Small grants program celebrates 10 years of big impact

Milwaukee, Wis., Dec. 2, 2024 – Across a decade of collaboration, three of Milwaukee’s largest foundations have supported local residents in making positive change in the community through modest investments.

Created by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Zilber Family Foundation and Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the Community Connections Small Grants Program is celebrating 10 years of funding resident-led projects that enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

Together, the foundations have awarded more than 160 small grants totaling nearly $118,000, supporting the work of residents in more than 20 neighborhoods in Milwaukee and Waukesha. A group of residents reviews and recommends projects to be funded.

“Community Connections is so unique because we are able give grant dollars directly to residents to bring their ideas and solutions to life,” said Darlene Russell, director of community engagement for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “We’ve seen how this can be a catalyst in neighborhoods, and it goes to show how small investments can make a big difference in the right hands.”

Over the last 10 years, small grants from the program – typically between $50-$600 – have leveraged more than $280,000 in additional funding and generated nearly 11,000 volunteer hours.

Dionne Grayson, who manages the program’s operations, expressed her enthusiasm: “This program is truly a gem,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the unique ideas and cultures within our neighborhoods. Whether you want to bring people together around a common goal or teach a class that benefits others, I really encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity and see where it can lead!”  

South side resident Barbara Cerda used her first small grant to fund the installation of 10 free little libraries throughout her community. Her passion project led to a large-scale day of action and book swapping event known as Milwaukee’s Biggest Free Library, which now, in its fourth year, partners with Literacy Services of Wisconsin.

“I hope Community Connections continues to exist for 10 more years and beyond, because it’s so important to make sure we all play a role in these projects or these special things that we come up with.” Cerda said.

Through the years, projects funded by the program have ranged from beautification efforts to safety initiatives to health and wellness programs and more.

“Recently, I witnessed Amani residents brainstorm ideas for vacant lots. Seeing the joy, excitement, and creativity of the residents working collaboratively was a powerful reminder of the impact of these small grants,” said Latisha Franklin, LD Business Program Manager for Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “These moments testify to the importance of continuing to support resident-led initiatives to help improve the quality of life in local neighborhoods and honor the passion and ingenuity that drive transformative change.”

Community Connections also exemplifies the value of collaboration with the innovative combination of a corporate foundation, a community foundation and a private family foundation coming together for greater impact.

“The Zilber Family Foundation has been a proud supporter of the small grants program for 10 years,” said Erin Frederick, program director for Zilber Family Foundation. “Not only does the program support resident-led projects to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods, it also builds leadership skills and fosters relationships that last well beyond the projects. We want to express our appreciation to all of the neighbors who have made this program a success.”

 About Northwestern Mutual Foundation

The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $490 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company’s employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundation to learn more.

About Zilber Family Foundation

Formed in 1961 by Joseph J. Zilber, a philanthropist and businessman, the Zilber Family Foundation is a private independent grantmaking institution dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and neighborhoods by supporting nonprofits to address basic needs and personal safety, increase access to social and economic opportunity, and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. For more information, please visit: www.zilberfamilyfoundation.org.

About the Greater Milwaukee Foundation
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. For more than a century, the Foundation has been at the heart of the civic community, helping donors achieve the greatest philanthropic impact, elevating the work of changemakers across neighborhoods, and bringing people and organizations together to help our region thrive. Racial equity is the Foundation’s North Star, guiding its investments and strategies for social and economic change. Leveraging generations of community knowledge, cross-sector partnerships and more than $1 billion in financial assets, the Foundation is committed to reimagining philanthropy, catalyzing systems change, convening and following community voice, and building inclusive culture to transform our region into a Milwaukee for all. Learn more at greatermilwaukeefoundation.org.

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.