2026 grant guidelines cycle 1

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 first grant cycle timeline, priorities, guidelines and the appropriate program officer to contact with any questions.

Cycle 1

Important dates

Open office hours with portfolio managers: Feb. 19, 10 a.m. - noon
Location: Greater Milwaukee Foundation 
2153 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 4000  
Parking information   

Register here

Application opens: Feb. 23, 2026

Application closes: March 13, 2026

Community Investment Committee meeting: June 2026

Board meeting: June 2026

 

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  

Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.  Requests for 1-3 years will be considered.  

 

Priorities and guidelines

Select the portfolio most aligned to your work to learn more about additional grantmaking guidelines: