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In 2016, Milwaukee experienced one of the most challenging moments in its recent history.
In the days that followed the events in Sherman Park, residents, grassroots organizations, community leaders and donors came together with a shared desire to strengthen neighborhoods, create spaces for healing and invest in one another.
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation responded by creating the Reasons for Hope MKE Fund — a prompt-response grant program designed to support community-led ideas. Ten years later, the program continues as the Reasons for Hope Microgrants, reflecting its evolution while remaining true to its original purpose.
Commitment to neighborhoods
As a proud Milwaukee native, I spent my early childhood in the Harambee neighborhood and my high school years in Sherman Park. Those experiences taught me that neighborhoods are built through relationships, trust and people who care deeply about one another.
In August 2016, after listening to residents and community leaders, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation established the Reasons for Hope MKE Fund.
While the Foundation had already invested in neighborhoods since 2006 through the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, this fund provided immediate, flexible support to grassroots organizations building peace, social connection and neighborhood cohesion.
The program supports youth programming, arts, community events, leadership development and activities that bring neighbors together.
Just as importantly, it invites participation in philanthropy. Whether someone gives five dollars or fifty thousand dollars, every contribution helps invest in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Philanthropy is not defined by the size of a gift but by a shared commitment to community.
Community members have donated over $146,800 to the Reasons for Hope Fund through the years to complement the institutional funding provided directly by the Foundation.
Some of these donors have advised funds at the Foundation; others make individual donations online. This generosity expands the impact of the program.
How has the fund evolved?
Today, the program has evolved into the Reasons for Hope Microgrants, with grant awards growing from a maximum of $5,000 to $10,000 while maintaining the same grassroots philosophy.
Over the past decade, application volume has grown dramatically, reflecting increased trust among grassroots organizations. The program has expanded its reach, strengthened its review process, increased grant sizes, integrated with broader Foundation efforts and continues to center community voice through its Community Advisory Council.
As we celebrate 10 years, we are launching an enhanced model with an expanded advisory council, improved review process, clearer timelines and stronger alignment between applications, rubrics and evaluation. Our goal is to create a more transparent, equitable and accessible experience while continuing to invest in neighborhood leadership.
An investment in people
I recently attended Vertical Essence Dance Company’s summer showcase, A World of Dance, supported through a $10,000 Reasons for Hope Microgrant. Watching children and teens perform before proud parents, grandparents, families and neighbors reminded me exactly why this work matters.
As I sat there, I found myself thinking, ‘This is Reasons for Hope.’ It is children discovering their gifts, families showing up for one another, organizations creating spaces where young people belong and a community investing in its future. I left feeling hopeful about Milwaukee.
Created in response to a defining moment in Milwaukee’s history, the Reasons for Hope Microgrants now represents an investment in the people who strengthen neighborhoods from the inside out.
On Sept. 9, the Foundation will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Reasons for Hope with a private event honoring the people behind the work—the visionaries, builders, sustainers, Community Advisory Council members, donors, grassroots organizations and neighborhood leaders whose commitment has shaped the program over the past decade.
And after 10 years of Reasons for Hope, I believe more than ever that Milwaukee’s greatest strength has always been its people.
Darlene C. Russell is the director of community engagement for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and has served in numerous capacities over 15 years. In this role, she leads the Reasons for Hope microgrants and helps build authentic relationships with residents, grassroots organizations and community partners.
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