Foundation has given more than $1.3 billion in grants since 1985
Milwaukee, WI – The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation announced today that it gave $14.5 million in grants to dozens of organizations throughout Milwaukee and Wisconsin in 2024. For nearly 40 years, the Foundation has given to local organizations that strengthen families and communities, cultivate arts and culture, and enhance urban education.
“It’s often said that Milwaukee is a hidden gem, with its beautiful lakefront, architectural charm and hardworking citizens,” said Rick Graber, president and CEO of The Bradley Foundation. “The namesakes of the Foundation couldn’t have agreed more and held a deep affinity for the city in which they built their business and raised their families. As stewards of their legacy, we are committed to contributing to institutions that make Milwaukee a world class city and to groups that seek to improve lives by opening opportunity.”
Since its establishment in 1985, the Foundation has made over 16,000 grants totaling over $1.3 billion to more than 2,000 organizations. Of that, over $450 million has gone to groups within Wisconsin.
The following are just a few of the outstanding organizations in the Milwaukee area that received a Bradley Foundation grant in 2024:
4th Dimension provides a structured sober living environment where individuals reclaim their sense of worth through honest accountability, shared purpose, and the quiet strength found in supportive relationships. By nurturing genuine connection, encouraging personal responsibility, and embracing the possibility of change, they help each person discover resilience, hope, and the capacity to flourish.
JobsWork MKE provides a pathway for people to find sustainable employment by helping them overcome challenges such as resolving trauma, limited education, a criminal record, housing instability and more. Its approach starts by working with members to recognize their intrinsic value and helping them address issues that have prevented them from being successful. After members complete a career readiness workshop, JobsWork assists them with their job search and placement with employer partners and in many cases continues to work with them for years to ensure they have the support they need to continue thriving both at their job and in life.
Kingdom Prep Lutheran High School (KP) is an all-boys Lutheran high school whose aim is to help students discover their purpose, form their identity, and develop their God-given gifts to lead in the home, serve in the church, engage in meaningful work, and transform the community. Located just outside of the city, KP offers rigorous academics, one-on-one support and a strong spiritual grounding. KP nurtures the mind, body and soul of each student. The “KP Wolfpack” was developed to cultivate a brotherhood, wherein each young man makes an unconditional commitment to his fellow pack members. The Wolfpack creates a support system that helps members become better leaders, servants and men, setting them up for a lifetime of success.
Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) is a STEM-focused, K4-12 charter school whose mission is to graduate urban students prepared to compete successfully at the post-secondary level. MAS has had a 100% graduation rate for the last decade. Its high teacher and student retention rates are the reason for this success. By offering in-school counseling, after-school enrichment, special education, a structured mentoring program, and an astonishingly complex transportation program, MAS has been able to stave off the transiency that often inhibits performance among students facing challenging circumstances. This fall, MAS opened a second campus, increasing the school’s enrollment from 1,400 to 1,700 students.
The Pabst Mansion was the primary residence of Captain Frederick Pabst, founder of the iconic brewing company that still bears his name today. Built during the Gilded Age, at a time when Milwaukee was rising in prominence as a city, the mansion is a critical landmark. It helps visitors appreciate Milwaukee’s architecture, art, and brewing industry. The most toured historic site in the city, The Pabst Mansion welcomes 45,000 visitors annually, half of whom come from out of state. In addition to tours, the Mansion holds events that help bring the building to life, such as happy hour tours with a PBR toast, the chance to dine at the Pabst table and Christmas festivities.
Racine Literacy Council (RLC) offers a variety of literacy services that allow Racine County residents to attain their full potential and to be engaged citizens. In addition to working with traditional adult literacy students, RLC helps families achieve their learning goals, prepares people to take the U.S. citizenship and drivers’ license tests, offers computer literacy programs and helps people learn how they can achieve their dreams through learning. English Language Learners, its largest program, enables participants to develop the English skills they need to succeed. RLC also is a GED prep site and works with adults who wish to earn a high school equivalency diploma. Beyond offering literacy programs, RLC is a hub of community and connection in which people gather and support one another. In 2025, RLC will celebrate its 60th birthday.
