A vibrant arts and culture sector is one that offers diverse experiences for everyone. It should promote artistic excellence, provide accessibility for all, and stimulate the creative and intellectual spirit.
We support a strong arts and culture ecosystem in Milwaukee. Small, neighborhood-based organizations and programs provide easily accessible and affordable opportunities for residents. Medium-sized organizations and venues diversify the city’s offerings while serving as a training ground for artists and managers who aspire to work at larger groups. Large performing arts organizations and museums provide even greater opportunities for world class artistic and cultural experiences while boosting the regional economy and enhancing the city’s image.
The Foundation also values and supports the role that arts education plays in expanding thinking, stimulating creativity, and enhancing self-awareness for children of all ages (these grants fall under our education portfolio); and we encourage journalistic reporting and other initiatives that promote the importance of the arts and broaden awareness of the arts offerings that are available in our community.
Our Current Areas of Focus
General operating grants to support organizations with annual budgets below $750,000
Small arts and culture organizations play a critical role in Milwaukee’s arts ecosystem, but many lack the capacity to seek funding from major corporate or philanthropic donors and struggle to earn revenue as they seek to keep their offerings affordable. We aim to fill funding gaps for such organizations that can demonstrate their value to the audiences and neighborhoods they serve.
Grants to help launch new arts and culture programs and initiatives
We seek proposals from Milwaukee-based organizations of all sizes to support new initiatives ranging from neighborhood-based projects or programs to new offerings or endeavors at larger museums and performing arts groups. Our aim is to help organizations launch new ideas that will support their business models and become sustainable sources of enrichment for residents.
Grants to support local journalistic coverage of the arts
Milwaukee has a rich and diverse arts and culture sector that offers a broad range of opportunities to residents and visitors, but those opportunities must compete with other forms of entertainment. We seek proposals from journalistic organizations who are seeking to expand their coverage of the arts and culture in Milwaukee both to promote greater awareness of available offerings as well as to highlight the attributes and challenges facing the sector.
Grant Considerations
How To Apply
In mid-April, we completed a solicitation for applications for certain arts and culture and arts education categories, and in mid-July, we completed a solicitation for applications to support early childhood education organizations and initiatives. The application processes for these categories are now closed until 2026.
Other Program Areas We Support
Education
Throughout its history, the Herzfeld Foundation has supported organizations and initiatives that promote educational quality in Milwaukee and expand access to educational opportunities for all children.
Civic Improvements
On a limited basis and by invitation only, the Herzfeld Foundation considers grant requests for civic improvements initiatives that address important societal or public policy challenges in Milwaukee.