The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. Learn more about our second grant cycle timeline, priorities, guidelines and the appropriate program officer to contact with any questions.
Cycle 2
Important dates
Open office hours with portfolio managers: June 13, 2025
Location: Greater Milwaukee Foundation
2153 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 4000 Parking information
Application opens: June 16, 2025
Application closes: July 11, 2025
Community Investment Committee meeting: September 2025
Board meeting: September 2025
Area served
Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties
Who can apply
Grants are made to 501(c) (3) organizations that have boards consisting of at least 10 percent people of color. The executive director of the organization should not be included in that calculation. The term "people of color" refers to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latino and all other persons who are not categorized as white by the U.S. Census.
Nonprofits must have at least four unrelated board members.
Grant amount
Requests for up to $50,000 per year for up to three years will be considered. Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.
Grantmaking framework
Our grant investment framework aims: to ultimately support policies that benefit communities of color; to increase diverse representation (reflective of the racial and ethnic composition of communities served) in the decision-making bodies of institutions; and to change rules of engagement so that power is built, shared, and wielded equitably in order to produce just and sustainable outcomes.
Priorities and guidelines
Select the portfolio most aligned to your work to learn more about additional grantmaking guidelines:
Early childhood education
Background
High quality early childhood care and education is key to giving every child the start in life they need and deserve. It has been shown to have a significant impact on a child’s long-term academic, social and developmental success, and enables parents to participate in the workforce. Furthermore, research supports that physical learning environments matter. Facilities and the child-centered spaces within them can enhance children’s development by inspiring a range of social and cognitive learning experiences, as well as encouraging the development of gross motor skills. Indoor and outdoor spaces can increase students in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, exploration and play.
Grantmaking focus
Increase access to quality, affordable early childhood care and education for every child in need.
Project/program and general operating funds are available for early childhood care and education professional development, recruitment and retention.
Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for the following:
Designing and delivering professional development opportunities for early childhood education providers
Facilitating an early childhood education career exploration event and establishing a social media presence aimed at recruiting individuals who are passionate about working with young children, eager to contribute to high-quality early learning environments, and committed to advancing the field of early childhood education
Collaborating with early childhood educators and other nonprofits to promote the development and/or retention of early childhood educators
Contact Jeannie Fenceroy to learn more about this priority area.
Mental health
Background
The greater Milwaukee region faces significant racial health disparities that lead to differences in disease outcomes, life expectancy, and overall quality of life. These disparities are driven by systemic racism. Our communities are rich with cultural resilience, strong social networks, and innovative grassroots organizations working to address our health disparities. Community-led initiatives are improving outcomes by leveraging these strengths and showcasing greater Milwaukee’s ability to harness its collective resources and wisdom to foster equitable health outcomes for all residents.
Grantmaking focus
Increase transformative, community-led investments that support access to appropriate mental health services and improve mental health outcomes.
General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.
Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:
Providing community-based, culturally reverent mental health support and services
Advancing an integrative evidence-based approaches to well-being
Focusing on restorative justice and trauma-responsive healing initiatives
Building solidarity and collaboration among service providers and the community
Creating and sharing stories of communities overcoming systemic barriers
Engaging patients and/or program participants to leverage their insights and capacity for improving mental health
Integrating those with lived experiences into the organization’s leadership
Engaging in advocacy and organizing efforts, including anti-racist organizational development
Addressing mental health impacts of racial inequity
Contact Benjamin Porter to learn more about this priority area.
Background
Our communities are brimming with talent and assets, but in too many places, disinvestments have limited individuals’ economic opportunity and quality of life. People’s ability to improve their economic status contributes to a thriving community. Helping people to improve their economic standing over time, regardless of their background, creates a more equitable society. Improving economic mobility helps improve a person’s quality of life.
Grantmaking focus
Increase economic mobility through job creation, access, and retention.
General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.
Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:
Developing and implementing creative job creation strategies
Delivering training programs that help people enter jobs that pay a living wage
Creating workforce programs and projects that support people and employers
Contact Theresa Scott to learn more about this priority area.
About this Funding Opportunity
Greater Milwaukee Foundation Cycle 2
Area Served
Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, Waukesha County
Priority Areas
Early childhood education, Mental health, Workforce development