Give Local This Giving Tuesday: North Shore Nonprofits

The Milwaukee North Shore boasts a remarkable network of nonprofits addressing every community need imaginable, from feeding families and educating children to protecting wildlife and supporting veterans.

This Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025, residents of the North Shore have exceptional opportunities to invest in their own backyard—supporting organizations where every dollar stays local and impacts their neighbors directly. These 16 established nonprofits represent decades of proven service, from the 145-year legacy of the Wisconsin Humane Society to the 60-plus years of the Shorewood Foundation.

What makes North Shore giving particularly powerful is the direct connection: you can visit the nature center where your donation protects 185 acres of lakefront, attend the musical funded by your contribution, or volunteer at the food pantry your gift supports. The organizations profiled here collectively serve tens of thousands of North Shore residents annually, and all offer convenient online giving, meaningful donation levels for every budget, and the satisfaction of knowing your generosity directly strengthens the communities where you live, work, and raise families.

Investing in the next generation

Bernie’s Book Bank is opening a new facility in Glendale

Bernie's Book Bank tackles childhood literacy through book ownership, having distributed over 28 million free children's books since 2009. The organization has served Greater Milwaukee since 2019, and in the 2024-2025 academic year alone delivered 160,000 books to 20,000 students attending 60 Title I schools and early childhood programs in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Racine, and Kenosha counties. A groundbreaking five-year Randomized Control Trial conducted with Milwaukee Public Schools demonstrated statistically significant positive impacts on student reading achievement, with effects growing stronger over time. Bernie's Book Bank is opening a 30,000-square-foot processing and volunteer center in Glendale at 5235 N. Ironwood Road. Executive Director Jenna Renno leads the Milwaukee operation, which provides eight free, age-appropriate, high-interest, and culturally relevant books annually to each child from birth through sixth grade. At an average cost of just $2 per book, a $16 donation provides one child with books for an entire year. The organization welcomes volunteers, book donations of 500+ books (with pickup available), and financial support. Donate online.

The Shorewood SEED Foundation (Supporters of Excellence in Educational Development) has championed educational innovation since 2003, pouring resources into curriculum enhancements, arts programs, and technology across all Shorewood schools. In 2019 alone, SEED donated $275,546 toward programming, supporting everything from teacher grants for innovative classroom projects to health and wellness initiatives. Their current "Fund the Future" campaign includes a remarkable $1 million matching gift opportunity, with the ambitious goal of building a $3 million endowment that would generate approximately $150,000 annually in perpetuity. Contact them at ShorewoodSEED@gmail.com or mail donations to P.O. Box 71235, Shorewood, WI 53211. Donations can be made online, with recognition levels ranging from Partner ($99 or less) to Champion (gifts over $3,000). Every contribution includes 10% directed to the permanent endowment, ensuring lasting impact for future generations of Shorewood students.

Fox Point Bayside Educational Foundation

Serving the Fox Point-Bayside School District, the Fox Point-Bayside Educational Foundation has invested in district enhancements since 1993, with over $100,000 contributed in 2024 alone to Stormonth Elementary and Bayside Middle Schools, demonstrating strong community support. The Foundation has funded new playgrounds, Makerspaces, STEAM initiatives, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Schlitz Audubon Nature Center partnerships, and critical programming that transforms learning experiences. This year, the Foundation is committed to advancing the district’s multi-year initiative to expand outdoor learning spaces at both schools. It has launched a community appeal and will host its annual fundraising event at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on March 6, 2026. Located at 7300 North Lombardy Road, Fox Point, WI 53217, the Foundation accepts donations via PayPal or by contacting fpbedfound@gmail.com. As a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 36-1762988), all gifts are tax-deductible and directly enhance the learning environment for Fox Point-Bayside students.

The Whitefish Bay Public Education Foundation has enhanced quality public education since 1993, contributing over $1.3 million to Whitefish Bay Public Schools throughout its history. The Foundation awards Nuss Grants for innovative school programs, Nelson Grants for teacher continuing education, and scholarships for graduating seniors. Recent projects include a flexible, high-tech redesign of the Middle School Media Center and a recording studio with keyboards for Music Departments. Their Annual Pledge Drive recently raised $23,550 with triple the number of donors compared to previous years, showing growing community engagement. Donate through https://www.educatethebay.info/ or contact Board President Curt Smith through the website. The Foundation also hosts Run the Bay 5K each May and the Bay Ball fundraiser, creating community while raising funds for educational excellence.

In Mequon, the Mequon-Thiensville Education Foundation (MTEF) has invested in advancing educational excellence since 1998, recently presenting the school district with a $200,000 grant award. MTEF serves approximately 3,700 students across six schools: Donges Bay Elementary, Oriole Lane Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Lake Shore Middle School, Steffen Middle School, and Homestead High School. Each year, the Foundation awards seven Excellence in Education Awards of $1,000 each to outstanding educators and two Shelley Burns Memorial Scholarships to graduating seniors. Major fundraising events include the Tartan Bash gala and Trick-or-Trot 5K, plus strategic "giveback" partnerships with local businesses like Supercuts Mequon (November 30-December 13, with $1 from every haircut supporting MTEF). Donate online or mail checks to P.O. Box 514, Mequon, WI 53092.

SHARP Literacy, Inc. brings a unique STEAM-focused approach to literacy education, serving over 8,500 students annually across 40 schools in the greater Milwaukee area and Waukesha County, including many North Shore communities. Founded in 1996 by Marlene Doerr Kreilkamp and now led by Lynda Kohler, SHARP partners with educators to foster a love of learning through innovative arts-integrated STEAM programs from K3 through 5th grade. Their grade-specific curriculum covers everything from living things and pollinators in K3 to coding with Microbit in 5th grade, with partnerships including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Discovery World. The organization's Glendale office at 5775 N. Glen Park Road, Suite 202 serves as the hub for programs that demonstrably improve reading comprehension and STEAM learning. SHARP hosts major fundraising events including A Novel Event 2025 on October 28 (featuring Donald Driver) and Unwrapped MKE on May 22. Donate online or call (414) 410-3200. SHARP accepts one-time gifts, planned giving, and stock donations.

Local food pantries

Four exceptional organizations work throughout Ozaukee and Milwaukee Counties to ensure no North Shore resident goes hungry or lacks essential support.

Family Sharing of Ozaukee County has alleviated hunger with dignity and compassion for approximately 50 years, serving over 400 families per month and 750 families per year. In 2024, this Grafton-based organization distributed 736,795 pounds of fresh food, made 7,630 total household visits, and delivered 5,174 food bags to schools through their Bags in Backpacks program providing weekend food for children. Family Sharing operates a shopping-style pantry at 1002 Overland Court, Grafton, WI 53024 where clients choose foods that work best for their families and dietary needs, plus a Mobile Food Pantry that brings services directly to Mequon and Thiensville on Thursdays. Their Senior Home Delivery program serves disabled or homebound seniors, while their upscale Resale Boutique generates proceeds supporting the food pantry. Call (262) 377-0634 or donate online.

Family Sharing of Ozaukee County

The Ozaukee Food Alliance (formerly Saukville Community Food Pantry) opened in 2012 serving just 23 families but now serves over 400 families per month and 750 families per year throughout Ozaukee County including Mequon-Thiensville. Located at 100 E. Green Bay Avenue, Saukville, WI 53080, the organization operates a shopping-style pantry three days weekly, hosts bi-weekly community meals, runs mobile pantry services April through October, and provides Back Pack Fridays weekend food for Port Washington-Saukville School District students. Their innovative Fresh Foods/Food As Medicine Initiative features Fork Farms indoor growing systems and partnerships with Ozaukee Master Gardeners, earning recognition on CBS Evening News and winning an Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Seed Grant from the Medical College of Wisconsin. The organization recently installed solar power, saving $1,000 monthly in operating costs to redirect resources toward food distribution. Contact them at (262) 689-8591 or info@ozaukeefoodalliance.org, or donate at https://ozaukeefoodalliance.org/donate-now/. The organization recently ran a $10,000 matching campaign and welcomes one-time gifts, food donations, or volunteer support to meet increased community need.

Hunger Task Force stands as Milwaukee's only free and local food bank and the first MyPlate food bank in the United States, ensuring all food meets USDA nutritional guidelines. Founded in 1974, this powerhouse organization serves over 33,000 people monthly through its network of 80+ food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters across Milwaukee County—including all North Shore communities. Hunger Task Force operates a remarkable 208-acre farm in Franklin producing over 500,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually in 32 varieties. Their programs include the Stockbox Program providing free monthly food boxes to seniors 60+ with income $1,957/month or less, Mobile Market grocery store on wheels, Senior Farmers' Market Voucher Program, and administration of FoodShare benefits. The organization distributes over 60,000 meals monthly through meal programs while managing $12+ million in donations and engaging 16,000+ volunteers annually. Donate online at https://www.hungertaskforce.org/donate/, call (414) 777-0483, or mail contributions to 5000 W. Electric Avenue, West Milwaukee, WI 53219. Hunger Task Force's signature Food For Families holiday drive (founded 1977 with WISN-TV) makes year-end giving particularly impactful, and 100% of donations go directly to supplying emergency food with no overhead deducted.

Neighborhood House of Milwaukee has built strong community by strengthening individuals and families for 80 years since 1945, having served nearly 1 million people throughout its history and currently supporting over 4,000 people annually. The organization operates from a modern 60,000-square-foot facility at 2819 West Richardson Place, Milwaukee, WI 53208 plus a 93-acre Nature Center in Ashippun. Neighborhood House offers YoungStar 5-rated childcare (top 1% statewide), Early Head Start, award-winning Play & Garden Habitat, after-school and teen programs, an International Learning Center serving 600 refugees and families annually from 25+ countries with ESL and citizenship classes, and partnerships with the Medical College of Wisconsin for community health improvement. Executive Director Jon Gurda has deep North Shore connections, residing in Glendale for 24+ years and coaching youth sports throughout the area for nearly two decades. The International Learning Center is one of only three USBIA-accredited citizenship program sites in Milwaukee and has won the Ray Solem Award for Excellence and First Lady Jessica Doyle Award for Family Literacy. Contact them at (414) 933-6161 or info@neighborhodhousemke.org, and donate online. Year-end giving supports their Inspiring Discovery Gala and annual golf outing fundraising efforts, with options for one-time gifts, corporate partnerships, program-specific giving, or volunteer opportunities across diverse roles.

Celebrating arts, culture, and environmentalism

The North Shore's natural beauty and cultural richness depend on organizations dedicated to conservation, artistic expression, and animal welfare—three nonprofits that enhance quality of life for all residents.

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center protects the last undeveloped stretch of lakefront in Milwaukee County—185 pristine acres in Bayside featuring forests, ponds, prairies, wetlands, ravines, bluffs, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Located at 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Bayside, WI 53217, this designated Important Bird Area provides habitat for 262 bird species observed since 1974, including 36 warbler species. Schlitz Audubon serves 27,000+ children annually through nature education programs, operates a Raptor Program with 15 non-releasable birds of prey including bald eagles, maintains six miles of hiking trails with 1.25 miles fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices, and offers programs from Nature School for babies through adult education classes and summer camps. The organization engages 5,500+ volunteer hours annually in land stewardship and holds a prestigious 4-Star Charity Navigator rating with a 97% score. Contact them at (414) 352-2880, visit https://www.schlitzaudubon.org, or donate online.

Skylight Music Theatre has created innovative, entertaining, and thought-provoking music theatre in Milwaukee since 1959—66 years of artistic excellence. As a professional Equity theatre company, Skylight performs blockbuster Broadway musicals, reimagined operas in English, and world premieres in the 358-seat Cabot Theatre modeled after an 18th century French opera house at 158 North Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 in the Historic Third Ward. The 2025-26 season features Fiddler on the Roof with Violins of Hope partnership, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (November 14-December 28), Amadeus, The Spitfire Grill, and A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream. Skylight's Enlighten arts-in-education program provides free classroom workshops, residencies, and performances for Milwaukee Public Schools, engaging 13,000+ students in 2012. The organization welcomed nearly 24,000 patrons in the 2022-23 season with a $3.2 million annual budget supported by United Performing Arts Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, and numerous foundations. Many North Shore residents actively support this cultural gem. Contact the box office at (414) 291-7800, email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org, or donate at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RE5SEVXPKXLGL. Year-end giving coincides beautifully with their festive holiday production of Joseph running through December 28, making Giving Tuesday support particularly timely for this essential Milwaukee cultural institution.

Wisconsin Humane Society - Ozaukee Campus serves North Shore communities from its 630 West Dekora Street, Saukville, WI 53080 location, part of the largest shelter system in Wisconsin operating since 1879—over 145 years of animal welfare service. WHS serves 40,000+ animals annually across all campuses, matching 13,000+ animals with new families each year while maintaining a no-kill policy that never euthanizes animals to make space. The Ozaukee Campus provides dog, cat, and small animal adoptions, stray and lost animal services for Ozaukee County municipalities reuniting thousands of pets with families, affordable vaccines and microchipping, foster programs, Pet Food Pantries providing food and supplies to families facing resource gaps, and the Safe Haven Program partnering with Sojourner Family Peace Center to shelter animals for domestic violence survivors up to 60 days. WHS is fully donor supported with no general government funding and operates as an independent 501(c)(3) not affiliated with any national organization. Contact them at (262) 377-7580, visit https://www.wihumane.org, or donate at http://savinglives.wihumane.org. WHS offers diverse giving options including one-time donations, monthly Constant Companions recurring gifts, their signature Hope's Lights seasonal campaign illuminating lights in honor or memory of beloved animals, memorial and honorary gifts, planned giving, vehicle and property donations, cryptocurrency donations, and fundraiser opportunities. Their EIN is 39-0810533, and adoptions frequently feature special promotions making animals more affordable for loving families throughout the North Shore.

Supporting community and wellbeing

Four organizations address foundational community needs—from local development and libraries to healthcare and veteran services—ensuring the North Shore remains vibrant, inclusive, and supportive for all residents.

Ozaukee Nonprofit Center has strengthened nonprofits countywide since 1994. Supports 42+ partner organizations serving 22,000+ individuals annually through shared facilities, Baby Bank, professional development, and collaborative programs. Saves partner agencies $1M+ in overhead costs. Hosts Illuminate Ozaukee drive-thru holiday light show December 4-22 at Zeunert Park in Cedarburg—$20 suggested donation per vehicle directly supports ONC and partner nonprofits. 2360 Dakota Drive, Grafton. (262) 376-5272 or donate.

The Shorewood Foundation has provided a way for residents and friends to enhance the Village of Shorewood since 1964—61 years of dedicated community support. The Foundation's mission centers on financial support that enhances culture, beauty, quality of life, and neighborhood spirit, ensuring Shorewood remains a special place to live, work, and visit. Operating with a 100% volunteer board with no administrative costs deducted from gifts, every donated dollar directly benefits Shorewood residents through community grants for hundreds of projects large and small, cultural enrichment programs, Fourth of July fireworks sponsorship (leading sponsor since 2003), community beautification projects, and health and wellness initiatives. Located at 4230 N. Oakland Ave #307, Shorewood, WI 53211-2042, the Foundation ensures all gifts remain in Shorewood serving local needs. Contact them at theshorewoodfoundation@gmail.com or donate online at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=JKG5TRDG8AGNC. The Foundation also accepts stock donations and welcomes gifts of all sizes, which are amplified by combining with other contributions and grants. Donations provide tax advantages under Wisconsin and federal law as the Foundation maintains 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

The Whitefish Bay Public Library Foundation was established in 2021 to mobilize private support for the library celebrating its 85th anniversary (founded 1937). Working alongside the Friends of the Whitefish Bay Public Library (founded 1982), the Foundation enhances collections, funds special programs and performances, upgrades technology, and supports educational resources for all ages at 5420 N. Marlborough Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217. The library serves Glendale, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, Mequon, Cedarburg, and greater Milwaukee with programs including Storytime, book clubs, the 10th Anniversary Edible Book Festival in 2025, photo contests, Take and Tinker Collection with board games, digital services including ebooks and streaming, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, and Summer Reading Programs. The Foundation has launched an ambitious $2,500,000 endowment campaign over three years, with funds invested through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's 100+ years of trusted management. Contact Library Director Nyama Reed at (414) 964-4380 or n.reed@wfblibrary.org, or donate at https://gmf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2222. Donations over $1,000 receive recognition on the donor wall, and gifts of $125+ receive a tote bag. As a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 86-3514799), all contributions are tax-deductible and support one of the community's most treasured resources.

Outreach Community Health Centers (OCHC) ensures men, women, and children in Greater Milwaukee receive quality healthcare, behavioral health, housing, and supportive services regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Incorporated in 1980 and delivering services since 1984, OCHC has grown over 40+ years to serve 14,000 clients in 2023 through six locations including expanded presence in Glendale. Their comprehensive services span five pillars: Primary Care (prenatal care, chronic disease management, pediatrics, OB/GYN, podiatry, telehealth, on-site lab services), Behavioral Health (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, psychotherapists with culturally sensitive person-centered care), Community Services (comprehensive crisis program, case management, crisis stabilization, peer support), Dental services through Ascension Dental Clinic, and an independent nonprofit Pharmacy with discounted prices for eligible patients. OCHC also operates School-Based Health Clinics, Street Outreach for homeless individuals, and a Mobile Health Unit. Their recently completed 58,000+ square foot WELL Certified facility expansion demonstrates their commitment to serving North Shore communities. Located at 220 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, OCHC operates Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm and Friday 8am-5pm, now with walk-in appointments available. Contact President & CEO Julia Harris-Robinson at (414) 727-6320 or visit https://www.ochc-milw.org. The organization serves residents from Milwaukee's five poorest zip codes (40% of service population) while also serving Glendale, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, and surrounding communities, maintaining core values of Health, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

The Center for Veterans Issues (CVI) stands as Wisconsin's largest community-based organization serving U.S. Veterans and their families, providing housing, supportive services, and programs that empower Veterans throughout Wisconsin from their 3400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208 headquarters. CVI's comprehensive programs include Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) with financial assistance and case management to achieve housing stability, Transitional Housing Program with the newly renovated Vets Place Central opening October 2025 featuring 81 individual residential units, Permanent Supportive Housing for chronically homeless or disabled Veterans, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program offering full employment services from career counseling to job placement, SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program dedicated to reducing veteran suicide, Heroes Market food assistance program, and Organic Therapy Program using horticultural activities to improve wellbeing. CVI earned the prestigious Candid Platinum Seal 2025 and Charity Navigator rating, demonstrating transparency and effectiveness. Contact them at (414) 345-3917 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm or donate at https://www.cvivet.org/donate with options for general support, Heroes Market food assistance, or the Vets Place Central capital campaign. CVI hosts fundraising events including the 2025 CVI Gala on November 1 (just one day before Giving Tuesday), Inaugural Corks & Clays on September 19, and an annual golf outing. As a 501(c)(3) Veterans Service Agency, CVI uses a client-centered strength-based approach ensuring maximum participation of those served, with partnerships spanning BMO, Bader Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Home Depot Foundation, Kohler, and many others.

Your North Shore giving makes the difference

Every organization profiled here maintains 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, offers convenient online giving, provides recognition for donors at various levels, and demonstrates measurable impact through rigorous programs and services. Many operate with volunteer boards ensuring maximum resources reach programs rather than overhead. Several feature matching gift opportunities that double your impact, while others maintain endowments ensuring perpetual support for their missions. The diversity of causes ensures every North Shore resident can find organizations aligned with their passions and values.

On December 2, 2025, join thousands of North Shore neighbors in supporting these exceptional nonprofits. Whether you contribute $25 or $2,500, participate in year-end giving campaigns, become a monthly donor, volunteer your time and expertise, or simply spread the word about organizations doing vital work, your engagement strengthens the fabric of communities where we all live. The North Shore's exceptional quality of life doesn't happen by accident—it results from generations of residents investing in local institutions, protecting shared resources, and supporting neighbors in need. This Giving Tuesday, continue that proud tradition by giving generously to organizations making your community stronger, more beautiful, more inclusive, and more compassionate for everyone who calls the Milwaukee North Shore home.