Northwestern Mutual Foundation Announces Neighborhood and Workforce Development Grants

$625,000 to benefit 13 local organizations that strengthen the local economy

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Northwestern Mutual Foundation – the largest corporate giver in the state of Wisconsin – is announcing $625,000 in grants to help nonprofits that work to enhance the local economy through job training, community development, and neighborhood revitalization.

“Revitalizing neighborhoods and improving quality of life for people in need creates a positive ripple effect within the community,” says Deanna Tillisch, Northwestern Mutual Foundation vice president. “These organizations enhance the region’s economic vitality by preparing residents for entry-level jobs, helping entrepreneurs start their own small businesses and making neighborhoods safer and more vibrant.”

Spotlight on Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin is one of the organizations that will receive a grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation for its workforce development efforts through the Milwaukee-area Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers. The three centers provide employment resources that enable job seekers – from entry-level worker to seasoned professional – connect with employers and job opportunities.

The reach of the Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers continues to increase, with more than 8,000 individuals receiving services in 2010. Services provided by the centers include career exploration and assessment tools, resume and cover letter preparation, onsite interviewing, and access to technology such as computers, printers and fax machines. Services are available to everyone at no cost and with no referrals required. Staff members work directly with employers to identify and match individuals with specific job opportunities.

“The economic recession has intensified the need for local resources such as the Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers to provide services to displaced workers and recent college graduates,” says John Miller, President and CEO, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin. “Goodwill is defined by its commitment to employment for every individual who wants a job and Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s contribution enables us to serve both our mission and Wisconsin residents by connecting them with employers and job opportunities.”

Other organizations receiving a Northwestern Mutual Foundation grant include:

Organization			Program
COA Youth and Family Services			Family-Centered Program
Commonbond Communities			Career Advantage Services
Journey House			Urban Careers Institute
Local Initiatives Support Corporation			Building Sustainable Communities
Milwaukee Development Corporation			Economic Development Programs with Milwaukee 7
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity			House Sponsorships
Safe & Sound			Midtown Neighborhood Initiative
Silver Spring Neighborhood Center			Silver Spring/Havenwoods Employment Initiative
Social Development			Milwaukee Asset Building
United Migrant Opportunity Services			GED Bridge to Career Pathways Program
Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, Inc.			Urban Skills Trades Connection
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp.			Smart Start Business Planning

About the Northwestern Mutual Foundation

The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. The Foundation’s giving is designed to create an impact on the communities where the company’s employees and financial representatives live and work. In fiscal year 2011, the Foundation contributed more than $15 million to nonprofit organizations across the country.

About Northwestern Mutual

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) – the industry leader in total individual life insurance, long-term care insurance, and disability insurance dividends paid to participating policyowners – has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 150 years. Though dividends are not guaranteed, are reviewed annually and are subject to change, the company has paid life insurance dividends every year since 1872. As a mutual company with over $1.2 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual seeks to share its gains with policyowners and deliver consistent and dependable value to clients over time. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.