Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin Receives Grant from Bader Philanthropies to Expand Program Access for Milwaukee Youth

Milwaukee, WI -December 4, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI — Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin (GOTRSEWI) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $35,000 grant from Bader Philanthropies, Inc. to support program activities that help underserved girls in Milwaukee County build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills through its research-based curriculum that incorporates running.

As girls today face rising levels of loneliness, depression, and decreased physical activity, Girls on the Run is working to change that trajectory. This funding supports the organization’s evidence-based program, which empowers girls in 3rd–8th grade to build resilience, manage emotions, form healthy relationships, and understand the connection between physical and emotional well-being. Through intentional lessons and creative running activities, Girls on the Run provides a safe, supportive space for girls to gain confidence and thrive.

“Bader Philanthropies’ support ensures more Milwaukee girls can access our program, regardless of financial circumstances,” said Tina Jones, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin. “With their investment, we can continue removing financial barriers and make certain that no girl is ever turned away from the life-changing experience.”

Girls on the Run teams meet twice a week for eight weeks in the fall and spring season under the guidance of trained volunteer coaches. Lessons focus on social-emotional learning, including goal-setting, conflict resolution, and celebrating each participant’s star power. The curriculum includes teams completing a Community Impact Project, encouraging girls to identify needs in their neighborhood and work together to make a difference. Each season culminates with a non-competitive celebratory 5K, where every girl crosses the finish line with pride and confidence — showcasing their completion medal.

In 2025, GOTRSEWI plans to serve more than 1,800 girls in Milwaukee, with approximately 70% receiving financial assistance. Eliminating barriers to participation is a key part of the organization’s mission.

The grant from Bader Philanthropies will help advance several core program initiatives, including:

• Ensuring all girls who need financial assistance can participate in the 8-week program.
• Providing healthy snacks and running shoes to ensure every girl has what she needs to succeed.
• Helping girls develop measurable growth in confidence, competence, compassion, character, and connection, as demonstrated through post-program surveys.

Programs like Girls on the Run build essential life skills that extend far beyond the finish line,” said Bridgett Gonzalez, Grants Director at Bader Philanthropies. “We are proud to support their commitment to helping Milwaukee girls grow into strong and confident young people.”

To learn more about bringing this life-changing program to your school or community—or to volunteer, coach, or donate—visit GOTRSEWI.org. GOTRSEWI is currently registering sites for the 2026 spring season. The application deadline is January 7, 2026.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.