Contact: Christine Czernejewski
(202) 368-0281
Milwaukee, WI – The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation announced today that it has given $11,325,000 in grants to organizations throughout Milwaukee and Wisconsin, continuing its commitment to a vibrant community life. As in years past, the Foundation’s giving supported groups focused on improving arts and culture, communities and families, and education.
“We’re proud to support efforts that contribute to Milwaukee’s economic and social vitality,” said Rick Graber, president and CEO of The Bradley Foundation. “Our grantees are undertaking some of the most courageous, innovative and thoughtful approaches to solving the challenges in our city and state. This year’s recipients exemplify how a strong civil society can improve communities.”
The Bradley Foundation has a long history of giving in the Milwaukee area, beginning with the brothers for which it’s named, Lynde and Harry. As founders of the former Allen-Bradley Company, the brothers were deeply committed to strengthening the principles and institutions essential to their success, so future generations could have the same opportunities.
Today’s announcement follows on the heels of the Foundation’s move this month from its longtime home on Milwaukee’s east side, to downtown. The new location, at 1400 N. Water Street, reaffirms its dedication to the city and is a natural fit for the Foundation’s mission to restore, strengthen and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism.
“With a renewed focus, we look forward to advancing our mission by supporting organizations that strengthen the fabric of society,” said Graber. “We encourage others to learn how these grantees are transforming lives, bettering our community and creating opportunity for those in need.”
The following are a few highlights among the 92 grant recipients in Wisconsin this year.
ARTS & CULTURE
Piano Arts of Wisconsin: $20,000 to support general operations. Based in Milwaukee and celebrating its 20th year, Piano Arts fosters the appreciation and performance of classical music by identifying and training young pianists with exceptional musical and verbal skills. Piano Arts’ activities include a fellowship program for young pianists; an international competition for pianists aged 16-21; and in collaboration with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, a competition for Wisconsin pianists aged 10-16.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater: $100,000 to support general operations and $100,000 to support a classics initiative. The Milwaukee Rep creates world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity. Its classics initiative will produce historically significant masterpieces that deal with universal themes central to the preservation of Western Civilization.
COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES
Wisconsin Inmate Education Association: $75,000 to support the prison seminary program, a first-time grant from The Bradley Foundation. WIEA is the nation’s third accredited seminary program inside a maximum security prison. Students enroll in the four-year degree program, which prepares them to serve as ministers to others inside the institution. The Texas-based program after which it is modeled has improved culture, reduced costs, and prepared prisoners to lead more productive lives upon their release.
God Touch Milwaukee: $40,000 to support general operations. God Touch Milwaukee is a residential community for men who are homeless, addicted, or formerly incarcerated. Through the program, they’re shown acceptance and love and receive mentoring and hands-on practical experience in employment and life skills.
Above the Clouds: $15,000 to support general operations. Above the Clouds is a free, Christian-based program that uses dance, drama, and creative arts to instill positive character traits such as self-control and self-confidence in children. It works with local arts organizations, including the Milwaukee Ballet Company, to provide professional instruction and mentoring to kids who would not otherwise have such opportunities.
EDUCATION
LUMIN: $150,000 to support general operations and Opportunity Academy. LUMIN is a network of Christian schools centered on the mission of fostering educational success, leadership development, and spiritual growth in its students. A new LUMIN initiative, the Opportunity Academy will build a multi-sector collaboration for career exploration and student projects that help students understand real world work.
Lighthouse Christian School: $100,000 to support a capital campaign, a first-time grant from The Bradley Foundation. In 2013, Lighthouse became the first school in Dane County to be part of the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. The capital campaign will help Lighthouse increase its student body by 100 students.
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School: $250,000 to support a capital campaign and $50,000 to support general operations. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School uses an innovative work-study program in which students work five full days per month at companies across the greater Milwaukee area while simultaneously receiving a Catholic prep school education.
About The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Founded in 1985, the Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation supports organizations that strengthen families and communities, inform and educate citizens, advance economic growth and encourage self-reliance. The Foundation’s approach to philanthropy is guided by four core principles: fidelity to the Constitution with its principles of limited government, federalism, separation of powers, and individual liberties; commitment to free markets; dedication to the formation of informed and capable citizens; and commitment to the institutions of civil society that cultivate individuals capable of self-governance.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Rick Graber, please contact Christine Czernejewski at christine@
