As part of our competitive grantmaking process, the Foundation places its highest funding priorities on projects and initiatives that align with our Thriving Communities and Connected People strategies.
Grants are made only to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and, on occasion, to governmental agencies. An eligible fiscal sponsor may apply on behalf of an organization that is not a 501(c)(3). View the Fiscal Sponsor Agreement for more information.
Geographically, funding for our discretionary grantmaking program is limited to projects that will significantly improve the lives of people living in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. Grants to individuals are ineligible for support from the Foundation's discretionary funds.
Generally, the Foundation awards grants to an organization for up to one year although they may be longer, given program priorities. An organization may only have one open grant per grant period.
The Foundation is committed to promoting equity and inclusion with a focus on racial equity in our community. This commitment applies to our grantmaking. Nonprofit board diversity is the first of many things we will consider. Eligible nonprofits must have board membership that is at least 10 percent people of color. The term “people of color” refers to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans and all other persons who are not categorized as white by the U.S. Census.
Review the steps in the Grant Application Process section and then log on to Foundant to complete your application.
Evaluation criteria
For questions on our grantmaking priorities and guidelines, contact