GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support Grant

GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc
Amount: Up to US $150,000
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support grant focuses on enhancing early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development. It aims to promote equitable access to quality education and mental health resources, addressing systemic disparities in the Milwaukee area. Organizations seeking funding for innovative projects are encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000 per year for three years, emphasizing racial equity and community impact.

Overview

NOTE: Here are the pages for Cycle 1 and Cycle 3.Here are the additional pages for Cycle 2 -Here is the Project Support page.Here is the Capital Support page. GMF: Cycle 2 - General Operating Support The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking supports projects and programs that align with priorities that support our strategic vision of creating a Milwaukee for all. Funding Priorities Early Childhood Education – Background -   High quality early childhood care and education is key to giving every child the start in life they need and deserve. It has been shown to have a significant impact on a child’s long-term academic, social and developmental success, and enables parents to participate in the workforce. Furthermore, research supports that physical learning environments matter. Facilities and the child-centered spaces within them can enhance children’s development by inspiring a range of social and cognitive learning experiences, as well as encouraging the development of gross motor skills. Indoor and outdoor spaces can increase students in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, collaboration, exploration and play.Grantmaking focus -  Increase access to quality, affordable early childhood care and education for every child in need.Project/program and general operating funds are available for early childhood care and education professional development, recruitment and retention.Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for the following:Designing and delivering professional development opportunities for early childhood education providers Facilitating an early childhood education career exploration event and establishing a social media presence aimed at recruiting individuals who are passionate about working with young children, eager to contribute to high-quality early learning environments, and committed to advancing the field of early childhood education Collaborating with early childhood educators and other nonprofits to promote the development and/or retention of early childhood educators Mental Health – Background -  The greater Milwaukee region faces significant racial health disparities that lead to differences in disease outcomes, life expectancy, and overall quality of life. These disparities are driven by systemic racism. Our communities are rich with cultural resilience, strong social networks, and innovative grassroots organizations working to address our health disparities. Community-led initiatives are improving outcomes by leveraging these strengths and showcasing greater Milwaukee’s ability to harness its collective resources and wisdom to foster equitable health outcomes for all residents.Grantmaking focus -Increase transformative, community-led investments that support access to appropriate mental health services and improve mental health outcomes. General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available. Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following: Providing community-based, culturally reverent mental health support and services Advancing an integrative evidence-based approaches to well-being   Focusing on restorative justice and trauma-responsive healing initiatives Building solidarity and collaboration among service providers and the community Creating and sharing stories of communities overcoming systemic barriers Engaging patients and/or program participants to leverage their insights and capacity for improving mental health Integrating those with lived experiences into the organization’s leadership Engaging in advocacy and organizing efforts, including anti-racist organizational development Addressing mental health impacts of racial inequity Workforce Development – Background -Our communities are brimming with talent and assets, but in too many places, disinvestments have limited individuals’ economic opportunity and quality of life. People’s ability to improve their economic status contributes to a thriving community. Helping people to improve their economic standing over time, regardless of their background, creates a more equitable society. Improving economic mobility helps improve a person’s quality of life. Grantmaking focus -Increase economic mobility through job creation, access, and retention. General operating, capital/facilities, and project/program grants are available.Examples of potential applications include but are not limited to those seeking funds for one or more of the following:Developing and implementing creative job creation strategies Delivering training programs that help people enter jobs that pay a living wage Creating workforce programs and projects that support people and employers Funding Requests for up to $50,000 per year for up to three years will be considered. Organizations are encouraged to apply for the funds and length of award necessary.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who may apply:501(c)(3) organizations and, on occasion, governmental agencies An organization that is not a 501c3 may be eligible to apply if it is able to secure a fiscal sponsor agreement with an otherwise eligible organization. View our fiscal sponsor agreement for more information. The Foundation is committed to awarding Community Impact grants to applicants promoting racial equity and inclusion in our community. Nonprofit board diversity is the first of many things we will consider. Eligible nonprofits must have at least four unrelated board members and membership that is at least 10 percent people of color. The term "people of color" refers to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latino and all other persons who are not categorized as white by the U.S. Census.The executive director of the organization should not be included in that calculation.Organizations that provide programs/projects that support Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties.Nonprofits must have at least four unrelated board members. Type of funding available:General operating supportFor the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s grant cycles, we only accept one application per organization per grant cycle.

Ineligibility

An organization will be ineligible if it has an open grant. An organization’s grant is considered open if it has not submitted a final report or completed a final meeting with the grant’s program officer prior to submitting a grant application.What the Foundation does not fund:Individuals Debt reduction or agency endowments Sectarian organizations for religious purposes Partisan political activities