How to Help in Milwaukee

Want to support the Milwaukee community in this time of need, but aren’t sure where to start? With the COVID-19 outbreak, local businesses and at-risk populations could use your help now more than ever. In addition to following all CDC precautions to keep you and your loved ones healthy, here are some ways you can ensure others in the Milwaukee community are equipped to weather this viral storm.

Give to the MKE Responds Fund

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, in partnership with local philanthropists and funders, has created a fund to respond to the COVID-19 situation. The Milwaukee Responds Fund will provide resources to organizations working in the Greater Milwaukee area with communities disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus and the economic consequences of this pandemic. Donate here. 

Thank Milwaukee's Healthcare Workers

The Milwaukee Business Journal's 2020 class of 40 Under 40 winners are raising funds to provide local healthcare workers with meals, snacks and beverages through local coffee shops, bakeries and restaurateurs. Donate here.

Support the Hospitality Industry

With mandated closures limiting restaurant service to curbside, takeout and delivery, service industry workers are faced with new challenges. Consider supporting fundraising efforts to assist those affected. Fundraising campaigns and digital tip jars include:

• Pabst Theater Group
• Bartolotta Restaurants
• This Is It!
• Red Rock & McGillycuddy's
• Who's On Third/CANTINA/Oak Barrel
• RWB & Nicole's Third Ward Social
• Elwood's & Rogues Gallery
• S.O.S. Milwaukee (Save Our Spots)
• Restaurant Workers of Madison and Milwaukee Fund 

Order from Local Restaurants

Support local restaurants by ordering curbside. You can safely enjoy Milwaukee’s culinary scene while assisting local businesses that need it. Check out OnMilwaukee’s list of options here. If you haven't tried curbside yet, here's why you should.

Shop Online

If you have upcoming purchases like clothing, coffee, home goods or gifts, place online orders with local retailers. This list includes downtown and nearby retailers who offer e-commerce options.

Order gift cards and be entered to win! Iron Horse Hotel is promoting 3 businesses daily and giving you $20 off your next stay if you purchase gift cards from those businesses.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & Museum in Milwaukee is releasing a bobblehead modeled after Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. $5 from every Dr. Fauci Bobblehead sold will be donated to the American Hospital Association in support of the 100 Million Mask Challenge. Pre-order here.

Support Local Artists

Imagine MKE is supporting artists who have been impacted by canceled events, performances and other engagements. Contribute here.

Contribute to True Skool's fundraising campaign here to support ongoing daily operations and virtually delivered experiences.

Donate to Sherman Phoenix

In response to COVID-19, Sherman Phoenix is seeking immediate rent relief for all 27 tenants and necessary resources to establish e-commerce platforms for its local entrepreneurs. Emergency funding will help ensure local businesses can reopen, rebuild and rehire, and the Sherman Phoenix will remain a vibrant community hub. Click here to donate. 

Lend a Hand

Donate to Local Food Banks

As Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank, Hunger Task Force plays a vital role for many in the community. To ensure those in need are fed, you can donate online or volunteer by helping build senior Stockboxes and supporting the Mobile Market. Learn more about what you can do to feed Milwaukee’s hungry and donate here.

Share Food Resources for Students

If you or someone you know relies on schools for meals, there are 20 school sites in Milwaukee that now offer free breakfast, lunch and instructional kits. Grab-and-go meals and grade-level instructional kits are available Monday through Friday at select locations 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spread this information digitally and find the distribution sites here.

Adopt or Foster Animals

The Wisconsin Humane Society needs your help to foster cats and dogs. With the spread of COVID-19, caring for more than 250 animals with limited staff has become challenging. By adopting or fostering, you’ll make a significant impact on a local nonprofit while improving an animal’s quality of life. Find the application form and more information here.

Help Someone in Need

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is offering help to those in need. If you know an elderly or disabled adult, a pregnant woman, a refugee, immigrant, and/or Spanish-speaking family who is isolated and unable to care for themselves, Catholic Charities will assist. Catholic Charities has a team of bilingual Case Workers, Pregnancy Support Workers, Refugee and Immigration Service Specialists, and licensed Therapists who are ready to help. Click here for more information.