Tools for Change
As a community foundation, we leverage our diverse philanthropic toolkit to bring people together, marshal resources and expand community knowledge to achieve the greatest possible impact for our many community stakeholders.
Grantmaking
Since its establishment, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has supported community nonprofits with well over $1.2 billion in grant funding. This includes strategic and responsive grants authorized by the Foundation’s Board to address community priorities as well as grants and coinvestments made through the funds of donors who partner with the Foundation for their philanthropy.
Impact investing
Impact investing is philanthropy’s sustainable tool for supporting businesses, developments, projects and entrepreneurs to generate economic and social value for the community. Through our impact investing program, the Foundation carefully invests in places and opportunities where private and public funding have been inadequate, and racial inequities have stifled potential.
Community Bridge
Community Bridge is an online directory that introduces community members to the nonprofits doing vital work across Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties — and to the real funding needs that make that work possible. Browse profiles of more than 200 organizations, discover causes that connect with your own interests and find ways to put your generosity to work close to home.
Community engagement
For decades, the Foundation has aimed to catalyze community-driven change in neighborhoods with longstanding barriers to opportunity. By centering resident voice in our approach to community engagement, we place value and trust in those with lived experience, whom we intend to benefit through our work.
Research and public policy
To inform strategy, develop effective practices and support collective impact, the Foundation commissions research on key community issues, helps build coalitions to adapt and to scale up change and engages in public policy matters within different tiers of government.
Convenings and events
As the region’s trusted convener for over a century, the Foundation brings community members together to be heard, confront issues, share opportunities and develop solutions together through a diverse range of events and forums.
Greater Together Campaign
Uniting the community in a movement to build a Milwaukee for all, our historic Greater Together Campaign invited everyone to be a philanthropist – welcoming support across all charitable interests while emphasizing key priorities for community impact.
Quick links
Centering resident voice for community-driven change and civic engagement
Read MoreResults of comprehensive philanthropic campaign to build a Milwaukee for all.
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