.
read postThrough leadership of one of Milwaukee’s top companies over the past 14 years, John Schlifske has made exceptional contributions to create positive change across our region.
read postDamian Buchman works tirelessly to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from being able to participate in physical activity and recreational opportunities.
read postNicole Robbins has helped transform the landscape of the King Drive corridor and surrounding neighborhoods through housing and commercial development.
read postCheck out photos from ThriveOn King's open house.
read postThe Foundation has continued its support of local activities that encourage civic engagement and participation in democracy by doubling the amount of grant funding.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Otto Bremer Trust funded over 40 nonprofits through OBT's Community Responsive Fund.
read postHelp those affected by Hurricane Helene. Make a contribution to organizations that have established relief efforts.
read postThe ThriveOn Collaboration has selected Kinship Community Food Center, which serves residents in the Riverwest and Harambee neighborhoods, to operate a signature café in the historic ThriveOn King building.
read postKathy Klein views philanthropy as a great avenue to deepen conversations with her financial clients.
read postEmily Tau uses her passion for Milwaukee, her strength as a social connector and her communication skills to help advance racial equity throughout the region.
read postCommunity hub will feature named spaces supported by philanthropy
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation started a new chapter with Greg Wesley as president and CEO.
read postCream City Foundation has joined the Greater Milwaukee Foundation as a supporting organization.
read postPresident and CEO Ellen Gilligan reflects on transformative achievements, challenges during her 14-year tenure.
read postFoundation helps couple become more focused, strategic with philanthropy.
read postNaryan Leazer has deepened his relationship with the Foundation over the past 15 years, because of the impact it has on community.
read postEndowment fund paves the way for journalists of color, amplifying diverse voices in Milwaukee and beyond.
read postDonor Rachel Monaco deepens her connection with Foundation, honors husband’s memory through her donor advised fund.
read postLongtime donors David and Marge Hamacher consider the Foundation a valuable philanthropic resource.
read postMaribeth Bush helped nourish a culture of philanthropy through decades of service to Oconomowoc Area Foundation.
read postThe Latino Chamber of Commerce’s new Foundation-supported fund will help entrepreneurs who have difficulty accessing capital.
read postFoundation welcomes new Board members and thanks others for service.
read postHear why partners continue to place their trust in the Foundation.
read postGreg Wesley to continue to build on Foundation’s legacy of growth, collaboration
read postThe Foundation aims to deploy $1 million in low-interest loans to support small businesses based in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties
read postThriveOn Business Support Cohort gives small business owners an opportunity to collaborate and seek support.
read postTo increase the number of high-quality early childhood education seats in the area, Milwaukee Succeeds and 4C for Children launched the Accreditation Facilitation Project.
read postOver 20 selected artists are completing their pieces for the first floor community hub at ThriveOn King.
read postGreater Milwaukee Foundation Board welcomes new members.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Greater Together Campaign exceeded its ambitious $700 million fundraising goal.
read postOver 20 artists chosen to display art throughout the first floor of ThriveOn King.
read postCheck out our photo gallery of various events featuring you – our neighbors, our community members and our friends.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation celebrates leaders with a number of prestigious awards.
read postAdvocates continue to raise awareness, bridge gaps and find solutions.
read postThe Foundation is investing in the health, educational and economic well-being of people in the neighborhoods adjacent to the collaboration’s home, ThriveOn King.
read postPets for Life is a nationally recognized program model that provides animal services, care and resources to underserved communities in Milwaukee.
read postA growing number of community organizations, funders, donors and housing advocates are committed to making affordable housing a reality.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s work to strengthen economic opportunity through Milwaukee’s small business ecosystem revolves around providing access.
read postThe couple has spent the past 40-plus years channeling their passions and skills toward improving nearly every major nonprofit and civic entity in Milwaukee.
read postWhile building their business, the Villarreals have been just as busy building community.
read postFor the past 15 years, John Daniels III has spent his career trying to help young men discover where they want to spend theirs.
read postMartinez has used his background, leadership skills and influence on the state and national levels as well to help improve the lives of farmworkers.
read postMaureen O’Leary-Guth named as 2023 Outstanding Professional Adviser of the Year.
read postKristen Hardy receives 2023 Jackie Herd-Barber Award.
read postDalvery Blackwell, co-founder of the African American Breastfeeding Network, repurposed grant dollars to create Healing Waters.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation recently received the 2023 HUD Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships for its work with the Community Development Alliance.
read postIn 2024, JobsWork MKE will join the Foundation and other partners in the ThriveOn King building.
read postCristy Garcia-Thomas of Advocate National Center for Health Equity and Blaine Gibson of WE Wealth Management have joined the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Board.
read postLearn about the advancements we are making toward systems change in early childhood education and steps we are taking to ensure greater equity in our grantmaking.
read postFrom diversifying revenue streams to creating a plan for sustainability, nonprofits turn to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation to establish agency endowments that help them achieve their goals.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s virtual educational series “A Milwaukee for All” demonstrated the Foundation’s ability to build connections, make commitments and take action.
read postThrough its convening power, social connections and advocacy efforts, the MKE Civic Action Team is helping a range of local partners and the city of Milwaukee address the ongoing threat of lead poisoning in Milwaukee homes
read postThe area around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is once again becoming a commercial and cultural destination.
read postWith lead role in ThriveOn Collaboration, Foundation makes generational investment in historically Black neighborhoods.
read postFoundation’s $3M investment helps Black-led college prep school advance plans in Bronzeville.
read postAmanda and Jon Sacks passion for West Bend motivated them to partner with the foundation to ensure that their community continues to grow and thrive.
read postBlaine Gibson has been a thought partner, referral source and mentor in helping diversify the philanthropic sector
read postImproving access to high-quality education and opportunities for Milwaukee’s youth has been a focal point of the Diazes’ careers.
read postRead about our efforts to advance equity in Milwaukee through impact investing, engaging diverse donor communities and investing in community-based violence prevention and healing.
read postFeaster creates spaces, opportunities for women in southeastern to succeed
read postOlivieri, through legal career and volunteer work, has opened the doors to opportunities for thousands in Latino community
read postStanley’s dynamic leadership propels ongoing revitalization of Milwaukee’s ‘neighborhood of neighborhoods’
read postThrough lifetime of service, Hollmon has addressed Milwaukee’s issues in holistic way
read postAfter seven years as executive director of Milwaukee Succeeds, Danae Davis retired in November.
read postThe Foundation’s final “A Milwaukee for All” event of 2022 addressed the power of community philanthropy, the value of centering lived experience and how to reframe and co-create community narratives.
read postThe Foundation’s annual Greater Together awards honored Ralph Hollmon, Keith Stanley, Lauren Feaster and José Olivieri.
read postThe Foundation awarded $100,000 across seven groups to support their voter mobilization and education efforts.
read postCommunity engagement and collaboration are at the heart of the ThriveOn Collaboration.
read postFrom grantee to donor, Danae Davis' philanthropic journey.
read postAmerica’s Black Holocaust Museum reemerges after 14-year hiatus with Foundation support.
read postEarly childhood education providers receive support and resources provided through the MKE Early Childhood Education Coalition.
read postOver the past 13 years, JCP Construction has defied the odds and made a name for itself in Milwaukee.
read postThe Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center is a comprehensive referral network connecting people — both tenants and landlords — to resources, education and services.
read postGertrude Payton was actively involved with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation since 2002.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s most recent “A Milwaukee for All” event on June 24 focused on ways to reimagine philanthropy, heal the hurt caused by colonization and create an equitable society.
read postIn direct response to recent, escalating violence in Milwaukee, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has dedicated an initial investment of $1 million to support urgent healing, community building and violence prevention efforts.
read postHousing is a human right. The Foundation and donors invest in strategies to expand housing options.
read postThe ThriveOn Collaboration is celebrating. The past six months have seen a plethora of action.
read postA new grocery store in Sherman Park is providing access to affordable, healthy food options for residents and helping create an entrepreneurial ecosystem for local youth.
read postLearn about the steps we are taking – both internally and externally – to advance equity in our community.
read postIf there is anyone who can help those women and children believe that it is true, it is Carmen Pitre, the nonprofit’s leader for nearly 21 years.
read postAs a kid growing up in Rio Hondo, Texas, Ness Flores wanted to be a baseball player like his hero, the great Jackie Robinson. And while he loved baseball, he ended up going to bat for something else over the course of his professional career – advocating for the rights and protections of migrant farmworkers as an attorney.
read postOver the past two decades, thanks in part to the vision of Mark Eppli, Milwaukee is making inroads toward addressing that disparity.
read postTo Virgis and Angela Colbert, there is no better way to invest in the future of a community than by investing in education.
read postThe Foundation was the logical choice when Pedro Colón and his wife, Betty Ulmer, decided to make a legacy gift.
read postOver the years, Ralph and Margaret Hollmon have enriched the Milwaukee community through their activism and their volunteer efforts.
read postIn Christine Neumann-Ortiz’s work as an organizer and activist over the years, no matter the number of successes achieved or series of struggles faced along the way, it’s always been about moving forward.
read postDarryl Johnson describes himself as a quiet leader. But the work that he has been able to accomplish over the past 17 years as executive director of Riverworks Development Corporation speaks volumes.
read postThroughout Dr. Jeanette Mitchell’s career, which has spanned the philanthropic, corporate, nonprofit and education sectors, she was always intrigued about the idea of what made a good leader.
read postBeauty awaits you at every corner of Three Bridges Park, a 24-acre urban oasis.
read postHispanic Collaborative is geared toward propelling Milwaukee into the top 10 cities for Hispanics nationwide.
read postWhen Tom Florsheim commits to something, he does so wholeheartedly.
read postRicardo Diaz believes that Milwaukee’s Latinx community is one of the city’s greatest assets. Over the past nearly 40 years, he has served as one of its biggest advocates.
read post