The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation said it distributed over $12 million in 2021 to organizations in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin.
Among this year’s 112 grant recipients in the state was Milwaukee-based Teens Grow Greens, which was awarded $500,000 to support a capital campaign and $15,000 to support general operations. The gardening-focused nonprofit program allows middle- and high-school students to gain work experience, develop leadership skills, earn income and participate in a supportive community. Its new capital development, The Green Acre, will furnish space for expanded growing areas, a teaching kitchen and space to expand its internship and apprenticeship programs.
The Milwaukee-based grantmaking organization, which honors the legacy of the Allen-Bradley Company co-founders, supports organizations that promote arts, culture, education, health and conservative ideals such as free markets and limited government. In 2020, it distributed $10 million in grants to organizations in the state. Since its establishment in 1985, the foundation has made grants to Wisconsin organizations totaling more than $400 million.
“There is no shortage of challenges throughout the country today, which makes the role of civil society ever more critical,” said Rick Graber, president of The Bradley Foundation. “The work of Bradley grantees reflects a belief in the dignity of each person and the richness of a vibrant community. Grantees are the problem solvers, the passionate leaders, and the unsung heroes in the Milwaukee area and beyond.”
The foundation released a list highlighting several 2021 grant recipients. They include:
- Milwaukee County Historical Society: $25,000 to support general operations. The society collects, preserves and makes available materials relating to the history of the Milwaukee community as a whole.
- Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design: $150,000 to support institutional growth. In recent years, under the leadership of president Jeff Morin, MIAD has significantly increased its enrollment, expanded its academic programs, and improved its student retention and graduation rates
- Lighthouse Youth Center: $100,000 to support general operations. Through its neighborhood-based centers, Lighthouse helps children develop a healthy moral framework for making decisions. Its three campuses are located in and serve neighborhoods on Milwaukee’s north and south side.
- TransCenter for Youth: $45,000 for the Driving Dreams Early College Program. TransCenter runs El Puente High School, Escuela Verde, Shalom High School, and the Northwest Opportunities Vocational Academy. The Driving Dreams program is a dual credit program in which students from those four schools can earn college credit as part of their high school studies.
- Yeshiva Elementary School: $25,000 to support a capital campaign and $30,000 to support general operations. Yeshiva Elementary School is a K-8 school serving over 200 students in Milwaukee’s Sherman Park neighborhood. The capital campaign will help Yeshiva make updates to its campus.
