Milwaukee residents within the Amani, Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way neighborhoods are serving as catalysts to set priorities and bring development and change within their local communities. To show its commitment and support to these residents and the city, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is awarding more than $1 million to nonprofits serving these Milwaukee communities through the company’s neighborhoods grants program.

Since 2013, Northwestern Mutual has invested in the Amani, Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way neighborhoods where data demonstrated the most opportunity for improvement within Milwaukee. Financial and volunteer support has been given to nonprofit organizations advancing four outcomes in the neighborhoods: safe neighborhoods; healthy and thriving youth; strong families and quality education. 

“What we invest in today will shape our communities tomorrow; by empowering residents to achieve what they want for their children, families and neighborhoods, we are seeing measurable improvements that contribute to a stronger city,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “These grants support some of Milwaukee’s most historic neighborhoods, ensuring safe, healthy and thriving communities for generations to come.” 

As part of its neighborhood grants program, Northwestern Mutual collaborates with skilled partners to create both public and private partnerships in order to achieve collective impact resulting in systemic and sustainable change. The company uses funding, provides volunteers and convenes key stakeholders in order to have residents implement best practices in the community. Northwestern Mutual also is a part of the Community Development Alliance, which brings together other funders and organizations to attract additional resources to improve neighborhoods throughout the city.

2015 Neighborhood Grant Recipients

All grant recipients are required to show measurable impact and results of their programs.

In addition to its neighborhood grant program, Northwestern Mutual is committed to improving the lives of Milwaukee children and families in need through third grade reading proficiency efforts, its Childhood Cancer Program and making Milwaukee a great place to live and work.