The RDK Foundation (also known as the Ruth Foundation for the Arts) is a private grantmaking foundation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1984 and tax-exempt since September 1985, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation honors the legacy of Ruth DeYoung Kohler II (1941-2020), who directed the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan for over 50 years. In 2022, the foundation received a transformative $440 million bequest that significantly expanded its grantmaking capacity.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$12.4M
+2.7% YoY
Grant Count
1
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$12.4M
+2.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation supports primarily arts organizations, with additional focus on education and human services. The foundation emphasizes "nonhierarchical" approaches to arts funding, championing under-recognized artists and art forms, particularly regional and craft-based organizations and artist-built environments.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
** $20,000 to $200,000
Invitation Only
** The foundation primarily operates through invitation-only and artist-nomination based programs, with limited open applications. The Artist Choice program typically announces decisions annually each spring.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation maintains a national funding scope with a strong emphasis on Wisconsin-based organizations and initiatives.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Total Assets: $367.1 million (as of June 2024)
Annual Disbursements: $17.3 million (FY 2024)
Total Expenses: $19.2 million (FY 2024)
Total Liabilities: $0 (as of June 2024)
Investment Income: $7.2 million (FY 2024)
Staff Size: 7 employees
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 1 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
49 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include See Attached ($12,381,700).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SEE ATTACHED MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL OPERATING | $12,381,700 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Karen Patterson – Executive Director
- Kim Nguyen – Program Director
- Rachel Reichert – Residency Manager / Program Director
- Heidi Wirth – Operations Director
- Zola Yi – Manager of Grant Programs
- U.S. Bank NA – Trustee
- Paul J. Tilleman – Trustee
- Susan L. Flader – Trustee
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| U S BANK NA | CO-TRUSTEE | 15 | $1,883,067 |
| PAUL J TILLEMAN | CO-TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| SUSAN L FLADER | CO-TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Ruth Foundation for the Arts awarded a RDK Legacy Fund grant to Create Wisconsin, demonstrating ongoing commitment to arts and cultural organizations in the region.
Ruth Foundation for the Arts awards a RDK Legacy Fund grant to Create Wisconsin\Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rdk Foundation fund?
The foundation supports primarily arts organizations, with additional focus on education and human services. The foundation emphasizes "nonhierarchical" approaches to arts funding, championing under-recognized artists and art forms, particularly regional and craft-based organizations and artist-built environments.
How do I apply for a grant from Rdk Foundation?
**Grant Range:** $20,000 to $200,000 **Annual Giving:** Approximately $17-20 million (FY 2024: $12.4 million in total giving) **Application Process:** The foundation primarily operates through invitation-only and artist-nomination based programs, with limited open applications. The Artist Choice program typically announces decisions annually each spring. **Recent Grant Activity:** In FY 2024, the foundation made 46 grants. The foundation has demonstrated significant growth in grantmaking activi…
Where does Rdk Foundation make grants?
The foundation maintains a national funding scope with a strong emphasis on Wisconsin-based organizations and initiatives.
What size grants does Rdk Foundation award?
In 2024, Rdk Foundation awarded 1 grants totaling $12.4M — an average of about $12.4M per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Rdk Foundation's EIN?
Rdk Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1524311. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Rdk Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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