Connection is the catalyst
Nov 12, 2024
Of all the roles a community foundation plays in a region's philanthropic, nonprofit and civic spaces, the role of a connector may be the most important.
read postNews & Stories
Browse our latest news, publications and stories of impact.
2024 Ellen Gilligan Leadership in Racial Equity and Social Justice Award - Brad Pruitt
Oct 22, 2024
Brad Pruitt has shepherded the reemergence of a cultural institution that is creating space for the difficult conversations that our community and country need to have.
read post2024 William C. Frye Award Recipient - John Schlifske
Oct 22, 2024
Through leadership of one of Milwaukee’s top companies over the past 14 years, John Schlifske has made exceptional contributions to create positive change across our region.
read post2024 Doug Jansson Leadership Award - Damian Buchman
Oct 22, 2024
Damian Buchman works tirelessly to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from being able to participate in physical activity and recreational opportunities.
read post2024 Frank Kirkpatrick Award Nicole Robbins
Oct 22, 2024
Nicole Robbins has helped transform the landscape of the King Drive corridor and surrounding neighborhoods through housing and commercial development.
read postFoundation extends thanks for visiting ThriveOn King’s open house
Oct 21, 2024
Check out photos from ThriveOn King's open house.
read postFoundation ramps up support for voter mobilization efforts
Oct 9, 2024
The Foundation has continued its support of local activities that encourage civic engagement and participation in democracy by doubling the amount of grant funding.
read postGreater Milwaukee Foundation partners with Otto Bremer Trust to award $3.5 million
Oct 7, 2024
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Otto Bremer Trust funded over 40 nonprofits through OBT's Community Responsive Fund.
read postSupport hurricane relief efforts
Oct 2, 2024
Help those affected by Hurricane Helene. Make a contribution to organizations that have established relief efforts.
read postThriveOn Collaboration introduces café operator
Oct 2, 2024
The ThriveOn Collaboration has selected Kinship Community Food Center, which serves residents in the Riverwest and Harambee neighborhoods, to operate a signature café in the historic ThriveOn King building.
read post2024 Outstanding Professional Adviser of the Year - Kathy Klein
Sep 16, 2024
Kathy Klein views philanthropy as a great avenue to deepen conversations with her financial clients.
read post2024 Jackie Herd-Barber Award - Emily Tau
Sep 16, 2024
Emily Tau uses her passion for Milwaukee, her strength as a social connector and her communication skills to help advance racial equity throughout the region.
read postAfrican American leaders to receive lasting tribute at ThriveOn King
Aug 27, 2024
Community hub will feature named spaces supported by philanthropy
read postGreg Wesley officially begins tenure as Foundation president and CEO
Aug 8, 2024
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation started a new chapter with Greg Wesley as president and CEO.
read postCream City Foundation joins Greater Milwaukee Foundation family
Jul 23, 2024
Cream City Foundation has joined the Greater Milwaukee Foundation as a supporting organization.
read postCommitted to community, equity, innovation and impact
Jul 23, 2024
President and CEO Ellen Gilligan reflects on transformative achievements, challenges during her 14-year tenure.
read post‘A journey of learning and understanding’
Jul 23, 2024
Foundation helps couple become more focused, strategic with philanthropy.
read postInvestment adviser creates legacy fund to help drive long-lasting community change
Jul 23, 2024
Naryan Leazer has deepened his relationship with the Foundation over the past 15 years, because of the impact it has on community.
read postHonoring a radio legend
Jul 23, 2024
Endowment fund paves the way for journalists of color, amplifying diverse voices in Milwaukee and beyond.
read postFrom grantee to grantmaker
Jul 23, 2024
Donor Rachel Monaco deepens her connection with Foundation, honors husband’s memory through her donor advised fund.
read postCouple’s philanthropic legacy evolves through 30-year partnership with Foundation
Jul 23, 2024
Longtime donors David and Marge Hamacher consider the Foundation a valuable philanthropic resource.
read post‘The mother of Oconomowoc’
Jul 23, 2024
Maribeth Bush helped nourish a culture of philanthropy through decades of service to Oconomowoc Area Foundation.
read postFoundation lends support to Latino Chamber to launch Empowerment Fund
Jul 23, 2024
The Latino Chamber of Commerce’s new Foundation-supported fund will help entrepreneurs who have difficulty accessing capital.
read postMilwaukee professionals join Greater Milwaukee Foundation Board
Jul 9, 2024
Foundation welcomes new Board members and thanks others for service.
read postA heart full of gratitude, a future full of promise
Jun 28, 2024
Throughout my career, I have tended to be a risk-taker when it comes to growth and opportunity. I view the future through a lens of possibility rather than limitation.
read postThe Greater Milwaukee Foundation moves at the pace of trust
Jun 21, 2024
Hear why partners continue to place their trust in the Foundation.
read postGreater Milwaukee Foundation Announces Next President & CEO
Jun 13, 2024
Greg Wesley to continue to build on Foundation’s legacy of growth, collaboration
read postGreater Milwaukee Foundation offers up to $1 million in new, accessible business loans
Jun 11, 2024
The Foundation aims to deploy $1 million in low-interest loans to support small businesses based in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties
read postIn putting community first, the road less traveled can mean more to gain
Apr 30, 2024
As a foundation today, we identify as a community leader, a trusted partner and a philanthropic steward.
read postBusiness support cohort yields collaboration and growth opportunities
Mar 26, 2024
ThriveOn Business Support Cohort gives small business owners an opportunity to collaborate and seek support.
read postMilwaukee Succeeds project offers providers support on accreditation journey
Mar 26, 2024
To increase the number of high-quality early childhood education seats in the area, Milwaukee Succeeds and 4C for Children launched the Accreditation Facilitation Project.
read postThriveOn King artists talk honoring Bronzeville’s past with pieces for the present
Mar 20, 2024
Over 20 selected artists are completing their pieces for the first floor community hub at ThriveOn King.
read postFoundation extends heartfelt welcome to new Board members
Feb 14, 2024
Greater Milwaukee Foundation Board welcomes new members.
read postFoundation raises over $726 million in Greater Together Campaign, unites community around investment in lasting change
Feb 9, 2024
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Greater Together Campaign exceeded its ambitious $700 million fundraising goal.
read postPhilanthropy and community leadership in action
Jan 25, 2024
The Foundation has always been an engine for philanthropic impact.
read postStory of Bronzeville’s past, present & future to be told through artwork featured at ThriveOn King
Jan 9, 2024
Over 20 artists chosen to display art throughout the first floor of ThriveOn King.
read postTake a look: Greater Milwaukee Foundation builds relationships and celebrates with community
Nov 27, 2023
Check out our photo gallery of various events featuring you – our neighbors, our community members and our friends.
read postGreater Milwaukee Foundation award recipients embody a Milwaukee for all
Nov 27, 2023
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation celebrates leaders with a number of prestigious awards.
read postEarly childhood education advocacy pays off, but big gaps remain
Nov 27, 2023
Advocates continue to raise awareness, bridge gaps and find solutions.
read postBuilding health equity from the ground up
Nov 15, 2023
The Foundation is investing in the health, educational and economic well-being of people in the neighborhoods adjacent to the collaboration’s home, ThriveOn King.
read postLifeline program unleashes wave of support, resources for furry friends
Nov 15, 2023
Pets for Life is a nationally recognized program model that provides animal services, care and resources to underserved communities in Milwaukee.
read postDonors, community partners open the door to long-term housing affordability in MKE
Nov 15, 2023
A growing number of community organizations, funders, donors and housing advocates are committed to making affordable housing a reality.
read postPhilanthropy helps fuel small business growth and economic equity
Nov 15, 2023
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s work to strengthen economic opportunity through Milwaukee’s small business ecosystem revolves around providing access.
read post2023 William C. Frye Award Recipient - Ted and Mary Kellner
Nov 15, 2023
The couple has spent the past 40-plus years channeling their passions and skills toward improving nearly every major nonprofit and civic entity in Milwaukee.
read post2023 Frank Kirkpatrick Award Recipient - Ernesto and Olivia Villarreal
Nov 15, 2023
While building their business, the Villarreals have been just as busy building community.
read post2023 Doug Jansson Leadership Award Recipient - John Daniels III
Nov 15, 2023
For the past 15 years, John Daniels III has spent his career trying to help young men discover where they want to spend theirs.
read post2023 President's Award for Leadership in Racial Equity and Social Justice Recipient - Lupe Martinez
Nov 15, 2023
Martinez has used his background, leadership skills and influence on the state and national levels as well to help improve the lives of farmworkers.
read postEllen Gilligan to retire from Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Oct 11, 2023
Ellen M. Gilligan, longtime President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, has announced her summer 2024 retirement.
read postGenerating community impact requires a catalyst and commitment
Sep 22, 2023
Greater Milwaukee Foundation demonstrates catalytic power in Greater Together Campaign.
read post2023 Outstanding Professional Adviser of the Year - Maureen O’Leary-Guth
Sep 1, 2023
Maureen O’Leary-Guth named as 2023 Outstanding Professional Adviser of the Year.
read post2023 Jackie Herd-Barber Award - Kristen Hardy
Sep 1, 2023
Kristen Hardy receives 2023 Jackie Herd-Barber Award.
read postComing to ThriveOn King, JobsWork MKE takes comprehensive approach to employment
Aug 1, 2023
In 2024, JobsWork MKE will join the Foundation and other partners in the ThriveOn King building.
read postFoundation and CDA encourage collaboration from all sectors in housing efforts
Aug 1, 2023
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation recently received the 2023 HUD Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships for its work with the Community Development Alliance.
read postResponding to community voice for maternal, family well-being
Aug 1, 2023
Dalvery Blackwell, co-founder of the African American Breastfeeding Network, repurposed grant dollars to create Healing Waters.
read postFoundation welcomes new Board members, salutes service of another
Aug 1, 2023
Cristy Garcia-Thomas of Advocate National Center for Health Equity and Blaine Gibson of WE Wealth Management have joined the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Board.
read postAction Report on Racial Equity – Summer 2023
Aug 1, 2023
Learn about the advancements we are making toward systems change in early childhood education and steps we are taking to ensure greater equity in our grantmaking.
read postMilwaukee public-philanthropic housing partnership recognized nationally
Jun 14, 2023
HUD Secretary’s Award honors Greater Milwaukee Foundation, CDA
read postState budget investment in early childhood education would be gamechanger for families and economy
Apr 1, 2023
High quality early childhood education is hard to find and even harder to afford.
read postOrganizations trust Greater Milwaukee Foundation to help reach goals
Mar 1, 2023
From diversifying revenue streams to creating a plan for sustainability, nonprofits turn to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation to establish agency endowments that help them achieve their goals.
read postA Milwaukee for All: Foundation and partners move from convenings to action
Mar 1, 2023
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s virtual educational series “A Milwaukee for All” demonstrated the Foundation’s ability to build connections, make commitments and take action.
read postGroups break down silos to tackle lead abatement
Mar 1, 2023
Through its convening power, social connections and advocacy efforts, the MKE Civic Action Team is helping a range of local partners and the city of Milwaukee address the ongoing threat of lead poisoning in Milwaukee homes
read postVibrant hub will bring investment, resources to revitalize MLK Drive
Jan 1, 2023
The area around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is once again becoming a commercial and cultural destination.
read postBeyond the bricks and mortar
Jan 1, 2023
With lead role in ThriveOn Collaboration, Foundation makes generational investment in historically Black neighborhoods.
read postBuilding an inclusive culture includes learning in public
Jan 1, 2023
Since making our generational commitment to racial equity and inclusion, I have realized just how much of that journey involves the personal steps we take as individuals.
read post'Because the kids deserve it’ Foundation’s makes investment in Black-led college prep school
Jan 1, 2023
Foundation’s $3M investment helps Black-led college prep school advance plans in Bronzeville.
read postLeading by example
Jan 1, 2023
Amanda and Jon Sacks passion for West Bend motivated them to partner with the foundation to ensure that their community continues to grow and thrive.
read postAdviser committed to diversifying financial industry
Jan 1, 2023
Blaine Gibson has been a thought partner, referral source and mentor in helping diversify the philanthropic sector
read postMeg and Ricardo Diaz: Devoted to expanding children’s access to education and opportunity
Jan 1, 2023
Improving access to high-quality education and opportunities for Milwaukee’s youth has been a focal point of the Diazes’ careers.
read postAction Report on Racial Equity – Winter 2022
Dec 1, 2022
Read about our efforts to advance equity in Milwaukee through impact investing, engaging diverse donor communities and investing in community-based violence prevention and healing.
read postAnonymous donor gives $1 million to Foundation for ThriveOn King development
Nov 22, 2022
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Greater Together Campaign receives gift for redevelopment project.
read post‘Take your rightful place’: Danae Davis Makes Way for Next Generation
Nov 1, 2022
After seven years as executive director of Milwaukee Succeeds, Danae Davis retired in November.
read postGreater Milwaukee Foundation’s latest ‘A Milwaukee for All’ centers lived experience
Nov 1, 2022
The Foundation’s final “A Milwaukee for All” event of 2022 addressed the power of community philanthropy, the value of centering lived experience and how to reframe and co-create community narratives.
read postFoundation honors community leaders with Greater Together awards
Nov 1, 2022
The Foundation’s annual Greater Together awards honored Ralph Hollmon, Keith Stanley, Lauren Feaster and José Olivieri.
read post‘Voting is true power’: Foundation supports mobilization efforts
Nov 1, 2022
The Foundation awarded $100,000 across seven groups to support their voter mobilization and education efforts.
read postFoundation influences historic, cross-sector collaborations
Oct 1, 2022
Foundation promises to deepen our impact, our connections and our resolve to build a better Milwaukee
read postTransforming community together
Sep 1, 2022
The progression of voting rights reveals how society experiences real, systemic change. Today, I reflect on that work with deep gratitude and hope, as it confirms that significant change is possible.
read postCommunity is in the driver’s seat when it comes to catalytic collaboration
Aug 22, 2022
Community engagement and collaboration are at the heart of the ThriveOn Collaboration.
read postDonor’s gift opens door for other donors of color
Aug 22, 2022
From grantee to donor, Danae Davis' philanthropic journey.
read postBronzeville’s beacon of hope and healing
Aug 22, 2022
America’s Black Holocaust Museum reemerges after 14-year hiatus with Foundation support.
read postCaring for the Caregiver
Aug 22, 2022
Early childhood education providers receive support and resources provided through the MKE Early Childhood Education Coalition.
read postTaking business to the next level
Aug 22, 2022
Over the past 13 years, JCP Construction has defied the odds and made a name for itself in Milwaukee.
read postCollaborative center works to stem the tide of evictions in MKE
Aug 22, 2022
The Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center is a comprehensive referral network connecting people — both tenants and landlords — to resources, education and services.
read postGertrude Payton: A servant of God, community and humanity
Aug 22, 2022
Gertrude Payton was actively involved with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation since 2002.
read postFoundation reimagines philanthropy with Edgar Villanueva in “A Milwaukee for All”
Aug 1, 2022
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s most recent “A Milwaukee for All” event on June 24 focused on ways to reimagine philanthropy, heal the hurt caused by colonization and create an equitable society.
read postFoundation invests $1 million in immediate violence prevention, healing efforts
Aug 1, 2022
In direct response to recent, escalating violence in Milwaukee, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has dedicated an initial investment of $1 million to support urgent healing, community building and violence prevention efforts.
read postHalfway through 2022: ThriveOn Collaboration celebrates construction, other major milestones
Aug 1, 2022
The ThriveOn Collaboration is celebrating. The past six months have seen a plethora of action.
read postAccessible housing solutions receive Foundation support
Aug 1, 2022
Housing is a human right. The Foundation and donors invest in strategies to expand housing options.
read postEconomic development, healthy food and youth engagement intersect at new neighborhood grocery store
Aug 1, 2022
A new grocery store in Sherman Park is providing access to affordable, healthy food options for residents and helping create an entrepreneurial ecosystem for local youth.
read postThriveOn King Building Construction to Commence
Jun 7, 2022
The ThriveOn Collaboration announces the official start of construction on its ThriveOn King building.
read postAction Report on Racial Equity – Summer 2022
Jun 1, 2022
Learn about the steps we are taking – both internally and externally – to advance equity in our community.
read postNew paths to change intersect through ThriveOn Collaboration
Jun 1, 2022
We are striving for a thriving, equitable region while also working hard to build an inclusive culture within our own organization’s walls.
read postThriveOn Collaboration to bring high-quality early childhood care and education center to ThriveOn King while mobilizing $5 million for current neighborhood providers
Apr 22, 2022
The ThriveOn Collaboration is committed to expanding access to quality early childhood education.
read postFoundation’s newest impact investment supports diverse construction firm
Apr 5, 2022
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation has issued a new impact investment loan of $1.54 million to Milwaukee-based JCP Construction.
read postTransformative philanthropy calls for a rewritten playbook
Jan 1, 2022
Our strategic actions – reimagining philanthropy, recentering communities and remaking systems – are aimed at transformation. We are rewriting the playbook for philanthropic impact.
read post‘Making more of a difference than you can imagine’
Sep 30, 2021
The Foundation was the logical choice when Pedro Colón and his wife, Betty Ulmer, decided to make a legacy gift.
read postCouple view fund as helping address Milwaukee’s needs far into the future
Sep 30, 2021
Over the years, Ralph and Margaret Hollmon have enriched the Milwaukee community through their activism and their volunteer efforts.
read post2020 President’s Award for Leadership in Racial Equity and Social Justice Recipient - Dr. Jeanette Mitchell
Aug 1, 2020
Throughout Dr. Jeanette Mitchell’s career, which has spanned the philanthropic, corporate, nonprofit and education sectors, she was always intrigued about the idea of what made a good leader.
read postPassion, persistence and partnerships pave the way for Three Bridges Park
Sep 30, 2019
Beauty awaits you at every corner of Three Bridges Park, a 24-acre urban oasis.
read postInitiative coalesces community around common goal of moving Milwaukee into nation’s top 10 metros for Hispanics
Jan 1, 2019
Hispanic Collaborative is geared toward propelling Milwaukee into the top 10 cities for Hispanics nationwide.
read postWeyco Group CEO drawn to Foundation for ability to collectively address region’s most challenging issues
Jan 1, 2019
When Tom Florsheim commits to something, he does so wholeheartedly.
read post