Storm and flood damage from the recent severe weather event in southeast Wisconsin has left many community members in need. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is in ongoing communication with nonprofit agencies and regional funding partners who are mobilizing to provide services and resources to those impacted.
If you or someone you know has been impacted and needs immediate assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS.
For those interested and able to help, there are numerous opportunities to give. This list will be updated as we learn more.
Opportunities to give
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Request: Gifts to the MKE Responds Fund will be used to support nonprofit agencies providing critical relief and recovery services to individuals, families and organizations in greater Milwaukee affected by the August 2025 storms and flooding, including, but not limited to, those identified below.
Foundation donors may make a gift from the donor portal or by contacting your philanthropic adviser.
Cathedral Center
Request: Gift cards, supplies, and flexible funds for rent, childcare, and utilities
Providing or funding gift cards for groceries or other purchases such as new pillows, washcloths, and bath towels, and mold/mildew-fighting cleaning supplies offers individuals and families accessing the Cathedral Center’s shelter services flexible resources for purchasing items they need.
- Donate directly to the Cathedral Center: Donate here.
- Donations may be dropped off at this location:
845 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Questions? Contact volunteer@cathedral-center.org or call Evan at (414) 313-9675.
Hope Flood 500
Request: Financial donations and volunteers
Financial donations will support Hope Flood 500 in providing a paid opportunity for youth to work during 10 days of action to help 500 households recover from flood damage in the 10 hardest-hit areas. They seek to raise $30,000 for youth wages, materials and gas, and supervisory costs. Safe and Sound will serve as their fiscal agent. Please note the donation is for Hope Flood 500.
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
Request: Financial donations, food donations, volunteers
- Financial donations to Feeding America are needed to purchase food and fuel for immediate transportation and distribution. Funding is also needed to replace and rebuild food pantries’ lost critical infrastructure, including facilities and equipment.
- Increased volunteers are needed to help build food boxes for distribution.
Red Cross
Request: Financial donations and volunteers
- Financial donations to American Red Cross Disaster Relief can help provide rapid support and shelter to people affected by floods, storms, and other crises.
- Volunteers provide on-the-ground support, including at emergency shelters established at Holler Park and Washington Park Senior Center.
South Milwaukee Human Concerns
Request: Financial donations
South Milwaukee Human Concerns sustained significant flood damage, forcing a temporary closure and disrupting services for more than 800 families. The organization is accepting monetary donations only at this time, as storage limitations prevent them from receiving food or product donations. Donate here.
Additional information and resources
- Hunger Task Force is helping communicate awareness of FoodShare replacement benefits, which allow FoodShare participants who have lost food due to power loss or damage to apply for replacement benefits within 10 days of the food loss. FoodShare Benefits Replacement Form
- Community members can report storm damage by calling 211.
- State resources: Wisconsin has information about how to protect yourself before, during, and after a flood, as well as general resources. Learn more.>
- Loan assistance: Low-interest loans are available to homeowners and renters through the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace some eligible items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. County Executive David Crowley has declared a state of emergency for Milwaukee County. More information.>
Foundation donors may make a gift from the donor portal or by contacting your philanthropic adviser.