Listening. Collaborating. Serving.
Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF), the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Royal Capital (RC) have united to make an historic, community-based investment by founding the ThriveOn Collaboration.
The Collaboration is dedicated to eliminating racial, health, economic and social disparities in Milwaukee by making generational investments in the well-being of its communities.
This commitment is reflected in the Collaboration’s foundational investment in ThriveOn King, the restoration and redevelopment of the iconic Gimbels-Schuster’s Department Store building in the Historic King Drive district. In addition, MCW, GMF and RC bring complementary expertise on a range of strategies to invest in the health, equity and economic well-being of people across Milwaukee, beginning with the neighborhoods adjacent to the new development. Guided by community priorities and data, the ThriveOn Collaboration will be a catalyst for additional investment and community impact.
The ThriveOn Collaboration is built on the fundamental understanding that where a person lives has a tremendous impact on how a person lives because of the implications for housing, education, jobs, health resources and social connections.
Together, the collaborators will support five priority areas:
Housing
ThriveOn aims to invest in the availability of safe, quality and affordable housing for area residents. The long-term goal is to increase the number of residents leasing and purchasing homes.
Early Childhood Education
ThriveOn aims to invest in the quality, access and sustainability of early childhood education in the city. The long-term goal is to improve education outcomes for youth.
Health & Wellness
ThriveOn aims to invest in access to health and wellness facilities, healthy food options and preventive health services in the area. The long-term goal is to reduce rates of chronic disease.
Social Cohesion
ThriveOn aims to support the community in building positive social and business relationships, celebrating diversity and promoting a sense of belonging among neighbors. The long-term goal is to increase resources for resident-led events and organizations.
Economic Opportunity
ThriveOn aims to support small businesses and enhance equitable economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and the local workforce. The long-term goal is to increase the stability of the small business community.
Learn more about the ThriveOn Collaboration
Check out this special episode of Mike Gousha's On the Issues: Milwaukee's ThriveOn Collaboration featuring our own Ken Robertson, Greg Wesley and Kevin Newell.
Meet the Co-chairs
GREG WESLEY
Gregory M. Wesley is senior vice president of strategic alliances and business development at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). He also serves as a trustee of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Park Bank, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County.
KEN ROBERTSON
In his role as Executive Vice President, COO and CFO, Ken Robertson is responsible for investment administration, financial accounting, risk management, contract management, and more for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and its supporting organizations. Robertson previously spent eight years as VP and CFO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.
KEVIN NEWELL
Kevin Newell is founder and CEO of Royal Capital, where he oversees all senior-level investment and development-related decisions, and manages a disciplined company growth strategy. He is chair of the Junior Business Academy and a member of the boards of Wisconsin Preservation Fund, Guest House of Milwaukee, Marquette University School of Real Estate, MLK Economic Development Corporation.
Contact Us
ThriveOn Collaboration
2153 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Darlene C. Russell
Director of Community Engagement
(414) 336-7044
communityengagement@greatermilwaukeefoundation.org
