a magazine for friends of the GREATER MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION

Game changer Is philanthropy impacting outcomes in the classroom? (Yes!)

Volume 1 Issue 1 Spring 2016 A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS OF THE GREATER MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION VOLUME 1 :: ISSUE 1 :: SPRING 2016 SPRING 2016 PRESIDENT & CEO Ellen M. Gilligan

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Laura Porfilio Glawe

EDITOR Photo by Caroline Roberts Becca Mader

EDITORIAL TEAM Make a Lorna Dilley, Janel Hines, 17 Difference Generosity Sharon Loxton, Mary Kay Mark, Andrea Ogden, Jeremy Podolski, Damian Buchman and 25 at Work Aileen Rogers, Lamont Smith The Ability Center are creating a conversation The region’s most CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER and a movement around prestigious prize for Paula J. Perez the need for greater individual artists,

Literacy accessibility in the the Mary L. Nohl and greater Milwaukee area. Fund Fellowships PHOTOGRAPHER 13 Jim Moy for Individual Artists Learning Program is shaping the Milwaukee Former educator work of local artists and ON THE COVER: 5 Succeeds Marie Weiss’ boosting the profile of Third grader from Milwaukee passion for Milwaukee’s arts scene. French Immersion School With nearly five years education serves as under its belt, and more Ready driving force behind than 300 partners, 9 to Read her philanthropy. CONTACT INFORMATION Milwaukee Succeeds is Greater Together is published biannually bringing the community A new comprehensive by the Marketing and Communications together to achieve long- literacy program in 3 President’s message Department of the Greater Milwaukee term results in education in Milwaukee schools shows 4 Foundation news Foundation. Please submit correspondence early gains and plenty and address changes to the editor, Becca Milwaukee. Grantmaking at a glance | of promise for the city’s 15 Education Mader, at Greater Milwaukee Foundation, young readers. 16 Vital Signs | Education 101 W. Pleasant St., Suite 210, Milwaukee, WI 53212 or send an e-mail to bmader@ Profile in philanthropy | 19 Richard Franz greatermilwaukeefoundation.org. 21 Profile in philanthropy |Steve and Wendy Lewensohn 23 Giving Smarter | Michael G. May greatermilwaukeefoundation.org 414.272.5805 24 In their own words | William S. Martin 29 Throwback | Emil Blatz Fund 29 Snapshot | Mequon Nature Preserve 30 Partners in philanthropy | Civic Centerpieces

©2016 Greater Milwaukee Foundation

1 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 2 Foundation News Foundation News Spring 2016 PRESIDENT'S Message

t’s no coincidence “community” and The Foundation can have this impact I“communicate” share their first seven because for generations, many generous letters. With that in mind, welcome to people have shared our belief that Board of Directors the first issue of Greater Together, the education is key to young people Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s new reaching their full potential and have Thomas L. Spero, Chair magazine. It shares the story of how your chosen the Foundation to carry out David J. Lubar, Vice Chair vision as generous donors, combined their wishes. Our donor Marie Weiss on Wendy Reed Bosworth with the Foundation’s insights into Page 13 demonstrates this as she gives Peter W. Bruce community needs and its work with both her time and treasure to serve David J. Drury partners, are indeed creating a more kids. Because of smart and kind donors Ness Flores vibrant region. like her, the Foundation was able to Janine P. Geske provide more than $6.5 million in grants One example and the theme of our first Cecelia Gore supporting education last year. Greater Together issue is our quest for all Jacqueline Herd-Barber Milwaukee children to have educational The beauty of a community foundation Paul J. Jones success, cradle to career. Since the is that we are designed to help donors, David J. Kundert COMMUNITY benefits from Foundation launched Milwaukee no matter what their interests, to Gregory S. Marcus Succeeds in 2011, the communitywide support the causes they care about, Cory L. Nettles record year of generosity partnership is making a difference, as now and for the future. I hope you see Marie L. O’Brien you can read on Page 5. Test scores and yourself in these pages, because in this More than other measures show the strategies community, we are not parallel lines. We OTHER ARTS & CULTURE $3,031,000 of Milwaukee Succeeds work. We are interwoven threads. We are Greater $4,650,000 also hear of personal successes, like a Together. $44.8 CHILD/YOUTH/FAMILY kindergartener at Forest Home Avenue million in grants $2,306,000 Thank you for your continued School recently proclaiming to his partnership in philanthropy. teacher, “I’m really getting smarter and 2015 was one for the history books. Not COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT smarter!” only did it mark the Greater Milwaukee $3,885,000 Foundation’s 100th year of service to the community, making it just one of a few Grants by Ellen M. Gilligan community foundations in the country that President & CEO program area Greater Milwaukee Foundation have reached that milestone, it marked its largest grantmaking year as well. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES EDUCATION The Foundation and its donors provided $18,108,000 $6,537,000 more than $44.8 million in grants to support a broad cross-section of interests and invest in strengthening important EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING community organizations that are working $1,448,000 ENVIRONMENT to help meet community needs. $4,904,000

We were able to reach this incredible milestone “ due to the generosity of our donors. It also is made possible by our community’s collective dedication to making greater Milwaukee a more vibrant and successful region. Thomas Spero ” Greater Milwaukee Foundation Board chair

3 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 4 Helping all children succeed requires a “ communitywide response. John W. Daniels Jr., former Greater Milwaukee” Early indicators reveal Foundation Board chair

creating new collaborations, When the Foundation launched such a pivotal role in introducing developing new strategies and Milwaukee Succeeds, it was a this new approach.” changing mindsets. new way of thinking in a city Milwaukee Succeeds is among Milwaukee that had been a testing ground Five years ago, those a handful of partnerships within for educational reforms. Many accomplishments seemed Strive’s 65-member network initiatives had been tried. There elusive. Now they are realities. with a community foundation as was reticence around yet another its backbone. That relationship It took a community to get there. education attempt that could fall Succeeds provides powerful advantages, short. is working “Milwaukee’s work has modeled namely resources, longevity and the perseverance and tenacity By virtue of being a community expertise, said Jackie Herd-Barber, that communities have to foundation, the Foundation was a Foundation Board member and magine uniting an entire have to do this work,” said in a unique position to spearhead Milwaukee Succeeds co-chair. Jeff Edmondson, managing the effort. It knew the community, Icommunity around one goal director of StriveTogether, a had invested millions in education that could impact generations. national network of educational over the years and had taken a partnerships that helped develop broad-based approach toward Milwaukee Succeeds’ framework. addressing a complex issue. When Milwaukee Succeeds, an educational President & CEO Ellen M. Gilligan partnership the Greater Milwaukee Results have not happened brought the idea with her from Foundation launched in 2011, overnight, but the momentum Cincinnati, Strive’s birthplace, the has done just that. The collective is accelerating, partners say. Foundation Board recognized an impact of that communitywide effort Milwaukee Succeeds has six opportunity to make a bigger has taken hold and is reporting staff members and hundreds investment. progress. Many philanthropists of volunteers dedicated to joined in the efforts and are aligning closing the achievement gap “Helping all children succeed their grantmaking. More than in four areas: kindergarten requires a communitywide 300 organizations are collectively readiness, school readiness, response,” said John W. problem-solving to create better career readiness and social and Daniels Jr., who served as outcomes for Milwaukee’s kids. emotional health. Several pilot Foundation Board chair Overall, 10 of the 11 educational programs underway are showing when the partnership benchmarks it tracks are moving in a promising results. As a testament began. “Milwaukee Succeeds positive direction. to the partnership’s future, five embodies the Foundation’s local funders recently committed commitment to education, Nearly as important and impactful a total of $5 million over the next rooted in 100 years of history. I’m is the partnership’s influence on four years to support it. proud of the fact it has played

Student from Milwaukee French Immersion School

Student from Hawley Environmental School 5 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 6 The Foundation’s leadership and education because we focus on Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Participants say the sense of MILESTONES the partnership’s approach — the kids.” Herb Kohl Charities and Bader urgency on behalf of Milwaukee’s uniting diverse groups around a Philanthropies, has fueled pilot kids and the acknowledgement July 2011 Development of the partnership’s single purpose, identifying best programs around literacy that are that such an approach can work — four goal areas and strategies Greater Milwaukee practices, expanding what works improving test scores. Funders simply because nothing else has relied on input from hundreds Foundation, in and using data to drive decisions like United Way are increasingly — have kept them engaged. of organizations. A number of partnership with the — motivated community leaders aligning their grantmaking with groups are concentrating on each “Our base of community support Greater Milwaukee Committee, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association like Danae Davis to join. the partnership’s goals. Milwaukee area, and at least 40 organizations is as committed as ever,” Davis of Commerce, Milwaukee Urban League, United Way of Greater Public Schools used a new “We are looking for what’s best, make up each group. The largest – said. “To know that adults are Milwaukee & Waukesha County and Bader Philanthropies, launches evidence-based literacy model and we are discovering that third-grade reading – involves 75. united in our cause of improving Milwaukee Succeeds. Foundation Board member Jackie Herd-Barber, to drive its newly redesigned together,” said Davis, who signed With so many diverse voices, it has educational and life outcomes for Marquette University President Mike Lovell and Northwestern Mutual curriculum. on as a volunteer while CEO at taken time to pinpoint goals and all children in Milwaukee instills a Chairman and CEO John Schlifske lead the new partnership. PEARLS for Teen Girls and was identify strategies. And, nearly five years later, almost belief that together we can make a hired as Milwaukee Succeeds’ all of the organizations that the difference for our children.” Bright spots are emerging. executive director last May. “We Foundation convened at the first June 2013 Support from local funders, take the politics hopefully out of meeting in 2011, remain involved. including United Way, Milestone Report, an annual report that provides baseline academic data of students in Milwaukee, is launched. It sets community goals for improvement by 2020 and tracks progress toward those goals.

January 2014

Transformative Reading Instruction model begins as a pilot program in two Milwaukee Public Schools.

May 2015

Danae Davis, former CEO of PEARLS for Teen Girls and an active member of Milwaukee Succeeds from its beginning, becomes executive director.

June 2015

The Milestone Report shows 10 of the 11 educational metrics it tracks are moving in a positive direction. View the complete report at milwaukeesucceeds.org/milestone.

August 2015

Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Herb Kohl Charities, Northwestern Mutual Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County commit $5 million over four years to support Milwaukee Succeeds.

7 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Students at Hawley Environmental School Spring 2016 GREATER together 8 This is going to be the year we are seeing students“ really making the growth we’ve been envisioning for so long. Karen Penvose, Milwaukee Academy of” Science’s achievement director strategies and support to help “We are moving toward getting their students and, in turn, those our readers to where they need to early readers are making great be.” gains in as little as a few months’ Sixteen percent of Milwaukee time. third-graders read at a With TRI, teachers receive proficient or advanced level, professional development and according to the Milwaukee coaching to improve how they Succeeds Milestone Report. teach foundational reading The partnership’s third-grade and social and emotional reading networks, comprised of skills. Students get one-on-one 75 organizations, were tasked tutoring and experiential learning early on with identifying the root opportunities. Parents learn tips causes of the city’s low third-grade on how to support their children’s reading proficiency. They looked learning at home. at the issue from various angles: Transformative Reading Instruction is a new approach in Milwaukee to closing the literacy in school, outside of school and “This is going to be the year we gap that combines tutoring, teacher coaching at home. As multiple factors are seeing students really making and parent engagement to help strengthen the led to the poor outcomes, they city’s readers. the growth we’ve been envisioning determined multiple solutions for so long,” Penvose said. would be needed to address The model, used at MAS and six them. Mutual. It centered on providing First-grade teacher other schools, is one of the early teachers intensive in-classroom Emilie McClure and her “We believe that focusing success stories of Milwaukee coaching and support to improve students at Milwaukee primarily on third-grade reading Succeeds, the educational how they teach reading. Academy of Science proficiency will produce the partnership the Greater Milwaukee greatest long-term results for “The range of things teachers Foundation launched in 2011. If Milwaukee students,” said John have to field in a given day — both test scores are any indication, the READY TO Schlifske, chairman and CEO of on content and behavior — is just model is living up to its name. Northwestern Mutual and co- enormous,” said Mary Schmidt, a Transformation doesn’t stop New literacy model in Milwaukee setting chair of Milwaukee Succeeds. literacy specialist and the architect there, though. It has marked a “Third-grade reading proficiency behind TRI. students and teachers up for success shift in thinking and learning is a key indicator of high school READ for teachers and administrators Coaches are in the classroom graduation rates, and today, more alike. It also was the lead driver about 20 hours each week, ot long ago, Karen Penvose, Milwaukee Academy of Science’s achievement than 80 percent of Milwaukee behind Milwaukee Public Schools’ observing teachers, providing Ndirector, was in a meeting with a teacher who was in tears, frustrated that third-graders are not proficient in redesigned literacy curriculum in instant feedback and better she couldn’t give her struggling readers all the help they needed. reading.” 2015. positioning them to address “I want to do my best for my students, but I don’t have all the time I need to TRI took root in 2014 at MPS’s those challenges, Schmidt said. “The goal is to improve teacher really address all their needs,” the teacher said. Gwen T. Jackson Early Childhood As teachers and students gain practice so students are making and Elementary School, thanks mastery in reading skills, the MAS teachers today are feeling more equipped thanks to a new comprehensive gains in reading,” said Deb to funding from Northwestern coaching decreases. literacy model called Transformative Reading Instruction (TRI). They have more Kuether, MPS director of literacy.

9 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 10 EXPANDING THE LITERACY MODEL IN MILWAUKEE

6,000

4,080 50 Cost per student: $278 Cost per school: $37,960 2,040 Cost to implement TRI in 840 34 a school over a three-year period: $180,000 17

7 Schools 2015 2016 2017 2018 Students

You can help expand the model into more schools by making a gift to the Milwaukee Succeeds Funders Collaborative Fund. Contact Audrey Borland, Milwaukee Succeeds school success project manager, at 414.324.8942 or aborland@ milwaukeesucceeds.org, for more information. With the new model, Milwaukee Academy of Science students are making great gains in their reading skills in a short period of time.

Kindergarteners have shown Organizers say teacher support associate scientist at University experiences families can access, like trips to the most gains. In December is the most compelling piece of of Wisconsin-Milwaukee who is the Milwaukee Public Museum, to continue 2014, 97 percent of participating evidence. Through a program evaluating the model. “It’s not building a love for literacy. School and kindergarteners were assessed as evaluation and a standing- enough to just do things in the community workshops provide parents tips on being in the highest risk category. room only presentation of the classroom.” how to reinforce the new skills their children Six months later, 30 percent were. model in late fall, teachers and are learning. administrators sang its praises. Tutoring provides struggling Students have shown increased students extra one-on-one The challenge remains in scaling the model. confidence in reading and If not for the program, I’d still be support. At MAS, trained Milwaukee Succeeds plans to gradually more interest in it overall. One struggling, one teacher said. volunteers through the Wisconsin expand TRI so by 2018 it is in place in 50 kindergartener at Forest Home schools and reaching 6,000 kindergarten Students have retained Reading Corps provide daily, Avenue School, after beating his through second-graders. Organizers consider information from the prior school 20-minute sessions with students previous score on a timed test, what elements of the model are already in year, which makes my job easier; who are below their grade level proudly exclaimed, “I’m really place at a school before introducing TRI. Each I’m not playing catch up, another in reading. Citywide, the program getting smarter and smarter!” component is continuously monitored. A TRI said. has tutored 319 students since team at each school reviews the data monthly Teachers, some of whom initially mid-September 2015. When it Coaching is the model’s and makes tweaks when necessary. were hesitant to try something began, none of those students cornerstone, but other elements new, have felt more confident were reading at grade level; a few “They really have set us up on a trajectory that are just as critical. teaching struggling students months later 12 percent were. is going to be successful,” Penvose said. because of the resources and “Learning literacy is a very holistic A website called Read to Succeed coaching provided. activity,” said Rachel Lander, an Adventures identifies specific

11 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 12 Our major goal is to “ give back. Literacy& -Marie” Weis created a donor advised fund with open to supporting a variety of proceeds from his annuity policies. different programs that better our community.” The couple knew in general what Learning they wanted to support, namely In many ways, the fund has education and music. But she concentrated its investments in ignite donor's passion credits the Foundation and her outreach programs that marry philanthropic adviser, Marybeth music and education, like the Budisch, for teaching her the Florentine Opera’s Opera Marie spends ABCs of maximizing grantmaking in Schools program and the s Marie Weiss’s late husband, Bernie, liked to say, theirs was a love her Tuesday in those areas. Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s mornings at Literacy formed by vowels and consonants. A Arts in Community Education Services, helping its adult clients learn to read, “There is so much good A love for learning and literacy shaped their careers and their programs. many of whom are doing so for the first time. happening and you kind of open relationship. Both majored in education and started careers in the the door (to those opportunities),” To support education at a higher classroom — Marie teaching first-graders how to read and Bernie said Weiss, who views her grants level, Weiss transferred money in based reading program for serving as a middle school English teacher. They met while as seed money. “This fund 2011 from the donor advised fund adults with learning disabilities working at Milwaukee Public Schools and later reconnected alone is not going to alter the to create a designated scholarship that requires the highest level of at an education conference. Bernie’s career trajectory as a environment, but I would hope as fund to support graduate students specialized training. school superintendent took them to multiple states over it touches the lives of whomever at Wayne State University, Bernie’s the years. With a Ph.D. in reading, Marie worked as a “She has a deep knowledge, the individuals are, it can make a alma mater. It provides two $4,000 university professor and later in education at the state appreciation and understanding difference.” scholarships for students pursuing level. of the complexity of learning to educational administration and She’s been introduced to giving read and the issues adults can face Their mutual passion also shapes their linguistics and reading. opportunities like the Southeast as they try to master that complex philanthropy, which Marie now shepherds Wisconsin Festival of Books, an The Foundation has opened skill,” Duiven said. “She brings a after Bernie’s death in 2010 following a seven- annual communitywide event the door to new possibilities very positive attitude to everything year battle with cancer. At the heart of their organized by the University for investing from the fund, but else she engages in.” giving is providing people the same kind of of Wisconsin-Waukesha that also has opened Marie’s eyes to opportunities that the couple enjoyed. celebrates literacy. She’s also new ways to invest her time and “If you are that fortunate, you have a learned of and supported Next passion, like Literacy Services of Door Foundation’s home school Wisconsin. She started as a tutor responsibility,” Marie said. “Our major goal is To learn about nonprofits lit kits, which are backpacks sent with its flagship program and to give back.” that align with your interest home with kids each month filled now serves on its development While Bernie was sick, the two discussed areas, contact Philanthropic with books and literacy activities. committee and board. creating a fund to help avoid paying Adviser Marybeth Budisch at estate taxes. Marie described it as “She is the consummate Her lifelong passion is evident, 414.336.7068 or mbudisch@ “an investment strategy that also coinvester,” Budisch said. “Given said executive director Ginger greatermilwaukeefoundation.org. had a good purpose.” She her background, it’s no surprise Duiven, especially considering Marie loves learning about new she is a tutor for the agency’s most opportunities to give and is rigorous program, an evidence-

13 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 14 Grantmaking at a Glance Vital Signs

VITAL SIGNS: EDUCATION Seventy-five quality of life indicators. Sixteen regions. WAYS One goal: How does metro Milwaukee stack up? That’s the premise behind Vital “The fact that we rank first as a One of metro Milwaukee’s more we are making an Signs, a biennial report the Greater region – more than Chicago, more promising educational indicators is 3 Milwaukee Foundation originally than the Twin Cities – is something the declining high school dropout commissioned in 2013 and updated to celebrate,” said Marcus White, the rate. The rate has been dropping impact in education in 2015. It provides a glimpse of how Foundation’s vice president of civic since 2010, and Milwaukee has metro Milwaukee fares compared to engagement. “The trick is: How do the third lowest rate among the 16 Funders' Collaborative 15 other regions based upon a varied we hold on to these people?” regions. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation convened a group of five local philanthropic set of quality of life indicators. partners to form the Milwaukee Succeeds Funders’ Collaborative, which will pool Yet the region suffers from brain White said Vital Signs provides a resources to support and scale strategies that ensure success for every child, in Specific to education, the region drain, as graduates often take their starting point for policymakers, every school, cradle to career. As part of that, the Foundation made a new, $1 million ranks high — first actually — in terms degrees and talent elsewhere. Nor is philanthropists and business leaders commitment to Milwaukee Succeeds over the next five years. of individuals enrolled in college and it attracting enough new talent, which to discuss how we, as a community, graduate school. poses a challenge for maintaining a can improve our region or build Wisconsin Reading Corps competitive workforce. upon the successes already in place. The Foundation worked closely with key legislators and Gov. Scott Walker's office to identify new resources to support Wisconsin Reading Corps, an evidence-based reading program that has secured 15 AmeriCorps workers who work one-on-one with High school attendance students in eight area schools. The Foundation will continue to elevate awareness of 3.02% the proven program and seek help from public and private sector partners to take • The dropout rate in our region has improved significantly from nearly 5% to 3.02% in just 4 years proven efforts to scale. Higher education enrollment Public Policy Forum 1st Together with Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the Foundation provided funding • The region ranks first for enrollment in college or graduate school per 1,000 (77.6) to help the Public Policy Forum, the region’s nonpartisan research organization, to • 99,888 persons enrolled in college expand its capacity to conduct educational research. With such support, it produced two reports on the region’s educational landscape, which can be found at • 21,951 persons enrolled in graduate or professional school publicpolicyforum.org/research/what-milwaukee-k-12-school-system. Brain drain 15th • The region ranks 15th (second to last) in the number of new residents age 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree

Visit greatermilwaukeefoundation.org/vs for the full report. To schedule a briefing for your organization, contact Marcus White, Education has been a vice president of Civic Engagement, at 414.336.7026 or longstanding passion of 2015 Education Grantmaking [email protected]. the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and our donors. Total investment in strengthening education Throughout a century of service in the community, $6,537,000 we’ve invested in thousands Milwaukee Succeeds of programs to support MILESTONE REPORT the educational journeys Total investment in scholarships The region as a whole fares well in education, but the city of Milwaukee itself faces a number of challenges. of children, from cradle to • Only 12% of children in families receiving childcare subsidies are in highly-rated centers career. $2,772,308 • Only 16% of Milwaukee third-graders read at a proficient level • 18% of students met the ACT benchmarks in 3 or 4 subjects Visit milwaukeesucceeds.org/milestone for the full report.

15 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 16 Make a Difference

FUNDING NEEDS: $100 supports one square foot of The Ability Center facility $1,500 covers cost of ice skating sleds $2,000 covers cost of adaptive equipment for kayaking $2,400 supports average cost of adaptive athletic equipment $2,500 purchases a beach accessible wheelchair or handcycle

INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN THIS PROJECT? Contact Tori Johnson at [email protected] Making Milwaukee or 414.336.7061 to make a gift from your fund. MORE You also can give online at tacwi.org. energy and passion to opening up other opportunities for people with disabilities.

ACCESSIBLE “We decided let’s make things more grant, validated the center’s nyone can become a member The Ability Center is looking to of the center’s universal design a entrance and high-contrast color accessible for a conversation about the need and estimated a $15.2 Aof the world’s largest minority change that. reality. schemes for the visually impaired. need for The Ability Center,” Buchman million annual impact on the local group. Adaptive programming, like said. The proposed $40 million fitness, More than 190,000 people with wheelchair basketball, will be economy. Whether by accident, disease or athletic and recreation facility is the disabilities live in southeastern offered along with able-bodied His latest initiative, called old age, we’ll all have a disability brainchild of Damian Buchman, a Wisconsin. While sports and fitness Buchman has championed the effort programming, like Zumba. It also RampUpMKE, partners with Milwaukee at some point. The Americans two-time osteosarcoma survivor facilities might accommodate them, since 2009, viewing it as a way to will host tournaments for adaptive County Parks to make recreational with Disabilities Act has led to who has undergone 22 major knee most are not designed to meet give back to honor his survivorship. and able-bodied athletes. opportunities more accessible. The advancements over the last 25 surgeries since his first diagnosis their needs, he said. “When you believe you are alive to first two events have raised thousands years, but those haven’t necessarily at age 13. The former sports facility The idea won Marquette of dollars to help purchase adaptive The 230,000-square-foot building do something of this magnitude, provided greater opportunities, manager, adaptive athlete and University’s 2011 Social Innovation equipment like beach accessible is designed to be fully accessible, failure is not an option," he said. particularly in helping people stay visionary in chief has been building business plan competition. A 2014 wheelchairs at Bradford Beach and with details including extra-wide While that process unfolds, he active and healthy. a movement to make the dream feasibility study, supported by a specially designed ice skating sleds for sidelines, a zero-depth pool is dedicating additional time, Greater Milwaukee Foundation Red Arrow Park.

17 Greater Milwaukee Foundation RampUpMKE event at Red Arrow Park Spring 2016 GREATER together 18 Profile in Philanthropy

hances are it’s not just one He and his wife, Cthing that has led to Richard Maxine, a former Franz’s longevity. It could be his school teacher, daily routine, which includes lifting devoted many weights, not overindulging at years to protecting REFLECTING meals, and treating himself to a the environment. bottle of New Glarus Spotted Cow They co-founded each afternoon. It could be his the Ecology copious amounts of reading. The Association of ON A CENTURY New Berlin bibliophile estimates New Berlin. She he reads about four or five books passed away in Photo by Becca Mader Donor finds enjoyment in engaging each week. 1991. He also How do you celebrate 100 years? Richard Franz decided has outlived his Ask the centenarian his secret, to take the ride of a lifetime – a trip down the Milwaukee in the community son, Erich, and his River – courtesy of his friends at the Urban Ecology Center. though, and he doesn’t skip a daughter, Emily. beat. One of the ways he continues “Always learning, every instant of third-graders in sampling maple learning is through the the day,” says Franz, who shares syrup on one visit and chatting designated fund he started at a birth year with the Greater with high school participants the Foundation in 1994 when Milwaukee Foundation. in the center’s outdoor leader he was just an octogenarian. program on another trip. He considers it his passion and It benefits the Urban Ecology something that hasn’t slowed Center and SHARP Literacy. “He has a better sense of what down as he has gotten older. Too we do than many,” said Ken “As I think back to all the years I old to him, by the way, is anyone Leinbach, its executive director, have known you, your assistance over age 75. He planned his own who arranged a canoe trip for has been very invaluable,” he “going away party” at age 95. Franz down the Milwaukee River said. to celebrate his 99th birthday. Franz was born in Milwaukee and Franz doesn’t simply invest in grew up in the Lindsay Heights The excursion, Franz’s idea, the programs. He engages in neighborhood, where his parents took him past his old office. them. owned a corner grocery store. It was such a great adventure After studying graphic design He visited a second-grade that he signed up again for the at the Milwaukee State Teachers classroom to see SHARP opportunity last July to toast his College, he opened his own Literacy’s educational 100th birthday. business in the Cawker Building programming in action. He A century old, Franz hasn’t downtown, which he ran for more stopped by the Milwaukee slowed down. He continues to than 20 years. He later went to Rotary Centennial Arboretum, live in the home he’s owned work for Waukesha County as a located a half hour from his for the past 60 years and is cartographer, a skill he acquired house, after reading about considering volunteering at his while stationed in Portland, Ore., it in the news. He toured church. as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Urban Ecology Center’s three Engineers during World War II. campuses, joining a group of “He’s amazing,” Leinbach said.

To discuss your philanthropic passion or to start a fund, contact Tim Larson, our vice president of Philanthropic Services, at 414.336.7065 or [email protected].

19 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Richard Franz Spring 2016 GREATER together 20 Profile in Philanthropy

Not only are you going to be helping organizations, but it is positive as far of “as helping your estate planning. GIFT -Steve Lewensohn RENTAL PROPERTY ” paves the way to philanthropy or 40 years, the two-story Though not a particularly accept such a real estate gift, Mark Fduplex with maize colored common giving option, it is one said. siding and sage green trim on worth exploring, said Mary Kay for Mequon couple “Each property is unique, and Milwaukee’s upper east side served Mark, the Foundation’s director there’s a lot of careful analysis and as a solid investment for Wendy of gift planning. She noted that evaluation,” Mark said. and Steve Lewensohn. It was one of donors are offered a charitable a number of rental properties they deduction for the fair market value It proved to be a rather quick and owned and, for a brief time while of the property, as valued by an simple process. The Foundation still newlyweds, it was a place they appraisal. put the property on the market called home. Earlier this year, the in early May and it sold within “Not only are you going to be Mequon couple decided to sell two weeks. Its location, charming helping organizations, but it is the property, which lies two blocks details – including hardwood positive as far as helping your from the University of Wisconsin- floors, leaded glass windows and estate planning,” said Steve, a Milwaukee and a stone’s throw from original pear wood cabinetry – retired mortgage banker. Riverside Park. In July, when they and overall condition contributed closed the door for the final time The Lewensohns decided to toward the quick sale. to the 105-year-old building, they donate the duplex following The gift deepens their relationship opened up a whole new chapter – discussions with their CPA and with the Foundation, one that as philanthropists. attorney. They then signed a stretches back to 2006 when memorandum of understanding They did so by donating the they first included it in their with the Foundation, which stated property to the Greater Milwaukee estate plan. They made their first the steps each party would take in Foundation, which in turn sold it, round of grants to five different the process. allowing the Lewensohns to take organizations in September. a charitable deduction and avoid A five-member gift acceptance “We’ve always been on the same capital gains taxes. They used the committee made up of page with regard to charitable proceeds from the sale to create a Foundation board and staff giving, and now we have the donor advised fund. ultimately decides whether to opportunity,” Steve said.

Contact Mary Kay Mark, our director of gift planning, at 414.336.7066 or [email protected], to explore your options for giving.

21 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Wendy and Steve Lewensohn Spring 2016 GREATER together 22 Giving Smarter In Their Own Words

Beyond the will in William S. Martin hether working for former about particular causes. I want estate planning WWisconsin Gov. Tommy to make sure I’m part of those Thompson or on his own as conversations, and I want to be MICHAEL G. MAY president of consulting firm one of those people investing in by Jericho Resources, Inc., William the solutions. May is an estate planning attorney in Mequon, Wisconsin. S. Martin has devoted the past 25 years to helping bridge public and Lots of people have, for a variety private partners to solve social of reasons, decided to invest in issues. He views his work as an the future through the Foundation. n the past, getting one’s affairs three Rs: Getting the Right forces decisions to be made. extension of the values his family If my doing so means being able Iin order meant hiring a lawyer to property, to the Right people, End-of-life documents should embraced for generations. Martin, to have a conversation about prepare a will. To some degree, at the Right time. A failure to be prepared before an illness or president of the Association what I’ve experienced – both on it still does, because a will allows consider these designations may crisis makes them necessary. The of Fundraising Professionals – the government side and in the the administration of an estate to cause some loved ones to inherit human tendency to procrastinate Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter, nonprofit community – and if be overseen and protected by the more than intended, and others can result in (1) state law dictating started his donor advised fund in it inspires anyone else of color court system. But the job does not less—or even result in disinheriting who receives your estate and summer 2015 with proceeds from to know that the Foundation end there, because many assets someone. in what proportions, (2) rushed the sale of a building he once is welcoming to people of all never pass through the will. They documents that do not reflect owned in downtown Cudahy. backgrounds coming in and There is a second reason to look may include: your intent, or (3) inability to sign Here’s why – in his own words. starting funds of all sizes, hopefully outside the will when preparing documents due to lack of capacity. some others would join the cause • Individual retirement accounts, end-of-life documents. For many What does philanthropy mean as well. 401(k) and profit-sharing of us, incapacity will precede Make it a resolution to review your to you? plans, life insurance, and other our death. During that time, a documents. Giving out of joy. Why now? assets that pass by beneficiary court-appointed guardian may My grandparents and great- designation; be required to make health and What causes are you most grandparents always believed in financial decisions. The red tape Let us be your charitable planning resource. Contact passionate about? tithing out of a sense of gratitude • Property owned jointly with of guardianship can be avoided Mary Kay Mark, our director of gift planning, I worry about cities like Milwaukee, for blessings received. When I right of survivorship; and with documents called powers of at [email protected] or where we have such a divide sold the building and had the • Cash and brokerage accounts attorney, which name a trusted 414.336.7066, about how you can start on your in terms of resources and proceeds, I lived out that tithing of opportunity. I’m very passionate sharing what I received. made “payable on death” to person to act on the signer’s path to philanthropy. about diversity and inclusion. others. behalf. Every adult should have If we are going to be a healthy them. By coordinating your will with community, we have to find ways beneficiary and title designations, I often see estate planning for all boats to be lifted. you can achieve what I call the delayed until an unexpected event Why the Greater Milwaukee Foundation? The Foundation gets folks together who have like minds

23 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 24 Generosity at Work

ARTISTSTATEMENT

o call Anne Kingsbury’s art a seen and said ‘this is interesting; Daniel Fuller, curator at the Atlanta recent college graduates to Endowment for the Arts (Top) Anne Kingsbury, 2014 Mary Nohl Fellow; (left) labor of love would be quite we are happy you are doing this,’” Contemporary Art Center and a septuagenarians. and other entities T Milwaukee artist Mary L. Nohl, the understatement. The 72-year- Kingsbury said. “That is a really 2014 juror. had ceased. Many A $9.6 million bequest left by photo by Ron Byers old visual artist has worked important thing.” couldn’t sustain The program has garnered praise Milwaukee artist Mary Nohl to the meticulously on hand-beading their work Since 2003, the Mary L. Nohl Fund and prestige for its support of Greater Milwaukee Foundation in text and images onto a deer and were fellowship Fellowships for Individual Artists individual artists as well as the 2001 got the conversation started. hide over the past 20 years. The leaving town, program Program has recognized work of way it is structured by offering an Her creative spirit and the need in piece chronicles daily activities, a said Polly and longstanding artists like Kingsbury, exhibition, catalogue, monetary the community at the time were testament to the small things that Morris, who viewed introduced new artists to the award and critical exposure big influences on the program’s form the major part of our lives. has led the Nohl’s gift community and, more importantly, for emerging and established development. One thing not included – but a program from as a chance put Milwaukee’s art community artists to outside curators. Nearly noteworthy piece of her 50-year Nohl requested her gift support its inception. to build on more firmly on the map. 90 fellowships, for a total of history as an artist – is the Mary L. visual arts and arts education, that experience $745,000, have been awarded The Foundation had Nohl Fellowship she won in 2014. “The Nohl really is something but did not mention a fellowship and expand its to individual artists ranging administered Milwaukee other cities should aspire to,” said program. Yet, at the time, support support for artists. “It is nice to have that commitment from painters to filmmakers, County’s short-lived individual for artists through the National

25 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 26 Each year, three jurors, when visiting curators and artists “I was a local resource they didn’t representing different regions come to town. Providing that know,” said the painter and MIAD and disciplines, visit Milwaukee. same level of exposure makes professor. The first day they pore over about Milwaukee’s program unique, The program also exposes jurors 150 applications and, through a Fuller said. to new opportunities. Lisa Dent, blind juried process, narrow the The fellows credit the use a 2012 juror, works for Creative field to seven established and 10 of outside jurors as lending Capital, an organization that emerging finalists. The next day, credibility to the program. Tyanna provides artists resources and they visit artists’ studios. Emerging Buie, who moved from Chicago to financial support. She met many artists receive $10,000, and Milwaukee in 2011, says curators new artists who would qualify for established receive $20,000. An and gallery owners started taking her company’s support through exhibition of their work is held the notice when she won the award in the program. Fuller had never following year. 2012. visited Milwaukee before 2014. “Part of what keeps a place like Thanks to the program, he’s Several artists, like Peter Milwaukee vital is supporting returned four times in less than a Barrickman, have grown along people at different places along year. On one occasion, he made While in Milwaukee, Tyanna Buie with the program. He was worked to inspire future artists through the continuum,” Morris said. nine studio visits. recognized as emerging in 2003 work with Artists Working in Education’s The fellowship, for which and established in 2009. As a Even with the program, retaining Truck Studio art program. Kingsbury has applied nearly young, struggling artist, he said artists remains difficult. Twenty- every year since it started, has the first win provided important five fellows, including Buie, have made it easier for her to continue affirmation. The second award moved away since 2003. She “If not for Mary Nohl, nobody in her decades-long project. provided him a solid future. He moved to Detroit last summer for Milwaukee would have cared as Throughout the three-month was out of a job, in need of money a full-time teaching opportunity. much,” said Buie, a screenprinter. exhibition, which was at INOVA on and looking to transition into Yet, just like jurors, fellows “I’m not just going to move to Milwaukee’s east side, Kingsbury teaching. He credits the fellowship can serve as ambassadors for Detroit and forget where I came worked on the deer hide at the with elevating his name and work. Milwaukee’s artist community, from. Why not bridge the two?” gallery. She used her award to Morris said. convert space in her home to a studio.

It’s as thrilling for Kingsbury as it is Tyanna J. Buie, Unveiled, screen-print painting, glitter, 2012. for Jenna Knapp, who graduated heavily influenced her work for the Though emerging artists don’t from Milwaukee Institute of Art Nohl exhibition, which examined receive studio visits, their work is and Design and won in 2014. how race is portrayed in the included alongside established Have art, Knapp used her fellowship to start media. artists in the exhibition and a conversation. The New Glarus will travel catalogue. Morris collaborates native became involved in the “I learned how much of a privilege hile the Mary L. Nohl Fund Fellowships for Nearly $139,000 has been awarded to 242 regularly with other area Black Lives Matter movement in it is to be an artist and have a Individual Artists Program was designed to individual artists and nine duos since 2003, institutions to make sure current W Milwaukee in fall 2014, shortly voice and to be able to use that help artists stay in Milwaukee, its Suitcase Export taking them to places as close to home as and past fellows receive visits after winning the award. That platform,” Knapp said. Fund provides financial support so they can take Madison and Kenosha and as far away as São their art around the country or the world. Funding, Paulo, Brazil and Gujarat, India. distributed twice a year, supports transportation of Part of what keeps a place like Milwaukee vital is supporting the work and of the artists. people“ at different places along the continuum. -Polly Morris program coordinator ”

27 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 28 Fund Flashback Partners in Philanthropy

EMIL BLATZ FUND

or many years in Brew City, Blatz was Milwaukee Foundation, “the F“Milwaukee’s Finest Beer” and Emil income from which shall be used Blatz, traveling auditor and son of the in purchasing scholarships for brewery’s owner, was one of Milwaukee’s worthy young men and women.” His finest philanthropists. generosity created the Foundation’s first scholarship fund. Its assets are His most visible legacy is that of the Blatz now five times larger than the original Temple of Music, an Art Deco-style band gift, and it has awarded more than shell in Washington Park that opened in $757,000 in scholarships. 1938, thanks to his $100,000 gift. Over the past 50 years, his most powerful We’d like to think Blatz is toasting legacy got its start from 16 words in his the Foundation’s good investment will. practices. Perhaps a few scholars are raising a glass in honor of his Blatz, who died in 1944 at age generosity, too. 86, directed $100,000 to the then

Photos courtesy of the Milwaukee County Historical Society (L) Cory Gritzmacher, West Bend parks project Donor Snapshot CIVIC manager, and (R) Greg Berg, La Rosa Landscape Company, at Old Settlers CENTERPIECES Park in West Bend MEQUON NATURE PRESERVE are the heart of the community Tiny piece of Wisconsin paradise serves as iscovering new music on in 2015 as part of its centennial boardwalk will begin. couple’s living legacy Da warm summer night. year to support the projects. A partnership with the Feasting on fresh produce at a Oconomowoc Area Foundation at Wilmeth was simply A grant from the Patricia Smith Wilmeth In summer, new life will come local farmer’s market. Taking a and city will upgrade the popular nuts about nature. Harvey Fund renamed the 7.5-acre beech- to Old Settlers Park, a less than P long leisurely stroll along the 250-foot pathway along Fowler Wilmeth was more of a maple forest, one of Pat’s favorite one acre hub on Main Street in lake. More often than not, what Lake as well as rebuild a small practical academic. Together, destinations, in Harvey’s honor after his downtown West Bend that draws serves as back drops to these gazebo nearby. throughout their 60-year death in 2007. Another grant planted in residents with its farmer’s memories are civic centerpieces. marriage, the couple shared a the seeds for an endowment so the market and weekly Music on Main Cedar Creek Park, long a cultural value of preservation. agency could continue restoring what In 2016, destinations in West series. The West Bend Community hot spot in Cedarburg and home director Kristin Gies described as “a tiny Bend, Oconomowoc, and Foundation is spearheading the to the popular Summer Sounds Their passion for each other and piece of Wisconsin paradise.” Following Cedarburg will undergo project, which includes replacing concert series, will unveil a new the environment lives on in perpetuity Pat’s death in 2013, daughters Sally and transformations, thanks to the the former gazebo with a new limestone pavilion in summer. as part of the Mequon Nature Preserve. Kim named an ephemeral pond after collaboration and generosity shelter three times its size, The project, in partnership Harvey’s Woods and Pat’s Pond, a their mother’s penchant for ponds. of the Greater Milwaukee installing accessible ramps, new with the Greater Cedarburg beautiful marriage of forest and pond’s Foundation and its three sidewalks and landscaping. Foundation and Cedarburg- edge, pays tribute to the couple’s Both serve as destinations for solace and regional partner foundations. Grafton Rotary Club, replaces a conservation beliefs. solitude the entire community can enjoy, As early as this fall, reconstruction The Foundation made $200,000 50-year-old band shell. but even more so the Wilmeth family. of downtown Oconomowoc’s investments in each community

29 Greater Milwaukee Foundation Spring 2016 GREATER together 30 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Milwaukee, Wis. Permit No. 3121 101 W. Pleasant St. . Suite 210 Milwaukee, WI 53212 414.272.5805 . greatermilwaukeefoundation.org

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THANK YOU Greater Milwaukee!

he Greater Milwaukee TFoundation was honored to commemorate its centennial in 2015 by providing access and special opportunities for everyone in the community to experience the many cultural gems that contribute to metro Milwaukee’s quality of life.

Through special Gifts to the Community, the Foundation had a chance to say thank you to the community for 100 years of generosity. In return, 275,000 people were able to get out and explore all that our region has to offer — from art museums to a multicultural festival to Asa, the newest resident at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Photo by Zoological Society of Milwaukee/Richard Brodzeller