Driving positive change in Milwaukee

In a transformative collaboration designed to strengthen nonprofits in Milwaukee, Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and Zilber Family Foundation have established the Greater Milwaukee Partnership. This partnership leverages Catchafire’s expansive network of over 100,000 volunteers to deliver crucial support in areas like website development, marketing, and strategic planning.

About the partnership

The Greater Milwaukee Partnership was formed with the mission to provide Milwaukee’s nonprofits with access to essential tools and skilled professionals, enhancing their ability to serve and impact the community effectively. Through the Catchafire platform, nonprofits can connect with experts across various fields, ensuring that they not only sustain but also expand their operational capabilities.

Impact assessment

Capacity building empowers Milwaukee nonprofits to operate more efficiently, strengthening their ability to serve the community and drive positive change. By enhancing organizational capabilities, nonprofits can expand access to essential services and resources, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive city.

Return on investment

After four years of partnership, the program has achieved a remarkable return on investment (ROI) of 2.35. Catchafire volunteers have dedicated over 4,700 hours, translating into nearly $1 million in value for Milwaukee nonprofits. This contribution has allowed nonprofit staff to divert their focus from administrative burdens to core mission activities and community programs. 

Community engagement and support

The partnership has unified three prominent Milwaukee funders, creating a collaborative and supportive environment for city-wide organizations. Nonprofits have seen substantial benefits from this initiative, using the hours saved by working with volunteers to focus on their missions and advancing their programming.

For the Milwaukee Food Council, whose personnel consists of a board made up entirely of volunteers, the expertise and time lent by Catchafire volunteers have been immensely beneficial. This support allows them to focus on their work supporting a healthier and more equitable food system that advances Milwaukee’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.

Needs and services

Volunteers have predominantly supported nonprofits in organizational strategy, event management, and brand messaging. These areas are critical for maintaining an effective operational framework and engaging with the community meaningfully.

The primary beneficiaries of these nonprofit services include low-income groups, children and youth, and women and girls. These communities have experienced enhanced support and improved service delivery thanks to the skilled support of volunteers on Catchafire.

The Greater Milwaukee Partnership and Catchafire exemplify the power of strategic collaboration in enhancing nonprofit efficiency and community impact. As this partnership continues to evolve, it promises to bring about even more benefits for Milwaukee’s nonprofits and the communities they serve.

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