Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is acknowledging organizations that enhance the quality of life in the Milwaukee community by awarding $225,000 in grants to deserving nonprofits. Through its Days of Sharing program, 25 local organizations will receive $1,000 to $10,000 grants on behalf of Northwestern Mutual employees. Milwaukee residents Denise Hashek, Melissa Vaughn, Christopher Coleman, Tamila Reed, Steven Jackson and Sarah Basterash were chosen to receive grant funds in their names for The Turkey Club, Cynthia’s Breast Cancer Giving Circle, Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals, First Stage, Huntington’s Disease Society of WI and SaintA.

“At Northwestern Mutual, giving back is a part of our culture so we are fortunate to have employees who are dedicated to strengthening their local communities,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “The Days of Sharing program is a way we recognize their volunteer service for the worthy organizations in which they are personally involved.”

Hundreds of employees nominated their preferred local 501(c)3 nonprofit and the 25 winning grants were chosen at random. In addition, Northwestern Mutual provided its employees the chance to vote for pre-selected nonprofits to receive grants totaling $125,000. This year the six chosen include Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin, Diverse & Resilient, Make a Difference Wisconsin, Make a Wish Wisconsin, Milwaukee Homeless Veteran’s Initiative and PEARLS for Teen Girls. Since 2007, the company has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants on behalf of its employees through its Days of Sharing program.