From 2018-2019, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation engaged with residents in Sherman Park and North Division neighborhoods to understand their needs and concerns. Our three-pronged community engagement process consisted of three community visioning sessions, one-on-one interviews with stakeholders and the creation of a resident-led community advisory council. At the completion of the process in each neighborhood, both respective community advisory councils made up of residents and community leaders determined the Foundation should invest in youth.
Sherman Park is a young community, where more than 1,600 people between the ages of 15 and 24 are preparing to enter high school and the workforce. Several programs in the area serve young people at that critical time of early adolescence when they are transitioning into high school. However, according to residents and community leaders, fewer programs have successfully engaged older adolescents (ages 16 to 24) as they prepare to graduate high school and enter the workforce.
With a quarter of the population in North Division under age 14, they need the appropriate tools to successfully develop their social and emotional learning skills.
Community stakeholders agreed that support for youth development and youth engagement activities is a priority within both neighborhoods.
Professional skills and career development for youth and young adults (16-24 years old)
Youth and young adults ages 16 to 24 have greater impact in their community when there are resources and opportunities to develop professional skills to succeed in the workforce. When we do not invest in the talents and potential of our youth and young adults, there is chronic underemployment, which can lead to increased adverse interactions with police.
After-school programming for youth, social and emotional support and health and wellness activities for youth or young adults (10-18 years old)
Youth ages 10 to 18 are best equipped for positive engagement at school and in their community when there is access to safe and supportive spaces to learn and develop. By taking action to address challenges youth face and transforming values and attitudes to support youth development, families and communities are changed in a positive way. Given all the challenges that young people in North Division and Sherman Park neighborhoods face, the lack of programming before and after school reveals a major gap in their social support systems.
The Foundation seeks to reach groups and organizations based in Sherman Park or North Division that demonstrate a record of hiring and engaging with community members. Priority will be given to initiatives that fall within the priorities identified and with organizations that place the voices of people who are traditionally left out of community decision-making at the center of the planning, implementation and results of the proposed project, event or activities. Groups and organizations representing these respective neighborhoods are encouraged to apply.
Successful proposals may include the following:
Grant amounts are up to $7,500.
Organizations that do not have this designation may use a fiscal sponsor (organization recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity) to serve as the recipient and manager of the grant. Eligible nonprofits are required to have board membership that is at least 10 percent people of color. The term “people of color” refers to all persons who are not categorized as white by the U.S. Census.
The applicant also agrees to share its experiences with the funders and others so that lessons learned can benefit other participants.
Applicants must submit a completed proposal by the deadline via the Grants Portal on the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s website.
May 22, 2023
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Grant cycle opens |
Grant cycle closes |
Funding disbursed |
Project completion |
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May 15, 2023 |
June 5, 2023 |
July 2023 |
Dec 31, 2023 |
How to Apply
First time applicants must complete Grants Portal Setup. Not to be confused with the application itself, the profile provides necessary general information about your agency that is not contained in the grant application.
Attached are the application questions. Use this list to prepare your answers prior to working through the application.
Contact Senior Program Officer Darlene C. Russell to learn more about our community development work.
