Editing Summerfest (section)

== Community engagement ==
Aligned with Summerfest's non-profit mission, the festival made significant contributions to the community in 2024, providing over '''26,000 meals''' for Wisconsinites struggling with food insecurity through Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, '''over $13,500 worth of hygiene products''' donated to Milwaukee and Waukesha County schools through the United Way, and '''over 4,000 books''' for Next Door's community literacy initiatives. The festival also '''integrated over 70 local community organizations into the festival''' through performances and events such as Direct Supply Seniorfest Day and Children's Fest Day presented by Shorewest, Realtors. 

=== Economic impact ===
In 2023, Summerfest conducted an independent economic impact study through Oxford Economics. Summerfest generated a total economic impact of '''$160.3 million for the city of Milwaukee''' and supported 3,400 total part-time and full-time jobs'''.''' For the state of Wisconsin, Summerfest generated '''$188.7 million in economic impact''', along with $14.4 million in state and local taxes.

=== Admission promotions ===
Summerfest offers more ways than ever to access the festival via free or discounted admission, while giving back to the community. On select days, fans are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items, hygiene supplies, or books to get into the festival and enjoy the fun, while supporting the local community. 

=== Let the Music Play grant program ===
Since its inception in 2019, the Let the Music Play grant program has supported over 40 organizations and hundreds of music students annually. The program is open to non-profit organizations and schools through music-based programming and represent the variety of music-based activities taking place in the greater Milwaukee community. 

=== BMO Empower grant program ===
The BMO EMpower grant program is a long-term platform that helps support minority-owned businesses through BMO's partnership with Summerfest. 

These grants are part of BMO's EMpower program, a more than $40 billion commitment to address key barriers faced by minority businesses, communities and families in the United States. In 2024, 11 minority small business owners received funding, along with business banking-related educational opportunities, to support their work as vendors during Summerfest.  

=== Power Up with Purpose ===
The "Power Up with Purpose" program allows fans the opportunity to gain front row, pit access to Generac Power Stage headliners during the festival, while supporting Veterans Community Project in Milwaukee, WI.All proceeds will benefit Veterans Community Project (VCP), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to ending Veteran homelessness.