About MJF
Each generation of Jews has the blessing and the responsibility of doing its part to ensure the future of our people. The Milwaukee Jewish Federation represents our community’s collective commitment to this future. We nurture and sustain a vibrant Jewish community through financial resource development, outreach and engagement and community planning.
Our Mission
Through the development of community-wide financial support, planning and allocations, the mission of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation is to care for the needs of the Jewish people and to build a vibrant Jewish community in Milwaukee, in Israel, and around the world.
In fulfilling its mission, the Federation is committed to the principles of Klal Yisrael (the collective unity of the Jewish people), tzedakah (the obligation to care for one another) and tikkun olam (improving the society in which we live).
How We Do It
Philanthropy
We sustain essential community work through our Annual Campaign, Supplemental Initiatives, and secure long-term financial strength through our $214 million Jewish Community Foundation.
Leadership
We cultivate a broad and committed community, equipping individuals with the knowledge and leadership skills to shape our future. We welcome all and strengthen Jewish identity through education and a meaningful connection to Israel.
Community Planning
We help ensure a comprehensive network of programs and services—educating our children, supporting our seniors, assisting our most vulnerable, and sustaining the facilities that serve and enrich our entire community across Wisconsin.
Our Agencies & partners
Local Partner Agencies
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation sustains and nurtures Jewish life through financial support of our partner agencies.
Bader Hillel Academy
Bader Hillel Academy offers programs that combine Jewish tradition and a vibrant secular studies curriculum focusing on the development of each child.
BBYO – Wisconsin Region
BBYO – Wisconsin Region strives to provide teens with a platform of compelling experiences that foster a love for and connection with Jewish life.
Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center offers a wide variety of health, fitness, spa, enrichment, cultural and recreational programs for individuals and families of all ages, in addition to early childhood education and an array of quality camping experiences.
Hillel Milwaukee
Hillel Milwaukee offers social, cultural, religious, educational, Israel awareness and social action activities for Jewish students at area colleges and universities.
Hillel Foundation – UW Madison
Hillel Foundation – UW Madison provides Jewish support and programming for college students and offers them a wide variety of Jewish enrichment, advocacy and social justice activities.
Jewish Beginnings Lubavitch Preschool
Jewish Beginnings Lubavitch Preschool provides our youngest students with a love of learning and a deep joy and appreciation of our Jewish heritage.
Jewish Family Services
Jewish Family Services provides supportive services that strengthen families, children and individuals throughout the life cycle within the context of their unique needs and traditions.
Milwaukee Jewish Day School
Milwaukee Jewish Day School is an independent co-educational day school offering Jewish children an exceptional high school preparatory, Hebrew and Jewish education.
Ovation Communities
Ovation Communities inspire our community’s older adults to lead richer and more meaningful lives through outstanding care and services, guided by our Jewish faith and our gratitude in serving residents of all faiths.
Yeshiva Elementary School
Yeshiva Elementary School is the only Jewish day school in the West Side Sherman Park neighborhood offering a comprehensive approach designed to meet the full spectrum of the child’s and family’s needs.
Major National and Overseas Partners
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation strengthens Jewish life around the world through financial support of our national and overseas partners.
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, working in Israel and more than 80 countries to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life and provide relief for victims of disasters.
Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)
Jewish Agency for Israel serves as the link between the Jewish people and Israel, working to ensure the future of a connected, committed global Jewish people with a strong Israel at its center.
Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)
Jewish Federations of North America represents 157 Jewish Federations and over 300 Network communities, which raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually for social welfare, social services and educational needs.
OUR HISTORY
For more than one hundred years, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation has worked to build a strong Jewish community in Milwaukee, as well as to strengthen the bond among Jewish people throughout the world.
1900s
As Jewish immigration to the United States surged, Milwaukee’s Jewish leaders recognized the need for coordinated, collective philanthropy. In 1902, the Federated Jewish Charities of Milwaukee was established to raise funds efficiently and support a growing network of social service agencies. Early institutions included Jewish Family Services, Mount Sinai Hospital, the Hebrew Free School, and the Hebrew Sheltering Home.
1910s – 1920s
The Federation expanded its role as new organizations emerged to meet educational, social, and health needs. The Settlement—later the Jewish Community Center—became a cornerstone for community life. Coordinated planning and shared resources strengthened Milwaukee’s Jewish infrastructure.
1930s
The Great Depression strained communal resources, leading to the dissolution of the Federated Jewish Charities in 1937. In response to rising antisemitism and the refugee crisis caused by Nazi Germany, community leaders reorganized as the Jewish Welfare Fund. This era saw the creation of the Jewish Community Relations Council and Jewish Vocational Service.
1940s
As World War II ended, the Welfare Fund played a central role in responding to the Holocaust’s aftermath. In partnership with the United Jewish Appeal, Milwaukee helped raise funds to aid survivors, support immigration, and assist Jews rebuilding their lives in America and Israel. Educational coordination also expanded with the creation of what is now the Coalition for Jewish Learning.
1950s – 1960s
The Federation deepened its engagement with Israel while strengthening local leadership and community planning. New programs reflected a growing focus on education, advocacy, and global Jewish responsibility. Milwaukee’s Jewish community emerged from this era more connected and outward-facing.
1970s
In 1972, the Jewish Welfare Fund became the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, reflecting its broadened mission. That same year, the Jewish Community Foundation was established to ensure long-term financial stability for the community. Leadership development and Women’s Philanthropy also took root during this decade.
1980s – 1990s
The Federation invested heavily in community infrastructure, acquiring camps, building senior housing, and developing major communal facilities. The Karl Campus was established as a central hub for Jewish life in Milwaukee. Global connections deepened through missions to Israel and partnerships abroad.
2000s – Present
Today, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation continues to evolve in response to changing needs. Through philanthropy, planning, education, and advocacy, MJF secures a vibrant Jewish community—today, tomorrow, and always. Its work remains grounded in the same collective responsibility that inspired its founding more than a century ago.
Support MJF
We Shape the Future for the Next Generation
Caring for the needs of the Jewish people and building a vibrant Jewish future in Milwaukee, Israel, and around the world.