GMF: Nonprofit Management Fund Grant

GMF: Nonprofit Management Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc
Amount: US $1,000 - US $10,000
Last Updated: February 04, 2026

Summary

The GMF Nonprofit Management Fund Grant supports capacity-building initiatives for small to medium-sized nonprofits in Milwaukee and surrounding counties. Grants of $1,000 to $10,000 aim to enhance governance, management, and organizational effectiveness. Eligible organizations must have been established for at least two years and demonstrate a commitment to community service. The fund prioritizes projects that strengthen board leadership, financial management, and strategic planning, helping nonprofits achieve their missions more effectively.

Overview

Since 1994, the Nonprofit Management Fund has operated as a collaboration of private funders in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. Collectively, the funders have contributed over $9.9 million for grants to nonprofit organizations and to implement related initiatives. Our MissionWe accelerate the effectiveness of nonprofits to build strong and vibrant communities. We Believe: The Nonprofit Management Fund believes that strong nonprofits build strong communities. What We Do: We provide capacity-building grants for technical assistance and resources to strengthen nonprofit governance, planning, training, and assessment across Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Washington counties. Grants awarded are nonrenewable, and range from $1,000 – $10,000. Applications that include a request greater than $10,000 may automatically be denied. Grant requests over $8,500 will require an organizational financial contribution, in addition to the funds provided by the Nonprofit Management Fund. Grant funds may be used to support multiple projects within the grant period. We Do Fund: Governance – Building the Board’s capacity to lead and govern through proven modes, practices and policies, including, but not limited to: Board Leadership (duties, responsibilities, accountability)Committee Structure (activation, training, responsibilities)Financial Management Oversight TrainingFund Development Board / Executive Training and CoachingFund Development Planning and Income PlanningRecruitment and Orientation of DirectorsSuccession Planning (executive and board) Management – Building the organization’s capacity through policies and practices to fulfill its mission, vision and goals, including, but not limited to: Executive Leadership Development Training or CoachingFinancial Management/BudgetingMarketing and Branding PlanningOrganization AssessmentsStrategic Planning / Annual PlanningTechnology PlanningWebsite Upgrade / Overhaul Professional Facilitation – Support in organization planning for: Collaborative ProjectsJoint VenturesRestructuring/Merger/Dissolution Organizational Alternative Professional facilitation of organization’s planning for: MergerRestructuringJoint Venture ProjectPartnership/CollaborationDissolution

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An organizational profile must be completed in addition to the grant application, in order for the grant to be reviewed. If the profile is missing or incomplete, the grant may be automatically denied.Small and medium-sized tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply if they have been incorporated for at least two years and serve Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington or Waukesha counties.Statewide organizations are eligible if 70 percent of its work is in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington or Waukesha counties.Applicants must have an annual operating budget of at least $25,000 and no greater than $3 million.Faith-based organizations are eligible for project support if the proposed work serves the general community beyond members of the applicant organization and the particular denomination.REPEAT APPLICATIONS: Before submitting an new application to the Fund, all commitments from the previous award must be completed, including the evaluation and final report/product.

Ineligibility

Organizations with a primary mission of grant making are not eligible to apply.Business Improvement Districts or other entities that have a taxing authority are not eligible to apply.Grant funds for retroactive requests will not be considered. The Fund will not pay for Consulting work done prior to the approved grant request.Organizations accepted into an NMF cohort in 2026 may not apply for grant funds in the same focus area (e.g., strategic planning, fund development). Likewise, organizations that receive grant funding in a specific area may not apply for a cohort in that same area. WE DO NOT FUND:Attendance at professional conferencesCapital campaign expenses, such as feasibility studiesCommunity needs assessmentsConstruction / rehabilitation of facilities, emergency repairsGeneral operating supportGeneral program planningGrant funds for retroactive requests will not be considered. The Fund will not pay for Consulting work done prior to the approved grant request.Independent contractors performing staff functions, such as implementation of development plans, fundraising, grant writing Long-term or ongoing technical assistance projectsMarketing collateral or strategy execution, such as the development or printing of marketing materials, the development or delivery of advertisements, social media communications or promotion, and annual reports or newslettersOffice equipment or furnishingsPayroll needs, debt liquidation, routine financial auditsProgram evaluationStaff development trainings or retreatsTechnology platforms, setup, customization, or subscriptions​Video production or editing