MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

Ellenbecker Investment Group
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Non-Profit
  • Bimonthly

MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community is a podcast by Ellenbecker Investment Group that celebrates philanthropy and community impact in Wisconsin. Hosted by Jill Economou, Director of Community Relations, MPC highlights Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations, inspiring stories of giving, and practical ways listeners can make a difference. Each Thursday, new episodes feature leaders of local nonprofits, changemakers, and individuals passionate about creating positive impact. Learn how to give back, discover the joy of philanthropy, and explore opportunities to support causes that matter in Milwaukee and beyond. Join us to uncover the value of giving, connect with the Milwaukee philanthropic community, and find your own path to making a difference.

  1. 2d ago

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation

    Greater Milwaukee Foundation: Building a Thriving Region Through Philanthropy This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the history, impact, and future vision of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Wisconsin’s oldest and largest community foundation. Host Jill Economou sits down with Greg Wesley, President and CEO, to discuss how the Foundation has helped shape the region for more than a century through philanthropy, community leadership, and strategic investment. Greg explains what a community foundation is and how donor generosity has fueled more than a century of support for nonprofits, neighborhoods, and community priorities. The conversation explores the Foundation’s dual role as both a steward of charitable resources and a community leader working to address critical issues facing the region. Listeners will learn how the Greater Milwaukee Foundation responded to urgent community needs in 2025, why Greg believes everyone can be a philanthropist, and how the organization is preparing for one of the largest wealth transfers in history. The discussion also highlights place-based investing, small business support, affordable housing, early childhood education, and the Foundation’s vision for creating greater economic mobility across the region. Through stories, examples, and practical insights, Greg shares why philanthropy is about more than charitable giving. It is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and investing in a thriving future for generations to come. Episode Highlights 1:08 | What a community foundation is and how it creates long-term community impact 3:43 | The Greater Milwaukee Foundation's role as a convener, thought leader, and community partner 6:00 | How the Foundation responded to community challenges in 2025 through record grantmaking and fundraising 8:46 | The Foundation's Five T's philosophy and why everyone can be a philanthropist 11:32 | Preparing for the largest generational wealth transfer in history 14:49 | Greg Wesley's personal journey and the role community has played throughout his career 21:50 | Community leadership, place-based investing, and the Foundation's impact beyond grantmaking 23:20 | The Bronzeville redevelopment and the vision behind ThriveOn King 25:26 | Impact investing and supporting small businesses, housing, and neighborhood growth 33:05 | Why early childhood education is a key focus area for long-term community success 36:59 | What's next for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and its focus on economic mobility 38:39 | Why community foundations matter and Greg's call to action for community engagement GREATER MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION Founded in 1915, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin's largest and oldest community foundation. Through charitable giving, donor services, community leadership, and strategic investments, the Foundation works to strengthen southeastern Wisconsin and create a vibrant, equitable region where everyone can thrive. Website: https://www.greatermilwaukeefoundation.org ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com

  2. Oct 20

    Hebron Housing Services

    Hebron Housing Services: Creating Pathways from Homelessness to Housing This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the realities of homelessness in southeastern Wisconsin and the organizations working every day to help individuals and families find stability, housing, and hope. Host Jill Economou is joined by Kathleen Fisher, CEO of Hebron Housing Services, the largest nonprofit provider serving unhoused men, women, and children in Waukesha County. Kathleen shares how Hebron Housing Services supports people throughout every stage of their housing journey, from emergency shelter and crisis intervention to transitional housing, rent assistance, permanent supportive housing, and long-term case management. The conversation explores the growing challenges facing families and individuals experiencing homelessness, including the shortage of affordable housing, rising living costs, and changing policy landscapes. Listeners will learn how Hebron has adapted its programs to increase successful housing outcomes, including innovative shelter models, landlord partnerships, master lease agreements, and youth homelessness initiatives. Kathleen also shares powerful personal stories that illustrate the life-changing impact of stable housing, compassionate support, and community collaboration. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about homelessness, the importance of housing-first strategies, and the critical role communities play in helping individuals and families find a path toward long-term stability. Episode Highlights 1:55 | Hebron Housing Services' mission and the continuum of services it provides 3:38 | The biggest factors contributing to homelessness, including affordable housing shortages and rising costs 6:27 | Why Housing First remains a proven strategy for ending homelessness 8:23 | How Hebron remains financially sustainable while responding to growing needs 9:27 | Program innovations that significantly increased successful housing outcomes 12:20 | Creative partnerships with landlords and strategies to expand housing opportunities 15:21 | The dedicated staff behind Hebron's success and the importance of trauma-informed care 19:50 | Kathleen's personal journey and the experiences that shape her leadership 23:16 | A powerful success story that highlights the impact of community support and housing stability 26:10 | Reaching functional zero youth homelessness and transforming lives through the Youth Housing Program 29:17 | Common misconceptions about homelessness and what people often get wrong 31:26 | What gives Kathleen hope and how community members can help support the mission HEBRON HOUSING SERVICES Hebron Housing Services provides emergency shelter, housing assistance, supportive services, and homelessness prevention programs for individuals and families throughout Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, and Jefferson counties. Through a housing-first approach, the organization works to help people quickly move from homelessness into stable, permanent housing while providing the support needed for long-term success. Website: https://hebronhouse.org ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com

  3. Oct 15

    Milwaukee Bucks Foundation

    Milwaukee Bucks Foundation: Leveraging the Power of Sports to Build Healthier Communities This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores how the Bucks Foundation is using the influence of professional sports to create meaningful community impact. Host Jill Economou is joined by Marla Habert, Executive Director of the Bucks Foundation, to discuss the organization's commitment to improving health outcomes, expanding opportunities, and investing in Milwaukee neighborhoods. Marla shares how the Bucks Foundation has evolved over its nearly ten-year history from traditional grantmaking to a more strategic, program-driven approach focused on building a healthier and stronger community. From health and wellness initiatives to youth career exposure and collective impact partnerships, the Foundation leverages the reach of the Milwaukee Bucks brand to address some of the region's most pressing challenges. The conversation highlights the Bucks Health & Wellness Program, a nationally unique initiative developed with input from the Milwaukee Bucks performance and nutrition teams to help community members improve their health through accessible nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle support. Marla also discusses the Deer Accelerator, a long-term collaborative effort to address Milwaukee's health disparities by bringing together neighborhood organizations, healthcare systems, philanthropists, and community leaders. Listeners will hear how players, coaches, team staff, donors, and community partners work together to create lasting impact throughout Milwaukee and why the Bucks Foundation believes creating opportunity is one of the most important investments it can make. Episode Highlights 1:22 | The history and mission of the Bucks Foundation 3:03 | How the Bucks, the Foundation, and the community work together to create impact 4:38 | Marla's journey into philanthropy and her role with the Bucks Foundation 5:58 | How the Foundation operates, raises funds, and measures impact 7:13 | Key initiatives including Bucks Health & Wellness, the Deer Accelerator, and youth career exploration 8:14 | Fundraising through events, partnerships, and the Bucks 50/50 raffle 9:25 | How players and coaches identify causes they're passionate about and engage in the community 11:40 | The Bucks Health & Wellness Program and its focus on closing health gaps 14:12 | Using data, community conversations, and partnerships to determine where support is needed most 18:15 | The Deer Accelerator and addressing Milwaukee's 12-year life expectancy gap 21:37 | Tackling food access challenges and connecting residents with community resources 24:16 | The impact players and their families have beyond the basketball court 26:44 | The Foundation's long-term goal of creating healthier communities and greater opportunity 28:08 | Ways fans, donors, and community members can get involved and support the mission MILWAUKEE BUCKS FOUNDATION The Bucks Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Milwaukee Bucks, dedicated to building healthier and stronger communities throughout Wisconsin. Through strategic partnerships, health and wellness initiatives, youth opportunity programs, and community investments, the Foundation works to improve health outcomes, expand access to resources, and create pathways for success both on and off the court. Website: https://www.nba.com/bucks/foundation ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive fin...

  4. Oct 8

    La Causa, Inc.

    La Causa: Creating Stability and Opportunity for Milwaukee Families This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores how one organization has grown from a small bilingual child care center into a vital resource supporting children and families throughout Milwaukee. Host Jill Economou is joined by Luis Ayala, CEO of La Causa, Inc., an organization providing education, social services, crisis support, foster care, and other resources designed to strengthen families and communities. Luis shares the story of La Causa’s beginnings in 1972, when civil rights activist Clementina Castro recognized the need for culturally responsive early childhood education for Hispanic families. What began with a small group of children has since expanded into an organization serving more than 2,000 children and families each year while remaining grounded in its original mission of providing stability and a safe harbor for those in need. The conversation explores La Causa’s holistic approach to serving families at different stages of life, from early education and its charter school to mental health services, treatment foster care, and crisis intervention. Luis also discusses challenges facing families today, including affordable housing, access to health care, economic mobility, language barriers, education, and other sources of stress. Listeners will also learn about La Causa’s Crisis Nursery and Respite Center, a free, 24/7 resource for families experiencing a crisis, and how the organization continues to adapt its programs as community needs evolve. Luis shares his own connection to the mission and explains how individuals can support La Causa through volunteering, attending events, donating, and helping spread awareness. Episode Highlights: 0:24 | The value of bilingualism and La Causa’s mission 2:05 | La Causa’s beginnings and Clementina Castro’s legacy 4:12 | A holistic approach to supporting children and families 7:00 | Challenges facing Milwaukee’s Hispanic community 9:18 | Creating stability and opportunity through community services 10:42 | Luis Ayala’s personal connection to La Causa’s mission 12:48 | Mental health, foster care, and evolving social services 15:31 | The Crisis Nursery and Respite Center 18:26 | Providing free crisis support 24/7 19:26 | What’s next for La Causa 20:53 | How to support, volunteer, and get involved LA CAUSA, INC. La Causa, Inc. is a Milwaukee nonprofit dedicated to providing children and families with opportunities to build better lives. Founded in 1972 as a bilingual child care center, the organization has expanded to provide early education, a charter school, social services, mental health support, treatment foster care, crisis services, and other programs designed to create stability and strengthen families. Website: La Causa ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: Ellenbecker Investment Group This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

  5. Sep 30

    Revitalize Milwaukee

    Revitalize Milwaukee: Helping Neighbors Stay Safe at Home This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores what it truly means to have a safe place to call home and what happens when essential home repairs become financially out of reach. Host Jill Economou is joined by Melanie Roach, CEO of Revitalize Milwaukee, a nonprofit helping low-income seniors, veterans, and people living with disabilities remain safely and independently in their homes. Melanie shares how critical home repairs, from installing grab bars and railings to addressing unsafe steps and deteriorating roofs, can make a life-changing difference for homeowners who want to remain in the places and communities they know and love. She discusses the difficult choices some homeowners face when necessary repairs compete with medications and other basic needs, as well as the dangers that can develop when home maintenance is delayed for years. The conversation highlights Revitalize Milwaukee’s Older Adult Home Modification Program, its network of trusted contractors, and Revitalize Projects that bring community partners and volunteers together to complete critical repairs. Melanie also shares powerful stories illustrating the housing challenges facing neighbors throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties and explains why experiencing these conditions firsthand can change the way people understand the need. Listeners will learn how Revitalize Milwaukee is working to preserve safety, independence, and dignity for vulnerable homeowners, along with ways individuals and businesses can support the mission through donations, volunteering, advocacy, and hands-on service. Episode Highlights: 0:24 | What “home” means and why safety and independence matter 4:59 | Who Revitalize Milwaukee serves and its critical home repair mission 6:42 | The Older Adult Home Modification Program and identifying safety hazards 8:21 | A homeowner story illustrating the consequences of deferred repairs 10:43 | The high cost of roofing and other critical home repairs 12:36 | Serving homeowners throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties 14:18 | Revitalize Projects and completing critical repairs with community volunteers 16:12 | What Milwaukee’s “Year of Housing” means for Revitalize Milwaukee 18:34 | The real-life housing challenges facing local seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities 21:04 | The biggest challenges facing homeowners and limitations of available resources 24:21 | How individuals and businesses can support Revitalize Milwaukee 26:00 | A vision for Milwaukee as a model for helping vulnerable homeowners stay safely at home 27:25 | How to connect with Revitalize Milwaukee and get involved REVITALIZE MILWAUKEE Revitalize Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization providing critical home repairs for low-income seniors, veterans, and people living with disabilities in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Through home safety modifications, critical repairs, trusted contractors, volunteers, and community partnerships, the organization helps homeowners remain safely and independently in the homes and neighborhoods they know and love. Website: Visit Revitalize Milwaukee ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website:

  6. Sep 23

    Latino Arts Inc

    Latino Arts: Celebrating Culture, Creativity and Community Through the Arts This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the role art can play in preserving cultural heritage, building connections, and creating a sense of belonging. Host Jill Economou is joined by Jacobo Lovo, Managing Artistic Director of Latino Arts, a Milwaukee nonprofit that has spent more than 40 years providing accessible arts programming while showcasing the work of Hispanic and Latino artists. Jacobo shares how Latino Arts approaches its mission through two complementary goals: preserving and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino communities while building cultural bridges that invite people of all backgrounds to experience and learn through the arts. Through visual art exhibitions, live performances, cultural workshops, and educational programming, Latino Arts creates opportunities to experience the breadth and diversity of Latino culture. The conversation highlights the organization’s commitment to artists at every stage of their careers, from emerging local artists to national and international performers. Jacobo also discusses signature programs and events, including the Latino Arts Strings Program, the annual Día de los Muertos celebration, Noche de Gala, student matinees, cultural workshops, and virtual programming. Listeners will also hear how these experiences can create meaningful connections to cultural heritage, particularly for young people, and why Latino Arts wants the broader community to know that its programming is for everyone. Jacobo shares ways to experience the organization firsthand, support its mission, and celebrate the artists and cultures that enrich Milwaukee and beyond. Episode Highlights: 0:23 | Introduction to Latino Arts and its more than 40 years in Milwaukee 1:24 | Latino Arts’ mission and its role in Milwaukee’s near south side 2:09 | Preserving Hispanic and Latino cultural heritage while building cultural bridges 2:49 | Showcasing visual and performing artists from Milwaukee and around the world 3:18 | What a typical year of performances, exhibitions, workshops, and programming looks like 4:27 | The diversity of artists featured by Latino Arts 5:28 | Supporting emerging artists and providing opportunities to showcase their work 7:14 | Celebrating more than 40 years of Latino Arts in Milwaukee 8:05 | Serving an intergenerational community and helping people connect with their cultural roots 9:09 | The Latino Arts Strings Program and combining classical training with cultural traditions 9:57 | Classical Guitar Fest and opportunities for young musicians 10:37 | The annual Día de los Muertos celebration and honoring its cultural roots 12:04 | How Día de los Muertos creates opportunities for healing, remembrance, and community 13:51 | Educational programming, student matinees, artist workshops, and community engagement 14:36 | Noche de Gala and supporting music education for more than 200 students 15:25 | The impact of private and group instruction through the Latino Arts Strings Program 16:35 | Why access to culturally relevant arts programming matters 16:48 | A student’s powerful experience connecting with her Mexican heritage 18:51 | Extending Latino Arts programming beyond Milwaukee 19:23 | Using virtual programming such as Lotería to connect audiences around the world 20:20 | How community support and philanthropy sustain Latino Arts’ work

  7. Sep 14

    Showing Up LLC

    Helping the Helpers: Building Supportive Cultures in Nonprofit Organizations This episode of Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community explores how nonprofit leaders and teams can continue serving others without sacrificing their own well-being. Host Jill Economou is joined by Jen Marr, founder of Showing Up and bestselling author of Showing Up and Lifting Up, for a thoughtful discussion about burnout, workplace culture, leadership, and the human need for connection. Drawing on more than a decade of research and experience supporting communities through times of crisis and change, Jen shares insights into how people respond to stress, overwhelm, and suffering. Beginning with her work in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, she explains how even the most well-intentioned support can miss the mark and why organizations must develop practical skills for showing up effectively for one another. The conversation explores the unique challenges facing nonprofit professionals, who often dedicate themselves to serving clients, donors, and communities while neglecting their own needs. Jen discusses the growing impact of workplace stress, the erosion of personal connection in a screen-driven world, and the critical role leaders play in creating supportive environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Listeners will learn practical strategies for recognizing burnout, improving communication, conducting meaningful check-ins, and shifting from transactional leadership to relationship-centered leadership. Jen also shares actionable ways organizations can strengthen workplace culture through simple, intentional behaviors that foster trust, connection, and resilience. Episode Highlights: 0:23 | Why caregivers, nonprofit professionals, and helpers often struggle to care for themselves 0:56 | Introduction to Jen Marr and her research on support, stress, and human connection 2:01 | How Jen's work began in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy 3:34 | Why nonprofit professionals are especially vulnerable to burnout and exhaustion 4:06 | Understanding the difference between caring and carrying 4:26 | How technology and screen-based work have reduced meaningful human connection 6:17 | The "barbell" concept and balancing clinical care, self-care, and organizational support 7:32 | Why organizations and leaders share responsibility for employee well-being 8:47 | What gets lost when mission-driven work overshadows human connection 9:31 | The critical role leaders play in supporting overwhelmed employees 10:58 | Signs that high-performing team members may be experiencing burnout 11:55 | Understanding the "awkward zone" and common leadership blind spots 13:24 | Why compassion alone is not enough without practical leadership skills 14:58 | Why caring people often struggle to ask for help themselves 15:25 | The three biggest reasons people avoid seeking support 16:41 | The difference between a kind culture and a truly supportive culture 18:08 | Practical first steps for nonprofit leaders who want to create healthier workplaces 19:39 | Simple daily behaviors that help people feel valued and appreciated 20:38 | The power of fast, frequent check-ins between leaders and employees 22:07 | Creating space for honest conversations without making them overwhelming 23:32 | Helping employees prioritize work during periods of stress and overload 25:23 | Supporting the mission without sacrific...

  8. Sep 8

    Casa Segura de Dios

    Casa Segura de Dios: From Darkness to Hope and Second Chances This episode of Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community explores the power of redemption, recovery, and second chances. Host Jill Economou is joined by Praxedes Reyes-Burgos, Founder of Casa Segura de Dios, whose remarkable personal journey transformed him from a life of addiction, crime, and incarceration into one dedicated to helping others overcome similar struggles. Praxedes shares his story of growing up in Puerto Rico, where violence, drugs, and crime became a normalized part of daily life at an early age. Drawn into the streets as a child, he eventually became involved in drug trafficking and addiction, leading to multiple prison sentences and a federal indictment in 2013. What seemed like the end of his story became the beginning of a profound transformation. While incarcerated, Praxedes witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction, hopelessness, and overdose among fellow inmates. Through his faith and personal reflection, he discovered a new purpose: helping individuals trapped in addiction find healing, restoration, and hope. That calling ultimately led to the creation of Casa Segura de Dios, which translates to "Safe House of God." The conversation highlights the organization's mission to provide transitional housing, mentorship, recovery support, and practical life resources for individuals struggling with addiction and life-controlling challenges. Praxedes discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction, extending grace instead of judgment, and helping people rebuild their lives with purpose and dignity. Listeners will learn how Casa Segura de Dios is working to create pathways to recovery for individuals who often feel forgotten, as well as how volunteers, donors, and community members can support the organization's growing mission. Episode Highlights: 0:56 | The importance of second chances and refusing to let past mistakes define the future 1:23 | Praxedes' early life and growing up surrounded by violence, crime, and addiction 3:48 | How environment and circumstance shaped his path into the streets 6:30 | The federal indictment that became a turning point in his life 7:55 | Who Praxedes was before becoming a pastor and community leader 8:43 | Addiction, emptiness, and realizing the need for change 11:07 | The experiences in prison that inspired the vision for Casa Segura de Dios 12:34 | Witnessing addiction, overdoses, and hopelessness behind prison walls 13:19 | Receiving the vision for a "Safe House of God" during incarceration 14:22 | Returning to the community and launching a ministry focused on recovery and restoration 15:47 | The mission of Casa Segura de Dios and helping individuals rebuild their lives 16:59 | Supporting people struggling with addiction, hopelessness, and life challenges 18:12 | Becoming a "hope dealer" and the impact of offering second chances 19:03 | Why many people facing addiction are carrying unseen pain and trauma 19:33 | A powerful story illustrating the importance of compassion over judgment 22:38 | What makes Casa Segura de Dios unique, including bilingual support services 23:51 | Transitional housing, mentorship, financial accountability, and long-term recovery support 25:05 | Plans to launch the organization's first recovery house 26:01 | Volunteer opportunities and ways the community can get involved 27:44 | A message of hope for families and individuals affected by addiction

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About

MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community is a podcast by Ellenbecker Investment Group that celebrates philanthropy and community impact in Wisconsin. Hosted by Jill Economou, Director of Community Relations, MPC highlights Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations, inspiring stories of giving, and practical ways listeners can make a difference. Each Thursday, new episodes feature leaders of local nonprofits, changemakers, and individuals passionate about creating positive impact. Learn how to give back, discover the joy of philanthropy, and explore opportunities to support causes that matter in Milwaukee and beyond. Join us to uncover the value of giving, connect with the Milwaukee philanthropic community, and find your own path to making a difference.

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