A Milwaukee for All
Guided by our North Star of racial equity and inclusion, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is committed to reimagining philanthropy, catalyzing systems change, convening and following community voice, and building an inclusive culture to transform our region into a Milwaukee for all.
As a partner of choice for generous donors, as a champion for our nonprofit sector, as a convener of diverse voices and ideas – we have been woven into the fabric of this region for over 100 years. But our legacy together is just the beginning. We are committed to expanding our table, deepening our impact and innovating for a brighter future where everyone thrives.
Our 2020-25 strategic plan arose from years of listening and learning with our community, and now we’re calling on our entire community to join us in this generational undertaking. No one can take on a challenge like this alone. It will take all of us — and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is how Milwaukee works together.
Racial Equity and Inclusion – Our North Star
Our region’s many assets are the strength upon which, together, we will build a Milwaukee for all. But there is a fault line running through the systems that shape daily life for everyone in our community. Historic and systemic racism has impaired access to opportunity and led to deep disparities that cause ongoing harm to communities of color and prevent all of greater Milwaukee from reaching its full potential.
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s generational commitment to racial equity and inclusion is at the very center of our practice and priorities, as we act on a scale that engages partners, stakeholders and communities across the region to make historic change. Together, we can repair the fault line of racism and invest in a future where everyone thrives.
See the Foundation's journey in racial equity and inclusion
Reimagining Philanthropy
Valuing time, treasure, talent & ties
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Philanthropy is for all of us. To drive change at the scale needed to ensure everyone thrives, we must think differently about what philanthropy means, whom it includes and how it works. The Foundation recognizes how all forms of generosity – including financial gifts, volunteerism, relationships and other commitments of time and expertise - all contribute to growing resources and unifying impact. We are committed to expanding our table as a partner of choice for donors, nonprofits and all who form the fabric of our diverse community.
Building Inclusive Culture
Leading from within as an anti-racist organization
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In a region with some of the largest racial disparities in America, ensuring the Foundation’s policies, practices and strategies reflect and advance our racial equity values is essential to authentically serving our community and realizing a Milwaukee for all. Through our commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization, we strive to build an organizational culture where all staff and stakeholders thrive in a manner that inspires others throughout the community to join us in making historic change.
Catalyzing Systems Change
Advancing lasting solutions to structural inequities
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Addressing disparities on a communitywide scale requires remaking societal systems whose integrity is compromised by systemic racism, preventing access to opportunity and perpetuating harm, especially for Black and Brown communities. The Foundation is approaching this challenge through partnership, advocacy and focused investments around interrelated community priorities, including equitable economic opportunity, early childhood education, housing and health equity.
Convening & Following Community Voice
Amplifying resident power and priorities
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Those in community most affected by an issue belong at the center of any approach designed to address it. The Foundation brings residents and stakeholders with lived experience to the table to discuss priorities and needs, co-create solutions and join in representative decision-making. As a trusted convener, we connect people across neighborhoods, organizations and sectors to work together toward shared goals and marshal resources where resident voice and deeper partnerships inform lasting change.
