About Us

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. Since 1915, we have been at the heart of the civic community, helping donors achieve the greatest philanthropic impact, elevating the work of changemakers across neighborhoods, and bringing people and organizations together to help our region thrive.  

Racial equity is the Foundation’s North Star, guiding our investments and strategies for social and economic change. Leveraging generations of community knowledge, cross-sector partnerships and more than $1 billion in financial assets, we are committed to reimagining philanthropy, catalyzing systems change, convening and following community voice, and building inclusive culture to transform our region into a Milwaukee for all. 

Our mission 

To inspire philanthropy, serve donors and strengthen communities now and for future generations. 

Our vision 

Greater Milwaukee becomes a vibrant, economically thriving region comprised of welcoming and inclusive communities that provide opportunity, prosperity and a high quality of life for all. 

What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations are all unique but share the same basic concept – we meet present needs and prepare for future issues thanks to the generosity of our donors. We are made up of thousands of charitable funds, each created by donors to serve the charitable purposes they specify. Every year, a portion of each fund is used to make grants to support a wide range of programs and agencies in the community, as stated by each donor. Over time, investment proceeds increase both the value of the fund and the impact of grants on the community. 

With more than a century of experience, we have helped lead change through intentional and effective grantmaking strategies, by commissioning research for data-informed decisions and by convening the community to listen, understand and partner on solutions that strengthen the region – all while helping donors achieve the greatest possible philanthropic benefit. 

Counties we serve 

Through our competitive grantmaking and leadership efforts, we focus primarily on Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. Our donors know no boundaries with their grantmaking.