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This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the history, impact, and future vision of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Wisconsin’s oldest and largest community foundation. Host Jill Economou sits down with Greg Wesley, President and CEO, to discuss how the Foundation has helped shape the region for more than a century through philanthropy, community leadership, and strategic investment.
Greg explains what a community foundation is and how donor generosity has fueled more than a century of support for nonprofits, neighborhoods, and community priorities. The conversation explores the Foundation’s dual role as both a steward of charitable resources and a community leader working to address critical issues facing the region.
Listeners will learn how the Greater Milwaukee Foundation responded to urgent community needs in 2025, why Greg believes everyone can be a philanthropist, and how the organization is preparing for one of the largest wealth transfers in history. The discussion also highlights place-based investing, small business support, affordable housing, early childhood education, and the Foundation’s vision for creating greater economic mobility across the region.
Through stories, examples, and practical insights, Greg shares why philanthropy is about more than charitable giving. It is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and investing in a thriving future for generations to come.
1:08 | What a community foundation is and how it creates long-term community impact
3:43 | The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's role as a convener, thought leader, and community partner
6:00 | How the Foundation responded to community challenges in 2025 through record grantmaking and fundraising
8:46 | The Foundation's Five T's philosophy and why everyone can be a philanthropist
11:32 | Preparing for the largest generational wealth transfer in history
14:49 | Greg Wesley's personal journey and the role community has played throughout his career
21:50 | Community leadership, place-based investing, and the Foundation's impact beyond grantmaking
23:20 | The Bronzeville redevelopment and the vision behind ThriveOn King
25:26 | Impact investing and supporting small businesses, housing, and neighborhood growth
33:05 | Why early childhood education is a key focus area for long-term community success
36:59 | What's next for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and its focus on economic mobility
38:39 | Why community foundations matter and Greg's call to action for community engagement
Founded in 1915, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin's largest and oldest community foundation. Through charitable giving, donor services, community leadership, and strategic investments, the Foundation works to strengthen southeastern Wisconsin and create a vibrant, equitable region where everyone can thrive.
Website: https://www.greatermilwaukeefoundation.org
Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com
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