More Than $4 Million in Grants to Help Local Nonprofits

Milwaukee, July 16, 2009 — A grant to establish a new central access system for the homeless in Milwaukee was among the more than $4 million approved by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Board and boards of its supporting organizations during the second quarter.

The Board allocated an additional $150,000 toward the Basic Needs Fund, $135,000 of which will go to 211/IMPACT. The organization, in collaboration with the Cathedral Center, will create a central database that will allow staff at area homeless shelters to identify openings and make immediate referrals for people looking for places to stay as well as provide case management services to enable families to remain in their own homes. The remainder of the grant will be used to address a possible increase in demand at local shelters during the summer.