Johnson Controls Foundation Deepens Commitment to Milwaukees Northwest Side with $1.2 Million in Grants to Four Community Organizations
Photo courtesy of Johnson Controls.
- Since 2015, Johnson Controls Foundation has invested $5.7 million in the neighborhoods near its North American headquarters.
- Grants will advance education and health initiatives, in alignment with the company’s focus on building healthy, smart and sustainable communities globally.
MILWAUKEE – Dec. 11, 2025 – The Johnson Controls Foundation continues its legacy of community investment with a renewed commitment to empowering Milwaukee’s northwest side through four Smart and Healthy neighborhood grants. Each organization will receive $300,000 in funding over a two-year period, representing a $1.2 million investment from the Johnson Controls Foundation. All four organizations selected will use the funds to deliver transformative programming in nearby neighborhoods.
Organizations and Programs Supported by the Grants
- The American Heart Association will hold Community Listening Sessions and work with community members to improve heart health and access to resources across Milwaukee’s northwest side, including expanding community-based prevention programs such as Hands-Only CPR training, Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, Community Blood Pressure Hubs and Nutrition Security access. The Listening Sessions will drive the direction of the work. These efforts are expected to impact 20,000 individuals, promoting heart health and health equity.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee reaches an estimated 20,000 young people annually across Milwaukee. Youth ages 4–18 will benefit from a wide range of programs including leadership and service, college and career readiness and STEAM education. The grant will help expand access and enhance quality across these vital services at four local Club sites serving over 800 youth annually.
- The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin supports educational programming and visitor experiences at Havenwoods State Forest, Wisconsin’s only urban state forest. Funding will provide school field trip programming, trail enhancements and pier upgrades, increasing access to nature-based learning for an estimated 37,000 visitors annually, including thousands of local students.
- Reach Out and Read Wisconsin provides books and literacy guidance through clinicians during well-child visits at primary care clinics. This new initiative will deepen the impact of this work by creating partnerships with local libraries and clinics. This expansion aims to reach 6,500 children and families, promoting early literacy and caregiver-child engagement.
In addition to grant funding, Johnson Controls team members will volunteer to work with the organizations in executing their goals in the neighborhood. The company will honor employees’ volunteer service with a $10/hour contribution to the nonprofit organization.
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.
