Sunday, May 27, 2012

Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation


The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking organization based in Milwaukee. Its grants support research and educational projects, programs, and other activities that effectively further the Bradley brothers' philanthropic intent and honor their legacy.

Two steps are required in the application process. First, the applicant should prepare a brief letter of inquiry to the Grant Program, describing the applying organization and its intended project. If the Foundation determines the project to be within the current program interests as determined by its Board of Directors, the applicant will be invited to submit a formal proposal.

Second, if invited to submit a formal proposal, the applicant should submit another letter. It should include a more-thorough, yet still concise description of the project, its objectives and significance, and the qualifications of the groups and individuals involved in it. It should also include a project budget, the specific amount being sought from Bradley, and a list of its other sources of support, philanthropic or otherwise.

The applicant should complete and submit the Grantee Tax-Exempt Status Information form with the proposal, as well, along with a copy of the Internal Revenue Service letter confirming the applying entity’s tax-exempt and public-support status under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code.

Should the Foundation’s program staff find it necessary or desirable, it may arrange a meeting with the applicant after the receipt of a full proposal. After the staff comprehensively reviews proposals, the Board acts on them. All grantmaking authority rests with the Board.

The Board of Directors meets four times a year. To be considered, full proposals should be submitted by February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. In most cases, staff is able to complete its reviews of proposals in time for the next scheduled Board meeting. Occasionally, it is not, or Board consideration is deferred to a later meeting.

BETF feels that this proposal is best targeted to programs and services hosted by our BDPA Milwaukee chapter.

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