Northwestern Mutual has announced that its Foundation will increase its charitable donations by $200,000 in fiscal year 2013 to a total of $16.9 million.
Funds will primarily benefit nonprofits within the Greater Milwaukee community, in line with the Foundation’s mission to make a difference in the areas where the company’s employees and
financial representatives both live and work.
Part of the increase in donations will go toward Northwestern Mutual’s Pediatric Cancer Program, which was established in July.
“Our giving will help strengthen the communities where we live and work, accelerate the search for a cure to childhood cancer and support kids and families fighting the disease,” said John Kordsmeier, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.
Northwestern Mutual also serves the community with volunteer hours by employees. According to the Foundation, more than 1,000 employees volunteer 21,000 hours each year.
“Our long-term goal is to harness the power of our employees, field force and foundation to support kids across the street and across the country,” Kordsmeier said. “Northwestern Mutual will continue to be one of the largest corporate givers in the state of Wisconsin.”
Kordsmeier said the Foundation will also continue to be a strong financial supporter of UPAF and United Way of Greater Milwaukee.
The Foundation’s continual philanthropic efforts will largely focus on supporting the city’s cultural attractions and events, teaming up with nonprofits to enhance educational opportunities for Milwaukee’s underserved kids, and working with Milwaukee partners and the U.S. Department of Justice to foster neighborhood development.
“The strongest plans always begin with a firm foundation,” Kordsmeier said. “We believe distressed Milwaukee neighborhoods can transform into stronger communities if residents, civic leaders, nonprofits and neighborhood businesses have the capacity and the tools to plan for the future.”
