How someone fulfills their interests in life is personal and meaningful. For some, those interests become enduring passions, as was the case with two generous people who chose to name the Greater Milwaukee Foundation in their wills so they could continue to support causes close to their hearts after their passing.
Richard ‘Dick’ Stefanik lived his passion out every day as a history teacher at South Milwaukee Junior High School and later as a walking tour guide for Historic Milwaukee.
His passion even continued after his death through his legacy fund, the Richard L. Stefanik Historic Milwaukee Fund, which he established at the Foundation. Thanks to Stefanik’s generosity, Historic Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Historical Society will receive donations in perpetuity.
“He was a very generous, charitable fella,” Larry Haskin, Stefanik’s estate attorney, said. “He was really dedicated to the city of Milwaukee and the history of the city, and it was very important to him. Anybody that's been that generous to his community deserves our admiration.”
A lasting legacy
Establishing a legacy fund at the Foundation allows donors’ generosity to impact generations to come. These funds support the region’s greatest needs as well as areas and nonprofits that donors care about. In 2025, the Foundation realized over $36.4 million in bequests and documented approximately $52 million in new legacy promises.
“It is an honor to work with donors who trust the Foundation to steward their generosity so their impact endures beyond their lifetime,” Lauren Mulloy, associate director of gift planning, said. “Through planned giving, donors have an opportunity to provide sustaining support to the causes they cherish, helping to ensure continuity and a thriving community for generations to come.”
Professional advisers, including estate attorneys, often serve as an introductory link between donors and the Foundation. Their vast connections allow the Foundation to maintain a collaborative network throughout the region. Relationships with professional advisers are strengthened through the Foundation’s Herbert J. Mueller Society and Community Adviser and Ambassador Network.
Haskin, who had prior experience with the Foundation, noted that it’s a tremendous vehicle for people who are of charitable mind and want their legacy to continue.
“I think with Dick’s knowledge of the history of Milwaukee, he saw the important place that the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has in the city’s history and in its future,” he said.
Philanthropy plays a critical role
In December, Community Advocates was one of eight organizations to receive a $50,000 grant thanks to another donor’s unexpected bequest, which left approximately $1.3 million to the Foundation to support hunger relief, homeless shelters and animal shelters. The remainder of the funds will be dispersed over the next five years to other organizations that support these causes.
Community Advocates offers a continuum of housing services from shelters for women and children rebuilding their lives after domestic violence or homelessness to residential programs that offer safety and stability for people dealing with mental health issues. The grant provided operational support and ensured that residents had safe housing, nutritious meals, counseling and comprehensive services.
“We were incredibly relieved,” Deb Heffner, chief advancement officer, said. “It filled this immediate gap that we were experiencing. And it was a lot of relief heading into the new year and knowing that those funds were there. Philanthropy always plays such a critical role in meeting needs, but there’s a collective philanthropic response happening that feels like a true partnership.”
Causes close to the heart
This gift came at a crucial time for organizations that serve a vulnerable population at the height of winter and also aligned with the Foundation’s communitywide work to convene and support basic needs organizations. The other recipients included Guest House of Milwaukee, Hope House of Milwaukee, Sojourner Family Peace Center, Pathfinders Milwaukee, Salvation Army Milwaukee County, Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center and The Cathedral Center.
The donor who made this gift wished to remain anonymous. Georgia Konstantakis, the estate attorney who managed the bequest, said that her client was a very giving and loving person with a heart of gold.
“They wanted to ensure the funds would go to an organization truly making a positive impact in the world,” she said. “They had a deep love for both animals and people. Their heart was incredibly generous, and they were passionate about giving back to the Milwaukee community.”
The Wisconsin Humane Society likewise received a $50,000 grant. It’ll ensure that critical programs and services to animals and families continue, Lizzie Covington, vice president of development, said.
“To be entrusted with honoring that legacy, and to know that this donor cared so deeply about the work being done at the Wisconsin Humane Society, is both humbling and inspiring,” Covington said. “It reminds us that our work truly matters to the individuals and families we serve and to those who believe in our mission to make a difference for animals and the people who love them.”
Feeling the impact
Historic Milwaukee, Inc., where Stefanik served as a tour guide since 1983, felt deeply honored to be considered in Stefanik’s gift planning and to receive an endowed fund.
“These new funds, which HMI will receive in perpetuity, will allow us to grow our programming and keep our largest event, Doors Open Milwaukee, free and accessible,” Stacy Swadish, executive director, said.
She noted that Stefanik brought his joy of sharing history and his love of downtown to his tours where he made connections between Milwaukee’s history and its architecture for walking, student and bus tours.
“Dick was a teacher. He knew how to fit the lesson to the class,” Mary McAndrews, a retired tour guide and former HMI board member, said.
The Milwaukee County Historical Society, which likewise received support from Stefanik, uses the funds to support its Hands on History program, an immersive, artifact-based educational program for children in grades three through five. The program focuses on Milwaukee County history and serves about 7,000 children through 100 classrooms a year.
“Demand always exceeds capacity,” Ben Barbera, executive director and president, said. “With the funds from the Stefanik annual gift, we were able to bring on a second full-time educator, which allows us to expand our Hands on History and other educational opportunities.”
The hope, he said, is to serve 10,000 students per year between the Hands of History program and field trips at the Historical Center and Trimborn Farm.
“Education is a core pillar of our mission and the gift from Dick Stefanik allows us to fulfil that role to the best of our abilities,” Barbera said.
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