MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) is excited to announce a gift of $17 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This gift is part of a $281 million donation shared with 62 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country and the national organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This is one of the largest individual donations in BGCGM’s 130+-year history and comes at a time when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been widespread and disproportionately affected vulnerable segments of the population, including children and their families. This gift will allow BGCGM to deliver its mission to inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
“This is a truly transformative donation for our organization and the teens and kids we serve. We are amazed, grateful, inspired, and humbled to receive this gift,” said BGCGM president and CEO, Kathy Thornton-Bias. “In a time where Milwaukee’s kids are facing so many challenges, MacKenzie Scott’s donation will allow us to accelerate our work and meaningfully implement the strategies we have developed to address the needs of the teens and children we serve. This significant gift will allow all of us at BGCGM to amplify our impact across Milwaukee. We hope that being selected to receive this gift will inspire others to join and support our work and help our kids now when they need us the most.”
With more than forty locations in Milwaukee and the 300-acre Camp Whitcomb/Mason in Hartland, BGCGM is the largest Boys & Girls Club out of more than 4,700 locations across the country. BGCGM provides kids and teens ages 4-18 a unique bridge between home, school, and community and connects these learning environments to inspire youth to become productive, caring, responsible citizens. Kids and teens enjoy safe spaces, caring mentors, impactful programs, nutritious meals, and key resources to help them achieve academic success, make healthy life choices, and reach their full potential. This gift will enable BGCGM to continue its important work at a time when there is such a great need in our community.
“BGCGM being selected as one of only 62 Clubs across the country to receive a gift speaks to the talent, commitment and results Kathy and her dedicated team deliver each day,” said Bob Mikulay, BGCGM Board Chair. “I am grateful to the BGCGM staff, our engaged and hard-working Board of Trustees and the generous donors in Milwaukee who make this work possible. I am thrilled that MacKenzie Scott chose BGCGM as one of the recipients of this gift. While we still have a long way to go, this donation will enable the first steps toward consistently providing more opportunities for Milwaukee’s kids.”
Today our young people face an unprecedented number of obstacles to their success and wellbeing. BGCGM believes in doing whatever it takes to serve the kids, families in our communities. This additional support will allow us to build great futures for Milwaukee’s youth.
