Search Through Ozaukee County Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Background

Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation seeks to dramatically improve the lives of underserved communities across the globe by supporting scalable, innovative, and impact-first solutions that leverage existing systems and stakeholders. Our goal is to find social entrepreneurs with dynamic products or services that have a proven ability to positively impact the lives of underserved people, and nurture those organizations at the early stages by providing capacity, capital, and community.

Our application process is designed to be open and accessible, and we accept applications year round from across our priority geographies and sectors. Borrowing from our venture capital legacy, we find exceptional entrepreneurs and provide them with: 

Capacity

• The core of DRK’s model is deep and extensive operational and technical support for each portfolio organization, both through dedicated hands-on Board service and specialist capacity-building resources for fundraising, board and organizational development, leadership, financial support, and scaling strategy,

Capital

• DRK provides up to $300,000 USD in either unrestricted grant funding or investment capital over a three-year period, and

Community

• DRK convenes our portfolio and alumni annually, facilitating connections and community. 

What We Fund

DRK Foundation funds early-stage social impact organizations solving the world’s biggest social and environmental problems using bold, scalable approaches.

What stage of growth does DRK Foundation typically fund?

Early stage: Organizations who are early stage, which we define as post-pilot and pre-scale. This typically means: 

• Your program, product or service is already being used in the market or in the field, 
• You have early indication that your model is having its intended impact on the beneficiary populations,
• Your organization is relatively young (ideally between two and five years old, although we will consider both younger and older organizations).

Venture funding: In the case of for profits, we typically support Seed to Series A organizations, and never lead rounds; we also generally but not exclusively refrain from participating in financings exceeding a $15M USD post-money valuation.  

Global Impact Cash Grants

Identifying and incubating innovative early-stage solutions. We identify, incubate, and develop innovative early-stage solutions with the highest potential for impact. Global Impact Cash Grants go to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that address a significant social problem. We're looking for programs that fit within our investment sectors, focus on the underserved, and use technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services.

We accept applications year-round from eligible organizations. A brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is used to determine whether your organization will be invited to complete a full application. Please expand and carefully review each of the three sections below to learn more

Our priority social impact sectors

We focus on investing in innovative, tech-enabled solutions to the challenges and opportunities that matter most to communities in need, prioritizing four social impact sectors:

Cisco Crisis Response

Mobilizing to provide essentials to communities in need and those in crisis, including food, housing, secure connectivity, and disaster relief

By leveraging Cisco’s people, technology, financial resources, and strategic partnerships, we help strengthen community resilience and drive long-term recovery from crises.

Education

Supporting students, teachers, and schools by increasing engagement, building skills, promoting subject mastery, and expanding their capacity to thrive

Cisco is committed to inclusive access to digital skills training and supporting those who use technology to educate. Through programs like Cisco Networking Academy and social investments in education, we create new opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Economic Empowerment

Transforming communities through skill development, long-term career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and access to financial products and services

Strategic grants that unlock economic prosperity and growth for individuals and communities.

Climate Regeneration

Building an inclusive, regenerative, and resilient climate future through education, regenerative agriculture, conservation, protection, and clean energy solutions

Our efforts began in 2021, when the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over 10 years to fund nonprofit grants and impact investing in climate solutions. 

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

PNC Foundation

Strengthening and enriching the lives of our neighbors in communities where we live and work.

Vision & Mission

For decades, we have provided resources to seed ideas, foster development initiatives and encourage leadership in nonprofit organizations where imagination and determination are at work enhancing people's lives everyday.

The PNC Foundation's priority is to form partnerships with community-based nonprofit organizations in order to enhance educational opportunities, with an emphasis on early childhood education, and to promote the growth of communities through economic development initiatives.

Foundation Grant

The PNC Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations with a special emphasis on those that work to achieve sustainability and touch a diverse population, in particular, those that support early childhood education and/or economic development.

Education

The PNC Foundation supports educational programs for children and youth, particularly early childhood education initiatives that meet the criteria established through PNC Grow Up Great. Specifically, PNC Grow Up Great grants must:

• Support early education initiatives that benefit children from birth to age five; and
• Serve a majority of children (>50%) from low- to moderate-income families; and
• Adhere to all other standard PNC Foundation guidelines, as outlined on the PNC Foundation website, applicant eligibility quiz, as well as the Foundation policies and procedures; and
• Include one or a combination of the following:
  • direct services/programs for children in their classroom or community;
  • professional development/workforce development for early childhood educators;
  • family and/or community engagement in children’s early learning
• Additional considerations:
  • The grant focus should include math, science, reading, vocabulary development, the arts, financial education, or social/emotional development.
  • The grant recipient, or collaborative partner, should have early childhood education as an area of focus. If the organization’s focus is beyond birth to age five, the specific grant must be earmarked for birth to age five.
  • Incorporate opportunities for PNC volunteers in classroom or non-classroom-based activities.

Economic Development

Economic development organizations, including those which enhance the quality of life through neighborhood revitalization, cultural enrichment and human services are given support. Priority is given to community development initiatives that strategically promote the growth of low-and moderate-income communities and/or provide services to these communities.

• Affordable Housing
  • The PNC Foundation understands the critical need for affordable housing for low-and moderate-income individuals.
  • We are committed to providing support to nonprofit organizations that:
    • give counseling and services to help these individuals maintain their housing stock;
    • offer transitional housing units and programs; and/or
    • offer credit counseling assistance to individuals, helping them to prepare for homeownership.
• Community Development
  • Because small businesses are often critical components of community growth and help foster business development, the PNC Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations that
    • offer technical assistance to, or loan programs for, small businesses located in low-and moderate-income areas or
    • support small businesses that employ low-and moderate-income individuals.
• Community Services
  • Support is given to social services organizations that benefit the health, education, quality of life or provide essential services for low-and moderate-income individuals and families.
  • The PNC Foundation supports job training programs and organizations that provide essential services for their families.
• Arts & Culture
  • Support is given for cultural enrichment programs benefitting the community.
• Revitalization & Stabilization of Low-and Moderate-Income Areas
  • The PNC Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that serve low-and moderate-income neighborhoods by improving living and working conditions.
  • Support is given to organizations that help stabilize communities, eliminate blight and attract and retain businesses and residents to the community.

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Ameriprise Financial Grantmaking

At Ameriprise Financial, giving back is deeply rooted in our culture. We’ve initiated positive change in the communities where we live and work for more than 120 years. We believe our community involvement enables us to actively live our values. Through grant making, volunteerism and employee and financial advisor gift matching programs, we support a diverse group of over 6,000 nonprofits across the country.

Focus Areas

Awarding grant dollars to nonprofits is one way we strengthen our communities and help individuals on a path to financial independence. To ensure we're meeting the needs of our communities and making an even greater collective impact, we focus on three key giving areas when awarding grants.

Volunteer engagement is a priority across all focus areas:

The engagement of Ameriprise employees and financial advisors is a critical component of our philanthropy. Whether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, engaging friends, clients and community members in volunteering or providing skills-based support, our relationships with nonprofits go deep. For this reason, we give priority across all focus areas to applications where there is active volunteer engagement of Ameriprise advisors and employees. 

Meeting Basic Needs

At Ameriprise Financial, we help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind. That’s satisfying, meaningful work. We also help the people in our neighborhoods who struggle to meet basic needs such as where their next meal comes from, where they’ll sleep tonight or how they’ll find a higher wage job. We’re here to help them through the three platforms of our Meeting Basic Needs focus area.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Hunger
• Food banks, food shelves and food pantries, daily meal programs or meal services for the homebound
• Hunger-relief programs targeted to meet the special needs of children, ethnic populations or veterans
• Food programs run by nonprofits where hunger is not their sole focus, for example a youth meal program at the YWCA or a backpack program run by a Boys & Girls Club
• Shelter
• Emergency shelter, including youth homelessness
• Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and efforts to end chronic homelessness
• Housing-first models (programs quickly providing housing and then addressing needed services)
• Achieving and maintaining home ownership, repair and maintenance efforts helping keep seniors, veterans and other populations in their homes 
• Adult Self-Sufficiency: Programs serving adults age 21 and older that help address the following areas:
• Basic hard and soft skills that help adults achieve economic and family stability
• Basic financial and budgeting skills
• Increase employability and wages, including work readiness and job transitions
• Employment of disabled adults

Supporting Community Vitality

We believe communities should be strong, healthy and resilient. We want livable places for all, where neighbors look out for one another, cultural events are well-attended and people pull together in times of crisis and joy. We work to create economic vitality and cultural enrichment through the following areas of focus.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Community Development
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development
• Strengthening and supporting small businesses and nonprofits through technical expertise
• Cultural Enrichment
• Arts education
• Access for underserved populations
• Diverse artists and performances that spark topical community conversations 

Volunteer Driven Causes: Ameriprise employees and financial advisors are outstanding volunteers who serve in teams and also as individuals bringing personal skill-sets to nonprofits. Volunteering is part of the culture at Ameriprise and we are proud to support communities through contributions of both service and financial resources. 

Funding for Volunteer-Driven Causes is determined by current Ameriprise volunteerism. In general, funding is in proportion to the size of the Ameriprise volunteer team supporting a nonprofit. A team may include employees, financial advisors and/or staff or a combination of any Ameriprise volunteers. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

Our Mission

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is an organization of women who collectively award transformative grants that make a lasting impact on the community.

Grants

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee challenges your established nonprofit organization to think creatively about the needs of your community. Dream big, know your plan and how you’ll measure the outcomes, and you could earn a grant to make a transformative, impactful and sustained change in the greater Milwaukee area.

Focus Areas

All programs or projects must fall within one of the following Focus Areas:

• Arts & Culture
  • Projects or programs that cultivate, develop, educate or enhance the artistic and/or cultural climate in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Education
  • Projects or programs that improve or advance educational opportunities for children and/or adults in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Environment & Revitalization
  • Projects or programs in the Greater Milwaukee area that:
    • preserve, enhance, revitalize or restore facilities, spaces or surroundings;
    • promote the protection and welfare of animals; or
    • encourage conservation.
• Health & Wellness
  • Projects or programs that positively impact the mental or physical health of people living in the Greater Milwaukee area.
• Family
  • Projects or programs that strengthen or enhance the lives of children, adults and families living in the Greater Milwaukee area.

Since 1994, the Nonprofit Management Fund has operated as a collaboration of private funders in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. Collectively, the funders have contributed over $9.9 million for grants to nonprofit organizations and to implement related initiatives.

• Our MissionWe accelerate the effectiveness of nonprofits to build strong and vibrant communities.

• We Believe: The Nonprofit Management Fund believes that strong nonprofits build strong communities.

• What We Do: We provide capacity building technical assistance grants to nonprofit organizations for governance planning, training, and assessing. 

Grants awarded are project specific, nonrenewable, and range from $1,000 – $10,000. Applications that include a request greater than $10,000 may automatically be denied. Grant requests over $8,500 will require an organizational financial contribution, in addition to the funds provided by the Nonprofit Management Fund.

We Do Fund:

Governance – Building the Board’s capacity to lead and govern through proven modes, practices and policies, including, but not limited to:

• Recruitment and Orientation of Directors
• Board Leadership (duties, responsibilities, accountability)
• Committee Structure (activation, training, responsibilities)
• Financial Management Oversight Training
• Fund Development Planning and Income Planning
• Fund Development Board/Executive Training and Coaching
• Succession Planning (executive and board)

Management – Building the organization’s capacity through policies and practices to fulfill its mission, vision and goals, including, but not limited to:

• Organization Assessments
• Executive Leadership Development Training or Coaching
• Financial Management/Budgeting
• Technology Planning
• Strategic Planning/Annual Planning
• Marketing and Branding Planning
• Website Upgrade/Overhaul

Professional Facilitation – Support in organization planning for:

• Collaborative Projects
• Joint Ventures
• Restructuring/Merger/Dissolution

Organizational Alternative 

Professional facilitation of organization’s planning for:

• Merger
• Restructuring
• Joint Venture Project
• Partnership/Collaboration
• Dissolution

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

Cycle 1

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. 

Funding Priorities

• Arts and Culture – Visual, performing, and multidisciplinary arts, and arts education
• Basic Needs – Food access and distribution and temporary shelter support
• Housing – Quality affordable housing, pathways to homeownership, and eviction prevention
• Physical Health – Access to affordable, culturally responsive integrative care that fulfills unmet health needs.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

GMF: Cycle 2 - Capital Support

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. 

Funding Priorities

• Early Childhood Education – 
• This funding priority does not fund Capital expenses.

• Mental Health – 
  • Background -  
    • The greater Milwaukee region faces significant racial health disparities that lead to differences in disease outcomes, life expectancy, and overall quality of life. These disparities are driven by systemic racism. Our communities are rich with cultural resilience, strong social networks, and innovative grassroots organizations working to address our health disparities. Community-led initiatives are improving outcomes by leveraging these strengths and showcasing greater Milwaukee’s ability to harness its collective resources and wisdom to foster equitable health outcomes for all residents.
  • Grantmaking focus -
    • Increase transformative, community-led investments that support access to appropriate mental health services and improve mental health outcomes.
      • General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.
    • Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:
      •  Providing community-based, culturally reverent mental health support and services
      • Advancing an integrative evidence-based approaches to well-being  
      • Focusing on restorative justice and trauma-responsive healing initiatives
      • Building solidarity and collaboration among service providers and the community
      • Creating and sharing stories of communities overcoming systemic barriers
      • Engaging patients and/or program participants to leverage their insights and capacity for improving mental health
      • Integrating those with lived experiences into the organization’s leadership
      • Engaging in advocacy and organizing efforts, including anti-racist organizational development
      • Addressing mental health impacts of racial inequity 
• Workforce Development – 
  • Background -
    • Our communities are brimming with talent and assets, but in too many places, disinvestments have limited individuals’ economic opportunity and quality of life. People’s ability to improve their economic status contributes to a thriving community. Helping people to improve their economic standing over time, regardless of their background, creates a more equitable society. Improving economic mobility helps improve a person’s quality of life. 
  • Grantmaking focus -
    • Increase economic mobility through job creation, access, and retention.
      • General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.
    • Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:
      • Developing and implementing creative job creation strategies
      • Delivering training programs that help people enter jobs that pay a living wage
      • Creating workforce programs and projects that support people and employers 

Funding

Requests for up to $50,000 per year for up to three years will be considered. Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.  

GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. 

Funding Priorities

• Early Childhood Education – 
• Background -  
• High quality early childhood care and education is key to giving every child the start in life they need and deserve. It has been shown to have a significant impact on a child’s long-term academic, social and developmental success, and enables parents to participate in the workforce. Furthermore, research supports that physical learning environments matter. Facilities and the child-centered spaces within them can enhance children’s development by inspiring a range of social and cognitive learning experiences, as well as encouraging the development of gross motor skills. Indoor and outdoor spaces can increase students in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, exploration and play.
• Grantmaking focus - 
  • Increase access to quality, affordable early childhood care and education for every child in need.
    • Project/program and general operating funds are available for early childhood care and education professional development, recruitment and retention.
  • Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for the following:
    • Designing and delivering professional development opportunities for early childhood education providers
    • Facilitating an early childhood education career exploration event and establishing a social media presence aimed at recruiting individuals who are passionate about working with young children, eager to contribute to high-quality early learning environments, and committed to advancing the field of early childhood education
    • Collaborating with early childhood educators and other nonprofits to promote the development and/or retention of early childhood educators 

• Mental Health – 
  • Background -  
    • The greater Milwaukee region faces significant racial health disparities that lead to differences in disease outcomes, life expectancy, and overall quality of life. These disparities are driven by systemic racism. Our communities are rich with cultural resilience, strong social networks, and innovative grassroots organizations working to address our health disparities. Community-led initiatives are improving outcomes by leveraging these strengths and showcasing greater Milwaukee’s ability to harness its collective resources and wisdom to foster equitable health outcomes for all residents.
  • Grantmaking focus -
    • Increase transformative, community-led investments that support access to appropriate mental health services and improve mental health outcomes.
      • General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.
    • Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:
      •  Providing community-based, culturally reverent mental health support and services
      • Advancing an integrative evidence-based approaches to well-being  
      • Focusing on restorative justice and trauma-responsive healing initiatives
      • Building solidarity and collaboration among service providers and the community
      • Creating and sharing stories of communities overcoming systemic barriers
      • Engaging patients and/or program participants to leverage their insights and capacity for improving mental health
      • Integrating those with lived experiences into the organization’s leadership
      • Engaging in advocacy and organizing efforts, including anti-racist organizational development
      • Addressing mental health impacts of racial inequity 
• Workforce Development – 
  • Background -
    • Our communities are brimming with talent and assets, but in too many places, disinvestments have limited individuals’ economic opportunity and quality of life. People’s ability to improve their economic status contributes to a thriving community. Helping people to improve their economic standing over time, regardless of their background, creates a more equitable society. Improving economic mobility helps improve a person’s quality of life. 
  • Grantmaking focus -
    • Increase economic mobility through job creation, access, and retention.
      • General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.
    • Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:
      • Developing and implementing creative job creation strategies
      • Delivering training programs that help people enter jobs that pay a living wage
      • Creating workforce programs and projects that support people and employers 

Funding

Requests for up to $50,000 per year for up to three years will be considered. Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.  

GMF: Cycle 2 - Project Support

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. 

Funding Priorities

• Early Childhood Education – 
• Background -  
• High quality early childhood care and education is key to giving every child the start in life they need and deserve. It has been shown to have a significant impact on a child’s long-term academic, social and developmental success, and enables parents to participate in the workforce. Furthermore, research supports that physical learning environments matter. Facilities and the child-centered spaces within them can enhance children’s development by inspiring a range of social and cognitive learning experiences, as well as encouraging the development of gross motor skills. Indoor and outdoor spaces can increase students in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, exploration and play.
• Grantmaking focus - 
  • Increase access to quality, affordable early childhood care and education for every child in need.
    • Project/program and general operating funds are available for early childhood care and education professional development, recruitment and retention.
  • Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for the following:
    • Designing and delivering professional development opportunities for early childhood education providers
    • Facilitating an early childhood education career exploration event and establishing a social media presence aimed at recruiting individuals who are passionate about working with young children, eager to contribute to high-quality early learning environments, and committed to advancing the field of early childhood education
    • Collaborating with early childhood educators and other nonprofits to promote the development and/or retention of early childhood educators 

• Mental Health – 
  • Background -  
    • The greater Milwaukee region faces significant racial health disparities that lead to differences in disease outcomes, life expectancy, and overall quality of life. These disparities are driven by systemic racism. Our communities are rich with cultural resilience, strong social networks, and innovative grassroots organizations working to address our health disparities. Community-led initiatives are improving outcomes by leveraging these strengths and showcasing greater Milwaukee’s ability to harness its collective resources and wisdom to foster equitable health outcomes for all residents.
  • Grantmaking focus -
    • Increase transformative, community-led investments that support access to appropriate mental health services and improve mental health outcomes.
      • General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.
    • Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:
      •  Providing community-based, culturally reverent mental health support and services
      • Advancing an integrative evidence-based approaches to well-being  
      • Focusing on restorative justice and trauma-responsive healing initiatives
      • Building solidarity and collaboration among service providers and the community
      • Creating and sharing stories of communities overcoming systemic barriers
      • Engaging patients and/or program participants to leverage their insights and capacity for improving mental health
      • Integrating those with lived experiences into the organization’s leadership
      • Engaging in advocacy and organizing efforts, including anti-racist organizational development
      • Addressing mental health impacts of racial inequity 
• Workforce Development – 
  • Background -
    • Our communities are brimming with talent and assets, but in too many places, disinvestments have limited individuals’ economic opportunity and quality of life. People’s ability to improve their economic status contributes to a thriving community. Helping people to improve their economic standing over time, regardless of their background, creates a more equitable society. Improving economic mobility helps improve a person’s quality of life. 
  • Grantmaking focus -
    • Increase economic mobility through job creation, access, and retention.
      • General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.
    • Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:
      • Developing and implementing creative job creation strategies
      • Delivering training programs that help people enter jobs that pay a living wage
      • Creating workforce programs and projects that support people and employers 

Funding

Requests for up to $50,000 per year for up to three years will be considered. Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.  

Cycle 3

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. 

Funding Priorities 

• Arts and Culture – The Greater Milwaukee Foundation supports targeted arts education and arts and culture strategies representing visual, performing and multidisciplinary art projects and programs.
  • Grantmaking focus:
    • Arts education programs in traditional or nontraditional educational environments for children/youth from birth to high school
    • Creation and exhibition of art that engages the community in creative and substantive ways
    • Artists-in-residence within community-based settings
    • Programming that cultivates and supports an appreciation of diverse cultures and art forms
    • Projects that integrate arts and creativity into community planning and development
• Aging and Older Adults – The health outcomes of older adults are impacted by the ongoing harm of racial disparities in our health care system. Access to appropriate health services and improving health outcomes are this portfolio's main priorities. Our grant investment strategy aims to shift power, representation and policy toward racial equity. 
  • Grantmaking focus:
    • Projects/organizations that help residents age in place in transforming or disadvantaged neighborhoods
    • Projects/organizations that develop intergenerational support/cohesion
    • Projects/organizations that build solidarity and collaboration among service providers and community in their sector/work
    • Projects/organizations that build narrative and actual power for oppressed communities
    • Projects/organizations engaged in advocacy efforts, including antiracist organizational development which transforms influence in their sector/work
    • Projects/organizations addressing health impacts of racial inequity, particularly interventions that are disproportionately underfunded
    • Projects/organizations that help residents age in place, especially within transforming neighborhoods facing multiple barriers.
    • Projects/organizations which develop intergenerational support/cohesion/beloved community
    • Underfunded health services
• Early Childhood Education – High quality early childhood care and education is the key to giving every child the start in life they need and deserve. It has been shown to have a significant impact on a child’s long-term academic, social, and developmental success, and enables parents to participate in the workforce. Furthermore, research supports that physical learning environments matter. Facilities and the child-centered spaces within them can enhance children’s development by inspiring a range of social and cognitive learning experiences, as well as encouraging the development of gross motor skills. Indoor and outdoor spaces can increase students in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, exploration, and play. For the well-being of our children and the future of our economy, we need to act now. That is why the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is prioritizing early childhood care and education.  
  • Grantmaking focus:
    • Facility upgrades
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development - Through these grants, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation provides access to resources and technical assistance that help small businesses get to the next level.
  • Grantmaking focus:
    • Small business growth and retention
    • Access to capital
    • Creative business solutions  
• Environment – 
  • Grantmaking focus:
    • Protection and conservation of environmental assets
    • Strengthening local and community-based food systems
    • Programming focused on youth engagement and conservation leadership development 
• Healthy Birth Outcomes – Healthy birth outcomes are impacted by the ongoing harm of racial disparities in our health care system. Access to appropriate health services and improving health outcomes are this portfolio's main priorities. Our grant investment strategy aims to shift power, representation and policy toward racial equity. 
  • Grantmaking focus:
    • Projects/organizations that address Black maternal/child health disparities.
    • Projects/organizations that decolonize maternal health care
    • Projects/organizations that build solidarity and collaboration among service providers and community in their sector/work
    • Projects/organizations that build narrative and actual power for oppressed communities
    • Projects/organizations engaged in advocacy efforts, including anti-racist organizational development which transforms influence in their sector/work
    • Projects/organizations addressing health impacts of racial inequity, particularly interventions that are disproportionately underfunded.
    • Projects/organizations that address Black maternal/child health disparities
    • Projects/organizations that provide culturally specific and integrative maternal and child health care  

Funding

• The typical grant range is $5,000 to $75,000. The maximum request for a capital grant is $100,000.
  • This grant range applies to these funding priorities:
    • Arts and Culture
    • Aging and Older Adults
    • Healthy Birth Outcomes
• The typical grant range is $5,000 to $50,000. The maximum request for a capital grant is $100,000.
  • This grant range applies to these funding priorities:
    • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
    • Environment
• The maximum request for a capital grant is $100,000. 
  • This grant range applies to this funding priority:
    • Early Childhood Education

GMF: Cycle 3 - Capital Support

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. Learn more about our third grant cycle timeline, priorities, guidelines and the appropriate program officer to contact with any questions.

Priorities and Guidelines

Arts and Culture – The Greater Milwaukee Foundation supports targeted arts education and arts and culture strategies representing visual, performing and multidisciplinary art projects and programs.

Grantmaking focus:

• Arts education programs in traditional or nontraditional educational environments for children/youth from birth to high school
• Creation and exhibition of art that engages the community in creative and substantive ways
• Artists-in-residence within community-based settings
• Programming that cultivates and supports an appreciation of diverse cultures and art forms
• Projects that integrate arts and creativity into community planning and development

Aging and Older Adults – The health outcomes of older adults are impacted by the ongoing harm of racial disparities in our health care system. Access to appropriate health services and improving health outcomes are this portfolio's main priorities. Our grant investment strategy aims to shift power, representation and policy toward racial equity. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Projects/organizations that help residents age in place in transforming or disadvantaged neighborhoods
• Projects/organizations that develop intergenerational support/cohesion
• Projects/organizations that build solidarity and collaboration among service providers and community in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations that build narrative and actual power for oppressed communities
• Projects/organizations engaged in advocacy efforts, including antiracist organizational development which transforms influence in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations addressing health impacts of racial inequity, particularly interventions that are disproportionately underfunded
• Projects/organizations that help residents age in place, especially within transforming neighborhoods facing multiple barriers.
• Projects/organizations which develop intergenerational support/cohesion/beloved community
• Underfunded health services

Early Childhood Education – High quality early childhood care and education is the key to giving every child the start in life they need and deserve. It has been shown to have a significant impact on a child’s long-term academic, social, and developmental success, and enables parents to participate in the workforce. Furthermore, research supports that physical learning environments matter. Facilities and the child-centered spaces within them can enhance children’s development by inspiring a range of social and cognitive learning experiences, as well as encouraging the development of gross motor skills. Indoor and outdoor spaces can increase students in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, exploration, and play. For the well-being of our children and the future of our economy, we need to act now. That is why the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is prioritizing early childhood care and education. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Facility upgrades
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development - Through these grants, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation provides access to resources and technical assistance that help small businesses get to the next level.
• Grantmaking focus:
• Small business growth and retention
• Access to capital
• Creative business solutions 

Environment – Everyone should have access to quality and healthy green spaces in their communities. Due to historical industrial sites, redlining, disinvestment, and other systematic inequities, black and brown communities often lack access to quality green spaces in their communities. Green spaces improve mental and physical health, community cohesion, and help clean the air and water. Milwaukeeans have a history of investing in, advocating for, and caring for green spaces in their communities. When we partner together, we can increase the quality and amount of green spaces in our communities.

Grantmaking focus:

• Protection and conservation of environmental assets
• Strengthening local and community-based food systems
• Programming focused on youth engagement and conservation leadership development 

Healthy Birth Outcomes – Healthy birth outcomes are impacted by the ongoing harm of racial disparities in our health care system. Access to appropriate health services and improving health outcomes are this portfolio's main priorities. Our grant investment strategy aims to shift power, representation and policy toward racial equity. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Projects/organizations that address Black maternal/child health disparities.
• Projects/organizations that decolonize maternal health care
• Projects/organizations that build solidarity and collaboration among service providers and community in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations that build narrative and actual power for oppressed communities
• Projects/organizations engaged in advocacy efforts, including anti-racist organizational development which transforms influence in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations addressing health impacts of racial inequity, particularly interventions that are disproportionately underfunded.
• Projects/organizations that address Black maternal/child health disparities
• Projects/organizations that provide culturally specific and integrative maternal and child health care.   

Grant amount

Requests for up to $50,000 per year for up to three years will be considered. Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.

Grantmaking framework

Our grant investment framework aims: to ultimately support policies that benefit communities of color; to increase diverse representation (reflective of the racial and ethnic composition of communities served) in the decision-making bodies of institutions; and to change rules of engagement so that power is built, shared, and wielded equitably in order to produce just and sustainable outcomes. 

GMF: Cycle 3 - General Operating

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. Learn more about our third grant cycle timeline, priorities, guidelines and the appropriate program officer to contact with any questions.

Priorities and Guidelines

Arts and Culture – The Greater Milwaukee Foundation supports targeted arts education and arts and culture strategies representing visual, performing and multidisciplinary art projects and programs.

Grantmaking focus:

• Arts education programs in traditional or nontraditional educational environments for children/youth from birth to high school
• Creation and exhibition of art that engages the community in creative and substantive ways
• Artists-in-residence within community-based settings
• Programming that cultivates and supports an appreciation of diverse cultures and art forms
• Projects that integrate arts and creativity into community planning and development

Aging and Older Adults – The health outcomes of older adults are impacted by the ongoing harm of racial disparities in our health care system. Access to appropriate health services and improving health outcomes are this portfolio's main priorities. Our grant investment strategy aims to shift power, representation and policy toward racial equity. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Projects/organizations that help residents age in place in transforming or disadvantaged neighborhoods
• Projects/organizations that develop intergenerational support/cohesion
• Projects/organizations that build solidarity and collaboration among service providers and community in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations that build narrative and actual power for oppressed communities
• Projects/organizations engaged in advocacy efforts, including antiracist organizational development which transforms influence in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations addressing health impacts of racial inequity, particularly interventions that are disproportionately underfunded
• Projects/organizations that help residents age in place, especially within transforming neighborhoods facing multiple barriers.
• Projects/organizations which develop intergenerational support/cohesion/beloved community
• Underfunded health services

Early Childhood Education – High quality early childhood care and education is the key to giving every child the start in life they need and deserve. It has been shown to have a significant impact on a child’s long-term academic, social, and developmental success, and enables parents to participate in the workforce. Furthermore, research supports that physical learning environments matter. Facilities and the child-centered spaces within them can enhance children’s development by inspiring a range of social and cognitive learning experiences, as well as encouraging the development of gross motor skills. Indoor and outdoor spaces can increase students in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, exploration, and play. For the well-being of our children and the future of our economy, we need to act now. That is why the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is prioritizing early childhood care and education. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Facility upgrades
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development - Through these grants, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation provides access to resources and technical assistance that help small businesses get to the next level.
• Grantmaking focus:
• Small business growth and retention
• Access to capital
• Creative business solutions 

Environment – Everyone should have access to quality and healthy green spaces in their communities. Due to historical industrial sites, redlining, disinvestment, and other systematic inequities, black and brown communities often lack access to quality green spaces in their communities. Green spaces improve mental and physical health, community cohesion, and help clean the air and water. Milwaukeeans have a history of investing in, advocating for, and caring for green spaces in their communities. When we partner together, we can increase the quality and amount of green spaces in our communities.

Grantmaking focus:

• Protection and conservation of environmental assets
• Strengthening local and community-based food systems
• Programming focused on youth engagement and conservation leadership development 

Healthy Birth Outcomes – Healthy birth outcomes are impacted by the ongoing harm of racial disparities in our health care system. Access to appropriate health services and improving health outcomes are this portfolio's main priorities. Our grant investment strategy aims to shift power, representation and policy toward racial equity. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Projects/organizations that address Black maternal/child health disparities.
• Projects/organizations that decolonize maternal health care
• Projects/organizations that build solidarity and collaboration among service providers and community in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations that build narrative and actual power for oppressed communities
• Projects/organizations engaged in advocacy efforts, including anti-racist organizational development which transforms influence in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations addressing health impacts of racial inequity, particularly interventions that are disproportionately underfunded.
• Projects/organizations that address Black maternal/child health disparities
• Projects/organizations that provide culturally specific and integrative maternal and child health care.   

Grant amount

Requests for up to $50,000 per year for up to three years will be considered. Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.

Grantmaking framework

Our grant investment framework aims: to ultimately support policies that benefit communities of color; to increase diverse representation (reflective of the racial and ethnic composition of communities served) in the decision-making bodies of institutions; and to change rules of engagement so that power is built, shared, and wielded equitably in order to produce just and sustainable outcomes. 

GMF: Cycle 3 - Project Support

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. Learn more about our third grant cycle timeline, priorities, guidelines and the appropriate program officer to contact with any questions.

Priorities and Guidelines

Arts and Culture – The Greater Milwaukee Foundation supports targeted arts education and arts and culture strategies representing visual, performing and multidisciplinary art projects and programs.

Grantmaking focus:

• Arts education programs in traditional or nontraditional educational environments for children/youth from birth to high school
• Creation and exhibition of art that engages the community in creative and substantive ways
• Artists-in-residence within community-based settings
• Programming that cultivates and supports an appreciation of diverse cultures and art forms
• Projects that integrate arts and creativity into community planning and development

Aging and Older Adults – The health outcomes of older adults are impacted by the ongoing harm of racial disparities in our health care system. Access to appropriate health services and improving health outcomes are this portfolio's main priorities. Our grant investment strategy aims to shift power, representation and policy toward racial equity. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Projects/organizations that help residents age in place in transforming or disadvantaged neighborhoods
• Projects/organizations that develop intergenerational support/cohesion
• Projects/organizations that build solidarity and collaboration among service providers and community in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations that build narrative and actual power for oppressed communities
• Projects/organizations engaged in advocacy efforts, including antiracist organizational development which transforms influence in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations addressing health impacts of racial inequity, particularly interventions that are disproportionately underfunded
• Projects/organizations that help residents age in place, especially within transforming neighborhoods facing multiple barriers.
• Projects/organizations which develop intergenerational support/cohesion/beloved community
• Underfunded health services

Early Childhood Education – High quality early childhood care and education is the key to giving every child the start in life they need and deserve. It has been shown to have a significant impact on a child’s long-term academic, social, and developmental success, and enables parents to participate in the workforce. Furthermore, research supports that physical learning environments matter. Facilities and the child-centered spaces within them can enhance children’s development by inspiring a range of social and cognitive learning experiences, as well as encouraging the development of gross motor skills. Indoor and outdoor spaces can increase students in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, exploration, and play. For the well-being of our children and the future of our economy, we need to act now. That is why the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is prioritizing early childhood care and education. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Facility upgrades
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development - Through these grants, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation provides access to resources and technical assistance that help small businesses get to the next level.
• Grantmaking focus:
• Small business growth and retention
• Access to capital
• Creative business solutions 

Environment – Everyone should have access to quality and healthy green spaces in their communities. Due to historical industrial sites, redlining, disinvestment, and other systematic inequities, black and brown communities often lack access to quality green spaces in their communities. Green spaces improve mental and physical health, community cohesion, and help clean the air and water. Milwaukeeans have a history of investing in, advocating for, and caring for green spaces in their communities. When we partner together, we can increase the quality and amount of green spaces in our communities.

Grantmaking focus:

• Protection and conservation of environmental assets
• Strengthening local and community-based food systems
• Programming focused on youth engagement and conservation leadership development 

Healthy Birth Outcomes – Healthy birth outcomes are impacted by the ongoing harm of racial disparities in our health care system. Access to appropriate health services and improving health outcomes are this portfolio's main priorities. Our grant investment strategy aims to shift power, representation and policy toward racial equity. 

Grantmaking focus:

• Projects/organizations that address Black maternal/child health disparities.
• Projects/organizations that decolonize maternal health care
• Projects/organizations that build solidarity and collaboration among service providers and community in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations that build narrative and actual power for oppressed communities
• Projects/organizations engaged in advocacy efforts, including anti-racist organizational development which transforms influence in their sector/work
• Projects/organizations addressing health impacts of racial inequity, particularly interventions that are disproportionately underfunded.
• Projects/organizations that address Black maternal/child health disparities
• Projects/organizations that provide culturally specific and integrative maternal and child health care.   

Grant amount

Requests for up to $50,000 per year for up to three years will be considered. Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.

Grantmaking framework

Our grant investment framework aims: to ultimately support policies that benefit communities of color; to increase diverse representation (reflective of the racial and ethnic composition of communities served) in the decision-making bodies of institutions; and to change rules of engagement so that power is built, shared, and wielded equitably in order to produce just and sustainable outcomes. 

About the DNR

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

State Park and Forest Heritage Trust Fund

The Wisconsin Legislature created the State Park and Forest Heritage Trust Fund to provide grants to Friends Groups for the maintenance and operations of state parks, southern state forests, state trails or state recreation areas. A Friends Group must have established an endowment fund for the benefit of the property. Only interest generated by the endowment fund can be used as the applicant’s match.