Three initiatives by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and its foundation will provide nearly $1.3 million and hundreds of volunteers to help fund efforts to improve educational opportunities, housing and other community needs in Milwaukee's Harambee North neighborhood.

Thrivent Financial is providing $636,350 to Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity to build 10 homes in the Harambee North neighborhood through Thrivent Builds Homes.

The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation is giving a $562,500 grant to HOPE Christian Schools of Milwaukee to help fund the schools' HOPE Institute. The institute was founded to strengthen leadership development, faculty retention and educational quality.

Also, Thrivent Financial is giving a $75,000 Thrivent Builds Neighborhoods planning grant to Milwaukee Habitat and the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC). Both are partnering with Thrivent Financial's Southeast Wisconsin Region to employ holistic community development. The $75,000 Thrivent Builds Neighborhoods grant will build on the efforts of the Milwaukee Neighborhood Development Collaborative, which funds the work of the Harambee Great Neighborhood Task Force.

"These initiatives are focused on improving the lives of children, families and the greater community of Harambee North," said Jim Fischer, managing partner of the Thrivent Financial Southeast Wisconsin Region. "Thrivent Financial and its members-volunteers are committed to working with community partners so together we can make a bigger impact to address critical needs."

"The Thrivent Financial alliance is historic for Milwaukee Habitat," said Sara Kierzek, executive director of Milwaukee Habitat. "For one organization to commit both financial and volunteer support to help us build 10 homes in one neighborhood in one year is incredible."

"We're working hard to create an environment that inspires teachers and students to achieve their best," said Kole Knueppel, superintendent of HOPE Christian Schools. "The Thrivent Financial Foundation's generosity makes it possible for HOPE to provide teachers and administrators with the hands-on training and mentorship that they need to succeed in urban education."

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a nonprofit Fortune 500 financial services organization helping nearly 3 million members achieve their financial goals and give back to their communities.