Launched in 2015, Johnson Controls Neighborhood Initiative will total $4.2 million in philanthropic funding with this latest commitment.
Grants will advance education, workforce development and health initiatives on Milwaukee’s northwest side, in alignment with the company’s focus on building healthy, smart and sustainable communities globally.
MILWAUKEE – Sept. 27, 2023 – Johnson Controls unveiled its commitment to bolstering the impact of Milwaukee nonprofit organizations by announcing four Smart and Healthy Neighborhood grants. Each Milwaukee-based organization will receive $300,000 in funding over a two-year period, representing a $1.2 million investment from the Johnson Controls Foundation. All four organizations selected have transformative programming in neighborhoods adjacent to the company’s North American corporate headquarters, an area of focus for the company.
“Our dedication to building healthy, smart, and sustainable communities is at the core of our mission. It's an honor to drive change in neighborhoods where our 100,000 employees live and work, especially in our hometown of Milwaukee,” said George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. “We take pride in supporting these outstanding organizations and recognize the crucial role they play in improving our community.”
Johnson Controls' community engagement and philanthropic approach underscores the company's commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact on the local communities it serves. By channeling both funding and employee volunteer resources into these select nonprofit organizations, Johnson Controls aims to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for Milwaukee's northwest side, aligning with its broader vision for a healthier, smarter, and more sustainable world.
Organizations and programs that will be supported with the grants include:
The Greater Milwaukee Urban League will use the funding to support several programs for residents including their driver’s permit classes, youth summer mental health bootcamp, homeownership support and employment services from its new location in the Thurston Woods neighborhood. This funding will help support the Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s mission of leading through education, employment, advocacy, and civic engagement to achieve economic vibrancy and equal access to all industries that positions African Americans to create wealth and live a better quality of life.
The Milwaukee Parks Foundation will catalyze neighbors of all ages to participate in healthy, fun, varied programming throughout parks surrounding Johnson Controls’ campus, including McGovern Park and Lincoln Park. The Milwaukee Parks Foundation will use funding to address several challenges: lack of park activation and community engagement, health and wellness challenges, and social disconnectedness. The Milwaukee Parks Foundation plans to activate year-round programming, hike and bike events, trail improvements and more while also providing opportunities for part-time employment for youth trail work crews.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee participants have better school attendance and higher grades than same-age peers who are not participating with Boys and Girls Clubs. In fact, 89% of young people who are part of the Clubs expect to graduate high school as documented in the National Youth Outcomes Initiative Survey. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee’s goal is to reduce inequity while transforming the lives of the 800 youth served at four Club sites within the neighborhood. At these Clubs, youth aged 6-18 will take part in evidence-based programs that supply physical and emotional safety and academic success. In the Clubs, youth can also take part in sports and recreation, arts, leadership & service, college and career readiness, and STEAM programs.
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center will expand its Beyond the Barriers workforce development programming for youth and adults, including basic skill attainment in partnership with Literacy Services of Wisconsin and training and certification opportunities with Milwaukee Area Technical College. Through this funding, Silver Spring Neighborhood Center plans to prepare residents for careers with family-sustaining wages. They will also create collaborative youth programming and employment opportunities by working with the nonprofit organization Teens Grow Greens. According to the U.S. Department of Education, teens who work at least 20 hours a week have a greater chance of being employed the following year, graduating from high school, and generating higher lifetime earnings.
“We are so grateful for Johnson Controls ongoing commitment to our community,” said Amy Lindner, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. “We see the great things these local nonprofits achieve every day, and the Johnson Controls Smart and Healthy Neighborhood grants will only enhance and broaden their work. This is the perfect example of what it means to Live United.”
In addition to grant funding, Johnson Controls team members will volunteer to work with the organizations in executing their goals in the neighborhood. The company will honor employees’ volunteer service with a $10/hour contribution to the nonprofit organization.
About Johnson Controls
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.
Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
Visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.
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