The Visit Milwaukee Foundation
Who We Are
The Visit Milwaukee Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the Milwaukee region’s hospitality community and providing resources and opportunities to help them thrive. The foundation focuses on two main initiatives: 1.) a Scholarship Program for students pursuing careers in the hospitality field and 2.) an Emergency Relief Fund to support businesses in need after unforeseen, extraordinary events. We believe in strengthening our community by investing in the future of our hospitality industry and ensuring that those in our field can continue to flourish even in the toughest of circumstances. The foundation is funded from proceeds coming from the Christian Yelich Home Plate Charity Concert and the Greater Milwaukee Hospitality Open.
Scholarship Program
The Visit Milwaukee Foundation’s scholarship program aims to support students pursuing careers in the hospitality industry. By partnering with colleges and universities, we help ensure that tomorrow’s leaders have the resources needed to succeed. The amount awarded will depend on available funds, typically around $1,500 per scholarship.
Participating Schools:
Emergency Relief Fund
The Visit Milwaukee Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund, presented in partnership with Boelter SuperStore, is designed to assist hospitality-related businesses facing unexpected hardships. Whether it is property damage, operational disruption or another crisis, the Visit Milwaukee Foundation is proud to help these businesses recover from these difficult circumstances, offering support to ensure they can rebuild, grow stronger, and continue to make a positive impact in the community for years to come.
The amount awarded will be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific needs of each business and the availability of Emergency Relief funding. Grant amounts will range from $500 to $2,000 per business per year. For businesses experiencing supply and equipment damage, our partner, Boelter Superstore, may offer additional assistance through gift cards to their Glendale store to help replace the affected equipment while funds last.
Funding decisions for the Visit Milwaukee Relief Fund are based on a structured evaluation process, with most applications reviewed within 7-10 days and final decisions communicated within two weeks of submission.
Funding Eligibility & Application Guidelines:
- Claims must be submitted within 90 days of the event.
- Businesses must be located within the M7 Region: Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, Washington County, Ozaukee County, Racine County, Kenosha County and Walworth County.
*If you are interested in applying for the Emergency Relief Fund, please contact vmpartnership@milwaukee.org with your request and a member of our team will process your request as soon as possible.
