NONPROFIT

JOHNSON CONTROLS COMMITS $2 MILLION TO NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE AND ITS MILWAUKEE AFFILIATE

Johnson Controls has committed $2 million over three years to the National Urban League and Milwaukee Urban League.

Dr. Eve Hall, president and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee Urban League, said it’s a “transformative investment” that will allow the organization to increase the capacity of its programs and services related to employment, education and advocacy, as well as make potential investments in Milwaukee’s Bronzeville neighborhood.

The MUL operates a variety of programs, including workforce development and training, and education and youth-centered programs.

“This support is going to help us to increase capacity, to deepen impact, expand who we are reaching in this community through our employment efforts. It’s going to allow us to increase our staff, but (also) really dig deep into what is going to work to get people back on track in their lives.” Hall said. “Because the economic fallout for communities of color has been enormous.”

Hall said the investment will also support an upgrade to MUL’s facility, at 435 W. North Ave., that will allow the organization to bring some clients back safely.

— Lauren Anderson, staff writer

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GPS Education Partners will hold a virtual fundraising event, “20 Years of Transformations,” on March 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will help close the financial gap for a student’s work-based learning journey. The event will be emceed by Toya Washington, news co-anchor of WISN, and Denise Thomas, owner and president of The Effective Communication Coach, and will include a silent auction. More information is available at gpsed.org. The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-Greater Milwaukee Chapter will host its annual awards ceremony virtually on March 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. The free event will include networking, community-building and mini-sessions. More information is available at ynpnmke.org.

DONATION ROUNDUP

Community Advocates received a $100,000 donation from The Jack and Barbara Recht Family Fund, which will support its Homeless Outreach and Supportive Housing Programs. | The Baker Tilly Foundation recently donated $10,000 and 40 hours of volunteer time to Milwaukee-based SecureFutures. | The Milwaukee Urban League recently received a $50,000 grant from Oak Creek-based Stella & Chewy’s that will support a transportation initiative to help MUL clients who work in outlying areas. | The Milwaukee Bucks and Heartland Business Systems recently donated 20 new HP laptops to local college students from All-In Milwaukee. | Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin donated $12,000 to Mercy Housing Lakefront to provide rental assistance for 13 Milwaukee families. | Milwaukee Public Schools recently received a donation of 5,000 pizzas from Palermo’s Pizza, which were handed out through the district’s Stop, Grab & Go meal distribution sites.

nonprofit SPOTLIGHT

GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE MILWAUKEE

8685 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point 414-797-0522 | gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee Facebook: facebook.com/gigisplayhousemilwaukee Instagram: @GiGisPlayhouseMKE

Year founded: GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee opened on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, 2015.

Mission statement: The mission of GiGi’s Playhouse is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.

Primary focus of your nonprofit organization: We change lives through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeuticbased and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community, through a replicable playhouse model. Our promise is a lifelong commitment to families.

Number of employees at this location: 3 (one full-time, two part-time)

Key donors: Bader Philanthropies, Harri Hoffman Family Foundation, Anon Charitable Trust, Stackner Family Foundation, Bank Five Nine and a growing number of other contributors.

Executive leadership: Sue Schrader, executive director; Sara Van Deurzen, site coordinator; Heather Minsky, program coordinator

Board of directors: Susanne Griscom Pelikan, president; Barry Goldman, vice president; Mike Wachter, treasurer; Erin Anderson, Grant/Fundraising Committee chair and secretary; Ann Jasen, Donor Relations chair; Kari Dyer, Donor Relations Committee member; Griffin Gross, Board Development chair

Is your organization actively seeking board members for the upcoming term? Yes. We are looking for people with backgrounds in education, health care, marketing and events. We are also looking for a volunteer coordinator.

Ways the business community can help your nonprofit: Spread the word. Visit our Playhouse and take a tour. A sponsorship or donation is always appreciated. Volunteer as a board member or committee person. Program volunteer opportunities are also available.

Key fundraising events: • GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge • Brew Ha Ha • Wisconsin Arm Wrestlers State

Tournament • 3-21 Campaign