Richard “Dick” Stefanik enjoyed a long, distinguished career teaching history and social studies to students in South Milwaukee. Although he passed away in October 2023, his lessons have continued beyond his lifetime through a generous legacy fund he created at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.*
A bright reflection of Dick’s passion for education and history, the Richard L. Stefanik Historic Milwaukee Fund now provides sustaining support to the Milwaukee County Historical Society and Historic Milwaukee, Inc., while affirming his love for the region he called home.
I encountered a quote recently that reminds me of altruism like Dick’s, and captures the conviction many Foundation partners share, in my observation.
“The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.”
David Viscott, an American psychiatrist and radio show personality, penned this adage in his 1993 book, “Finding Your Strength in Difficult Times: A Book of Meditations,” though I believe the idea it conveys may be as old as philanthropy itself.
Many of us find purpose in doing what we love, and we pour substantial effort into that passion throughout our lives. Meaning, however, comes from the actions we take for and with others. Helping people give their gift – whether it takes the form of treasure, time, talent, or ties – inspired the Foundation’s creation over 110 years ago, and our continued purpose, while deepening our meaning, is to ensure donors’ generosity has the most significant impact on others in our community.
As I reflect on how our region faced last year’s challenges head-on through collaboration and partnership, I choose to be optimistic about 2026. The ongoing support of our donors and partners makes a direct, tangible difference in our collective efforts to overcome obstacles and build a thriving community. Together, we can continue to promote and create positive change and foster hope for the future.
A philanthropic fit
Those who partner with the Foundation for their philanthropy have access to a wide range of choices, allowing donors to give how they want, where they want. We currently house and support over 600 donor advised funds, plus hundreds of other funds designated to support specific institutions, fields of interest, scholarships and more.
Establishing a philanthropic fund, however, is just one of many ways to give to and through the Foundation. Donors can coinvest through a strategic priority fund in areas such as early childhood education or housing. They can contribute to funds focused on neighborhood change or urgent needs including our Reasons for Hope Fund or our MKE Responds Fund. The Foundation offers planned giving options, nonprofit endowment instruments and a host of collective impact opportunities.
While we are proud of the Foundation’s options on paper, it is our authentic relationships with people that distinguish our work and impact. From the individual meetings I have with donors, to the myriad touchpoints our staff maintain with many philanthropic partners, to the events we host to bring our community closer together, I think our commitment to human connection is our organization’s superpower.
I am grateful for the personal interactions I’m privileged to have as the Foundation’s leader. I leave each conversation filled with gratitude for the size of people’s hearts in greater Milwaukee and an ensuing sense of inspiration. Your hopes and dreams inspire me to be at my best and to ensure the Foundation is operating at its finest, so these collective aspirations become realizations.
My hope is that we all continue to build trusting relationships together, whether we are being introduced for the first time, or we have generations of history under our belts.
Leaving a legacy
There are many measures of trust in philanthropy, and the decision to leave a legacy is among the most poignant examples. When a donor like Dick Stefanik leaves a portion of their estate, will or trust to the Foundation, we promise to safeguard their legacy after they pass and ensure their planned gifts continue to support what mattered to them in life.
In 2025, we felt the impact of trust both past and present. The Foundation realized over $36.4 million in bequests from generous donors who passed, among the highest levels we’ve experienced. Their final gifts to the community have supported, and will continue to support, hunger relief, education and so much more.
Imagine how donors’ forethought today will benefit others and help our community prosper in the years, even decades, to come. What a profound demonstration of generosity and faith in humanity. What a beautiful expression of meaning, as defined by David Viscott.
Your community foundation
Just as giving can provide meaning to life, the Foundation is here to provide paths to meaningful giving that reflect your interests, whatever the nature of your philanthropy. In the year ahead, we will offer consistent opportunities to engage, to share information and to listen to your thoughts on how we move the region forward.
I remain continually thankful to those who invest alongside the Foundation in ways that make you proud of your role in advancing a thriving region for all, whether through economic mobility, educational success, housing affordability, community wellness or any other priority of your choice. Your support is vital to greater Milwaukee reaching its greatest potential.
I look forward to deepening our level of connection and our impact together this year.
Gregory M. Wesley, JD
President and CEO
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
* Shared with consent