Image of children looking down into camera

Supporting our partners.

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation focuses funding locally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on education support and projects serving the Amani, Metcalfe Park and Muskego Way neighborhoods. National funding is limited to programs and projects that align with our Childhood Cancer Program.

Grant applications are by invitation only.

If you think that your program or project fits in our funding focuses and your organization meets our eligibility requirements?

Let’s connect >

Requirements for funding from Northwestern Mutual Foundation

  • Organization has a tax-exempt classification under the 501(c)(3) of U.S. Internal Revenue Code

  • Organization is U.S.-based and serves clients located in the U.S.

  • Organization does not advocate, support, or practice activities inconsistent with Northwestern Mutual’s non-discrimination policies, whether based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran

What the Northwestern Mutual Foundation does not fund

  • Individuals, for any purpose

  • Organizations that are not tax-exempt under paragraph 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code

  • Organizations located outside the U.S. or those that primarily serve clients located outside the U.S.

  • Grants that would represent more than 10 percent of an organization’s annual operating budget

  • Endowment, debt-reduction or debt-retirement campaigns

  • Capital campaigns, unless invited to apply by Foundation leadership based on philanthropic interests and priorities

  • Groups or organizations that will re-grant Foundation support to other organizations or individuals, expect for those approved on an exception-only basis

  • School or community athletic events or team, bands or choirs, including requests for equipment, uniforms, travel or any in-kind donations to support special events

  • Labor, religious or fraternal groups that do not provide services to the community at large

  • Organizations that do not align with Northwestern Mutual’s non-discrimination provide as provided above