Badger Meter Foundation Inc
Badger Meter Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is organized solely to make cash contributions to qualifying public charities; its 2022 filing states that the board approved its termination and that contributions were made during the year to liquidate its fund balance.
Badger Meter Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Badger Meter Foundation Inc gave $2.3M across 37 grants in 2022 (avg $61K), mostly in Wisconsin. Source: 2022 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2022)
- $2,274,659
- +1346.1% vs 2021
- Grants made (2022)
- 37
- -15.9% vs 2021
- Average grant
- $61,477
- +1619.6% vs 2021
- Median grant
- $3,000
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (100% of itemized 2022 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2022 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2022; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Badger Meter Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. The filing describes written submissions on organizational letterhead that state the reason for the request and amount and include an IRS determination letter.
- Review Cycle
- All items must be submitted for board approval at the April and October meetings.
- Deadline
- All items must be submitted for board approval at the April and October meetings.
- Contact
Application contact: Ron Dix 414 371-5704
Mailing address: 4545 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, WI 53223
Phone: (414) 371-5704
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Badger Meter Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2022
The largest 2022 recipient was Greater Milwaukee Foundation ($2.1M across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $2.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
82 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 80 grants of 82 (98%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for 2022 went to recipients in Wisconsin.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2022 grant dollars across all 37 itemized grants.
Cities
How Badger Meter Foundation Inc gives
- 81% of 2022 grantees were also funded in 2021. Method
- In 2022 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2022). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2022, annual grant giving ranged from $157K (2021) to $2.3M (2022). In 2022 it made 37 grants totaling $2.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Milwaukee Foundation Milwaukee, WI | General | $2,071,609 |
| Greater Milwaukee Foundation Milwaukee, WI | General | $40,000 |
| Childrens Hospital Milwaukee, WI | General | $30,000 |
| Milwaukee Water Council Milwaukee, WI | General | $30,000 |
| Hunger Task Force Milwaukee, WI | General | $8,000 |
| Portal Industries Grafton, WI | General | $8,000 |
| Feeding America Second Harvest Madison, WI | General | $6,000 |
| Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee, WI | General | $5,000 |
| Milwaukee Rescue Mission Milwaukee, WI | General | $5,000 |
| Penfield Chirldren's Center Milwaukee, WI | General | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Badger Meter Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | $465,397 | $2,290,072 | $2,274,659 | 37 | $2,278,020 | $456,053 | $105,119 |
| 2021 | $1,824,315 | $205,067 | $169,168 | $157,300 | 44 | $157,310 | $194,171 | $130,281 |
| 2020 | $1,788,600 | $176,416 | $177,128 | $164,050 | 1 | — | $166,941 | $114,014 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Badger Meter Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $105K for 2022 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation states that it is organized and operated solely to make cash contributions to qualifying public charities. Its filing limits awards to charitable, scientific, literacy, or educational organizations.
The 2022 grantees include organizations working in several fields. For example, Children’s Hospital describes its mission as providing pediatric healthcare, education, research, and child advocacy. Hunger Task Force says it works to prevent hunger and malnutrition through food provision and social-policy advocacy. Penfield Children’s Center says it supports young children through education, therapy, and family programs. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not the foundation’s.
Grantmaking
In 2022, the foundation reported 37 grants totaling $2,274,659. Grant amounts ranged from $50 to $2,071,609, with a median of $3,000. Its largest listed grant was $2,071,609 to Greater Milwaukee Foundation; other notable awards included $40,000 to Greater Milwaukee Foundation, $30,000 each to Children’s Hospital and Milwaukee Water Council, and $8,000 each to Hunger Task Force and Portal Industries.
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Its filing says requests must be submitted in writing on organizational letterhead, with the reason, requested amount, and IRS determination letter, for board approval. Awards are restricted to charitable, scientific, literacy, or educational organizations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2022 filing lists Ronald H. Dix as president and director; Peter W. Bruce, Richard E. Johnson, and John P. Biever as directors; and Richard S. Gallagher as vice president and director. Biever is also listed as secretary/treasurer.
Badger Meter Foundation Inc is led by Ronald H. Dix, President & Director on every filing since 2020; none of the 5 officers listed in 2022 report compensation.
Officers on the 2022 filing
Ronald H. Dix
President & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter W. Bruce
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard E. Johnson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard S. Gallagher
Vice President & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John P. Biever
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2022. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Badger Meter Foundation Inc
How much does Badger Meter Foundation Inc give each year?
Badger Meter Foundation Inc gave $2.3M across 37 grants in 2022, according to its 2022 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2021 it gave $157K across 44 grants.
What is Badger Meter Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Badger Meter Foundation Inc's median grant in 2022 was $3,000, and its average grant was $61,477, across 37 grants on its 2022 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Badger Meter Foundation Inc give grants?
Badger Meter Foundation Inc gives mostly in Wisconsin: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2022 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Milwaukee, WI (25 grants), Madison, WI (3 grants) and West Bend, WI (2 grants).
Does Badger Meter Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Badger Meter Foundation Inc's 2022 grants with a stated purpose (37 of 37) were for general or operating support, per its 2022 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Badger Meter Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Badger Meter Foundation Inc's largest 2022 grantees include Greater Milwaukee Foundation ($2,111,609 across 2 grants), Childrens Hospital ($30,000) and Milwaukee Water Council ($30,000), according to its 2022 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 95% of its itemized 2022 grant dollars.
What does Badger Meter Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation states that it is organized and operated solely to make cash contributions to qualifying public charities. Its filing limits awards to charitable, scientific, literacy, or educational organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Badger Meter Foundation Inc?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
How much is Badger Meter Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2022, Badger Meter Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $105K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Badger Meter Foundation Inc's EIN?
Badger Meter Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-6043635. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2022.
Does Badger Meter Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(4)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 2, 2023)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2022
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Badger Meter Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation funds nonprofit programs, projects, general operations and capital needs, with priorities including early childhood education, housing, basic needs, health, arts and culture, and scientific research. Its competitive grants primarily serve Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties; in 2024, the median grant was about $27,800, though awards varied widely. It runs competitive grant cycles, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
838
Total Given
$66.8M
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Inc
Milwaukee, WI
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County funds local human services and community programs focused on housing stability, digital access, employment, teen mental wellness, and community resilience. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to about $2 million, with a median of about $34,000, and most funding went to Wisconsin, especially its four-county region. It requires a Letter of Intent before a full application; the listed 2026–27 Letter of Intent deadline has passed.
Assets
$50.8M
Grants
639
Total Given
$42.7M
Herbert H Kohl Charities Inc
Milwaukee, WI
Herbert H Kohl Charities funds charitable organizations, with its affiliated philanthropy emphasizing education, civic engagement, and community initiatives in Milwaukee and Wisconsin; most 2025 grant dollars went to Wisconsin recipients. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $2 million, with a median of $5,000, and Homegrown Grants offer up to $5,000. It makes contributions only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.6M
Grants
258
Total Given
$14.2M
Green Bay Packers Foundation
Green Bay, WI
The Green Bay Packers Foundation funds Wisconsin charities working in areas such as families, athletics, children’s safety and education, animal welfare, and other focus areas that vary by year. Its 2026 announcement describes typical awards of $3,000–$8,000, though some grants are larger; it accepts online applications during its stated cycle, February 2–April 1, 2026.
Assets
$57.2M
Grants
530
Total Given
$3.6M
Anon Charitable Trust
Milwaukee, WI
The trust funds scientific, literary, educational, or religious purposes, with nearly all 2024 grants going to organizations in Wisconsin. Its 130 grants ranged from $1,000 to $125,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts requests by letter describing the organization and project, with evidence of qualifying public-charity status.
Assets
$17.9M
Grants
130
Total Given
$2.0M
Evan & Marion Helfaer Foundation
Elm Grove, WI
The Evan & Marion Helfaer Foundation supports Wisconsin organizations across education, health, conservation, culture, and human services. In 2025, it made 94 grants ranging from $350 to $400,000, with a median grant of $1,500; it accepts requests using a written form and lists no deadlines.
Assets
$16.3M
Grants
94
Total Given
$1.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Wisconsin
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Badger Meter Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Badger Meter Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?