The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Cycle 3 discretionary grantmaking round supports projects and organizations aligned with its strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. With a focus on equity, this cycle opens on September 8, 2025, and closes on September 26, 2025. Grant decisions will be finalized during the Foundation's Community Investment Committee and Board meetings scheduled for December 2025.
Funding is available to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the counties of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha. To qualify, applicant organizations must have boards composed of at least 10 percent people of color, excluding the executive director from that calculation. In addition, eligible organizations must have a minimum of four unrelated board members.
Organizations may request up to $50,000 per year, for up to three years, depending on the scope and nature of the proposed project. Funding may be requested for general operations, capital/facilities improvements, or specific projects and programs, with award sizes tailored to organizational needs.
Grants awarded under Cycle 3 support six primary program areas: Arts and Culture; Aging and Older Adults; Early Childhood Care and Education; Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development; Environment; and Medical Research. Healthy Birth Outcomes is also listed as a focus area but is invitation-only for this cycle. Applications that align with one of the eligible categories should clearly reference relevant priorities such as expanding access, supporting equity, improving health, promoting sustainability, or driving innovation.
Applicants are encouraged to review detailed portfolio guidelines aligned to each focus area and reach out to the listed program officer for questions. Open office hours with portfolio managers will take place on September 5, 2025, at the Foundation’s office located at 2153 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 4000, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
