In the fall of 2017, the Siebert Lutheran Foundation of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, invited Criterion Institute to consider the possibility of focusing its many resources for using finance for social change on a specific place, the greater Milwaukee area, and to do so in collaboration with local Lutheran congregations and leaders and other ecumenical partners. Milwaukee is a logical locus for this work because of its well documented history of struggle with racial and economic inequality and because of the sheer number and vitality of its churches and faith-based organizations, including a strong Lutheran presence and many vibrant African American ministries. Milwaukee is full of possibilities for social and economic renewal using the power of finance, which could be a model for other cities of its size, especially in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.