The Riverwest Co-op in Milwaukee has been saved from closing thanks to the support of the community and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. After facing the possibility of shutting its doors after 22 years in business, the co-op has been able to stay open with the help of generous donations and a loan.
Juniper Colwell, the administrative coordinator of the Riverwest Co-op, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. The co-op launched a GoFundMe campaign in December of 2023, which raised over $33,000 to keep the business running. With the additional support of a $150,000 loan from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the co-op was able to remain operational.
Wendy Fuller-Nesich, the volunteer coordinator and events specialist at the co-op, explained that the funding from the community and the foundation brought hope to the staff and volunteers. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation provided technical assistance to help