In 2020, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation will open three grant cycles using a one-step application process without the traditional letter of inquiry. Please refer to the Grantmaking FAQs page for answers to commonly asked questions about the Foundation’s grantmaking process.

The calendar below lists the grantmaking priorities and deadlines for each cycle. Capital requests will be accepted as indicated. Click on the links to learn more about the priorities and who to contact to discuss potential projects or questions. *An organization may only submit one application per cycle,

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MKE Responds Fund

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 needs of children and families living in Milwaukee.

Current Funding Priority:

• FOOD: Ensuring nonprofits can secure, purchase, and distribute food to children and families living in Milwaukee.

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). Grant decisions will be made by a Fund Advisory Committee.

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Cycle 1

Targeted Funding Priorities:

• Physical Environment – Affordable housing and homeownership 
  (Projects/programs ONLY in Metcalfe Park, Sherman Park East, Muskego Way, Clarke Square, Harambee, North Division, Silver Spring, Halyard Park and Brewers Hill neighborhoods)

Responsive Funding Priorities:

• Health – Increase access to care and/or promote health education
• Medical Research - Address health disparities in disease and chronic illness

Applications open: Nov. 18, 2019

Applications close: Dec 6, 2019

Board meeting: March 11, 2020

This grant opportunity is currently closed for 2019.

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Cycle 2

Targeted Funding Priorities:

• Early Childhood Education Workforce and Professional Development – Teacher development and recruitment

Responsive Funding Priorities:

• Aging and Older Adults – Services and programs for low income seniors
• Arts and Culture (project and capital requests) – Arts education and access, participation and engagement in the arts 
• Environment – Protection and conservation and community based food systems

Applications open: Feb. 24, 2020

Applications close: March 13, 2020

Board meeting: June 10, 2020

This grant opportunity is currently closed.

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Cycle 3

Targeted Funding Priorities:

• Healthy Birth Outcomes – Access to care and support
• Early Childhood Education Facility Upgrades (capital requests) – Quality and access improvements

The following targeted funding priority is for projects/programs ONLY in Metcalfe Park, Sherman Park East, Muskego Way, Clarke Square, Harambee, North Division, Silver Spring, Halyard Park and Brewers Hill neighborhoods:

• Community Capacity – Resident led neighborhood priorities and solutions

Responsive Funding Priorities:

• Arts & Culture – Arts education and access, participation and engagement in the arts
• Basic Needs (project, capital and operating support requests) – Emergency shelters and food pantries

Applications open: Aug. 10, 2020

Applications close: Aug. 28, 2020

Board meeting: Dec. 4, 2020 

This grant opportunity is currently closed.

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Other grant opportunities

A number of our funds each have their own separate grant cycles and application deadlines. For more information, visit the other grant opportunities page.

Grants Portal Access