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A $10 million grant to the City of South Milwaukee for master planning is one of the clearest signals in Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc’s recent grantmaking: this funder supports large civic, institutional, and community-building projects alongside scholarships, arts, housing, and health-related work. The foundation’s portfolio includes major endowment commitments such as $5.0 million to the Dr James Cameron Legacy Foundation for establishing an endowed fund, and $2.7 million to Historic Haymarket Milwaukee for a new building campaign. It also backs ongoing community infrastructure through unrestricted support to Community Development Alliance Inc and sustained support for groups such as United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. In the education and talent pipeline space, the foundation has funded scholarship and training-related grants through universities and professional associations, while also making notable awards in arts, environmental preservation, and health equity. Its recent grants show a mix of capital, operating, and commitment-based support rather than a single-purpose strategy. The result is a broad local grantmaker with several large bets on place-based institutions and neighborhood capacity.
In arts and culture, the foundation backed Milwaukee Ballet Company Inc with $892,195 for Ballet Beat 2023, while also supporting museums, theaters, dance companies, arts education, and public art through its priority funding. In higher education and scholarships, it gave $1,457,416 to Marquette University for the Law School Diane Blinka Scholarship and $2,938,692 to Uwm Foundation Inc for the Alice C. Helland Scholarship at UWM Foundation, Inc. Workforce development appears in the $1,945,000 grant to Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce for the Apprenticeship Program. Environmental work also shows up in the $1,074,438 grant to Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Inc for sustaining support and preservation and restoration of nature.
Typical grant size sits at $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $51,000 at the 75th percentile, even though the recent list also includes several multimillion-dollar commitments. The foundation gives through both direct grants and impact investing strategies, and its DAF classification is Mixed - Community Foundation. Recent awards suggest repeat relationships rather than one-off transactions: United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County appears multiple times across 2023, 2024, and 2025, and Uwm Foundation Inc appears in both 2023 and 2025. The foundation also makes program-related investments.
$66.8M
$1.1B
$85.2M
$85.5M
Most grants fall between $10K and $51K, with a median of $25K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$25K
75th Percentile
$51K
YELENA CHESTER
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Grant activity is heavily concentrated in Wisconsin, with 80% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Milwaukee is the main city in the recent list, joined by South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Bend, Waukesha, and Madison. The foundation also gives beyond Wisconsin, with recent recipients in Omaha, Nebraska; Hudson, Ohio; Ely, Minnesota; and Sheboygan, Wisconsin, while the overall recipient-country distribution is entirely in the US. The geography points to a local grantmaker with a strong Milwaukee-area footprint and selective regional or national recipient relationships.
Its active funding areas include arts and culture, early childhood education, equitable economic opportunity, community wellness, nonprofit management, ThriveOn Collaboration, and partner cycles such as the Cream City Foundation grant cycle. Recent grants also show scholarships, apprenticeship and workforce programs, environmental preservation, housing, and health-related projects.
The foundation’s grant-size distribution centers on $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $51,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent giving also includes much larger commitments, including multi-million-dollar awards for capital, endowment, and planning purposes.
Yes. United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and Uwm Foundation Inc appears in 2023 and 2025. That pattern suggests ongoing relationships rather than isolated awards only.
Most grants go to recipients in Wisconsin, with 80% of grants in the HQ state. Milwaukee appears most often in the recent grants list, and other Wisconsin recipient cities include South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Bend, Waukesha, and Madison.
No. The foundation’s profile says it funds organizations rather than individuals, while also supporting individual artists through a fellowship program and scholarship recipients through institutional channels.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Greater Milwaukee Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Nonprofits serving early childhood needs in Milwaukee; applicants must follow Foundation eligibility guidelines.
Who can apply: Nonprofits providing health, human services, and basic needs support in the Foundation's service area; specific criteria vary by grant cycle or initiative.
Who can apply: Organizations whose programs support housing, workforce or small business in the Foundation's service area; must meet Foundation eligibility guidelines.
Who can apply: Arts organizations and individual artists serving the Foundation's service area; specific eligibility varies by program.
Who can apply: Nonprofits serving early childhood education needs in West Bend; subject to fund guidelines.
Who can apply: Nonprofits serving Southeast Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ community; subject to Cream City Foundation guidelines.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $4,556,539 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED |
| SCHWAB CHARITABLE FUND | OMAHA, NE | $2,050,000 | 2025 | MARTHA E. PARKER AND PETER H. THERMANSEN CHARITABLE FUND. |
| UWM FOUNDATION | MILWAUKEE, WI | $1,769,297 | 2025 | SHAW SCIENTIST PROGRAM |
| THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN INC | WAUWATOSA, WI | $1,525,016 | 2025 | IMPACTING PC KNOWLEDGE AND SCREENING IN BLACK MEN |
| AMERICAN ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION | HUDSON, OH | $1,103,430 | 2025 | FBL LOUIE AND SUE ANDREW CHARITABLE FUND A24011 |
| UNITED WAY OF GREATER MILWAUKEE AND WAUKESHA COUNTY | MILWAUKEE, WI | $1,014,984 | 2025 | UNRESTRICTED USE |
| WISPACT INC | MADISON, WI | $987,045 | 2025 | 2024 WISPACT FOUNDATION GRANTS |
| CHILDREN'S WISCONSIN | MILWAUKEE, WI | $967,355 | 2025 | GIFT COMMITMENT |
| HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE, WI | $960,000 | 2025 | THE 2023 AND 2024 FUNDING PLAN |
| UNITED COMMUNITY CENTER | MILWAUKEE, WI | $914,619 | 2025 | 2024 FUNDING ALLOCATION |
| MILWAUKEE RESCUE MISSION | MILWAUKEE, WI | $801,178 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
| UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON | MADISON, WI | $800,000 | 2025 | SHAW SCIENTIST PROGRAM |
| ASCENSION WISCONSIN FOUNDATION | BROOKFIELD, WI | $799,516 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT FOR COLUMBIA ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL |
| MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $792,234 | 2025 | THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE FUTURE |
| MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | MILWAUKEE, WI | $782,811 | 2025 | CLASSICAL MUSIC PROGRAMS |
| MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY | MILWAUKEE, WI | $772,214 | 2025 | FRANK ROGERS BACON FUND SCHOLARSHIP |
| NOTRE DAME SCHOOL OF MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE, WI | $731,930 | 2025 | THE TOGETHER WE GROW CAMPAIGN |
| HISTORIC HAYMARKET MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE, WI | $716,685 | 2025 | MATCHING GRANT |
| NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE OF MILWAUKEE INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $693,800 | 2025 | HVAC PROJECT |
| ACTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION | MILWAUKEE, WI | $553,300 | 2025 | 2024 FUNDING ALLOCATION |
| URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER | MILWAUKEE, WI | $552,036 | 2025 | GROWING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN WASHINGTON PARK |
| SAILING EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF SHEBOYGAN INC | SHEBOYGAN, WI | $540,000 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
| HOUSING RESOURCES INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $510,000 | 2025 | 2024 FUNDING ALLOCATION |
| LYNDEN INC | RIVERHILLS, WI | $482,000 | 2025 | MARY L. NOHL FELLOWSHIP FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS, 2025-2027 CYCLES |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE, WI | $448,657 | 2025 | ROBERT HILL FUND |
| KINSHIP MKE INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $446,281 | 2025 | THE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM OPERATED AT THE CAF IN THRIVEON KING |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF WISCONSIN INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $440,153 | 2025 | EVALUATING THE HEALTH EQUITY IMPACT |
| HUNGER TASK FORCE | WESTMILWAUKEE, WI | $432,548 | 2025 | MCCARTY EDUCATION KITCHEN |
| UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $427,120 | 2025 | JAMES D. AND DOROTHY SHAW SCHOLARSHIP |
| FUND FOR LAKE MICHIGAN | MILWAUKEE, WI | $425,000 | 2025 | THE FFLM CONTRIBUTION TO THE DAYBREAK FUND |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF DANE COUNTY INC | FICHBURG, WI | $423,173 | 2025 | VEL R. PHILLIPS STATUE |
| SALVATION ARMY MILWAUKEE COUNTY | WAUWATOSA, WI | $412,674 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
| CUPED CORPORATION | MILWAUKEE, WI | $410,000 | 2025 | THE BRONZEVILLE ESTATES PROJECT |
| AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE MKE | MILWAUKEE, WI | $325,000 | 2025 | OPERATING SUPPORT AND CAPACITY BUILDING |
| WOMEN'S FUND OF GREATER MILWAUKEE | MILWAUKEE, WI | $317,472 | 2025 | THE GRANTS PROGRAM |
| MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM | MILWAUKEE, WI | $314,716 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
| WISCONSIN BLACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY | MILWAUKEE, WI | $310,100 | 2025 | THE ARCHIVES |
| FESTIVAL CITY SYMPHONY INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $300,000 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
| MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION INC | MILWAUKEE, WI | $296,926 | 2025 | MILWAUKEE PBS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF NATURE AND DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMMING |
| ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY | WAUWATOSA, WI | $292,570 | 2025 | THE ADAPTATION STATION FOR THE NEW RHINO EXHIBIT THAT IS A PART OF ADVENTURE AFRICA |
| DR JAMES CAMERON LEGACY FOUNDATION | MILWAUKEE, WI | $288,428 | 2025 | RETAINING AND/OR ATTRACTING FIRST-RATE LEADERSHIP |
| DR HOWARD FULLER COLLEGIATE ACADEMY | MILWAUKEE, WI | $274,907 | 2025 | THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING CAMPAIGN (NETTLES MATCHING GRANT) |
| AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION | MILWAUKEE, WI | $270,962 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
| DISCOVERY WORLD | MILWAUKEE, WI | $267,500 | 2025 | LIFE OF WATER |
| ROOTED & RISING - WASHINGTON PARK | MILWAUKEE, WI | $267,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING 2024 RECLAIMING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS -RON |
| ALVERNO COLLEGE | MILWAUKEE, WI | $262,972 | 2025 | COLUMBIA COLLEGE OF NURSING LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP |
| FRIENDS OF SCHLITZ-AUDUBON CENTER INC | RIVERHILLS, WI | $237,223 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
| WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED | MADISON, WI | $229,399 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
| SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES SEMINARY | STFRANCIS, WI | $227,000 | 2025 | THE REQUEST OF KATE MEYER |
| VISION FORWARD ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED | WAUWATOSA, WI | $226,543 | 2025 | SUSTAINING SUPPORT |
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE INC
$4,556,539UNRESTRICTED
MARTHA E. PARKER AND PETER H. THERMANSEN CHARITABLE FUND.
THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN INC
$1,525,016IMPACTING PC KNOWLEDGE AND SCREENING IN BLACK MEN
FBL LOUIE AND SUE ANDREW CHARITABLE FUND A24011
WISPACT INC
$987,0452024 WISPACT FOUNDATION GRANTS
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE
$960,000THE 2023 AND 2024 FUNDING PLAN
MILWAUKEE RESCUE MISSION
$801,178SUSTAINING SUPPORT
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON
$800,000SHAW SCIENTIST PROGRAM
ASCENSION WISCONSIN FOUNDATION
$799,516SUSTAINING SUPPORT FOR COLUMBIA ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL
NOTRE DAME SCHOOL OF MILWAUKEE
$731,930THE TOGETHER WE GROW CAMPAIGN
SAILING EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF SHEBOYGAN INC
$540,000SUSTAINING SUPPORT
MARY L. NOHL FELLOWSHIP FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS, 2025-2027 CYCLES
THE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM OPERATED AT THE CAF IN THRIVEON KING
FUND FOR LAKE MICHIGAN
$425,000THE FFLM CONTRIBUTION TO THE DAYBREAK FUND
SALVATION ARMY MILWAUKEE COUNTY
$412,674SUSTAINING SUPPORT
CUPED CORPORATION
$410,000THE BRONZEVILLE ESTATES PROJECT
AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE MKE
$325,000OPERATING SUPPORT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
WISCONSIN BLACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$310,100THE ARCHIVES
FESTIVAL CITY SYMPHONY INC
$300,000SUSTAINING SUPPORT
MILWAUKEE PBS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF NATURE AND DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMMING
THE ADAPTATION STATION FOR THE NEW RHINO EXHIBIT THAT IS A PART OF ADVENTURE AFRICA
DR JAMES CAMERON LEGACY FOUNDATION
$288,428RETAINING AND/OR ATTRACTING FIRST-RATE LEADERSHIP
THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING CAMPAIGN (NETTLES MATCHING GRANT)
DISCOVERY WORLD
$267,500LIFE OF WATER
GENERAL OPERATING 2024 RECLAIMING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS -RON
ALVERNO COLLEGE
$262,972COLUMBIA COLLEGE OF NURSING LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
FRIENDS OF SCHLITZ-AUDUBON CENTER INC
$237,223SUSTAINING SUPPORT
SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES SEMINARY
$227,000THE REQUEST OF KATE MEYER