The Burke Foundation Inc
The Burke Foundation Inc is a public charity based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It supports educational opportunities and programs for youth, with a stated emphasis on urban education and leadership development in southeastern Wisconsin.
The Burke Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Burke Foundation Inc gave $6.1M across 11 grants in 2025 (avg $554K), mostly in Wisconsin. 9% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $6,097,812
- -11.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 11
- -21.4% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $554,347
- +12.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $450,000
- Total assets
- $122,392,784
- +8.5% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 9% first-time grantees (1 of 11, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Burke Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s website says it does not accept unsolicited requests at this time. Its application page says to sign up for mailing-list notifications for future opportunities; the FAQ describes a Letter of Intent process when applications are invited. No deadline is stated.
- Next open deadline
- November 15, 2026 (Grace Scholars, Mount Mary University)
- Contact
Mailing address: 320 E Buffalo St 600, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 477-5933
Website: https://theburkefoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from The Burke Foundation Inc
Burke Scholars, Marquette University
The Burke Foundation Inc
Amount
Full tuition + living expense stipend based on need
Deadline
Expected ~February
Based on past cycles
Caroline Scholars, Mount Mary University
The Burke Foundation Inc
Amount
Full tuition + residence hall living stipend including meal plan
Deadline
Expected ~December
Based on past cycles
Grace Scholars, Mount Mary University
The Burke Foundation Inc
Amount
85% of tuition + residential grant for on-campus living
Deadline
Expected ~November
Based on past cycles
Who The Burke Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Marquette University ($1.7M). Together the top 10 received $6.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
66 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 20 grants of 66 (30%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website FAQ says it considers organizations serving youth in the City of Milwaukee. Its 2025 filing reports that 100% of grant dollars went to recipients in Wisconsin; the listed recipients include organizations in Milwaukee and Madison. The foundation’s 2024 filing describes supported organizations with principal places of instruction in an 11-county southeastern Wisconsin region.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Burke Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
9%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 1 of 11 grantees (9%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $500K; repeat grants $560K. How we count
Medians: $500K first-time, $350K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $4.0M (2022) to $8.7M (2020). In 2025 it made 11 grants totaling $6.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Marquette University Milwaukee, WI | Scholarships | $1,672,866 |
| Mount Mary University Milwaukee, WI | Scholarships | $1,204,946 |
| Urban Ecology Center Milwaukee, WI | Operational Support | $1,000,000 |
| Historic Haymarket Milwaukee Inc Milwaukee, WI | Capital Campaign | $500,000 |
| Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation Incorporated Milwaukee, WI | Capital Campaign | $500,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Dane County Madison, WI | Avid Tops Program | $450,000 |
| Notre Dame School of Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI | Capital Campaign | $250,000 |
| First Stage Children's Theater Milwaukee, WI | Operational Support | $180,000 |
| Nativity Jesuit Academy Milwaukee, WI | Operational Support | $180,000 |
| Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra Milwaukee, WI | Youth Music Program | $110,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Burke Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $122,392,784 | $3,508,998 | $6,674,316 | $6,097,812 | 11 | $3,508,998 |
| 2024 | $112,812,011 | $5,390,105 | $7,386,887 | $6,891,474 | 14 | $5,390,105 |
| 2023 | $108,201,234 | $1,947,580 | $5,071,485 | $4,491,012 | 10 | $1,947,580 |
| 2022 | $98,978,443 | $2,093,180 | $4,600,641 | $4,036,496 | 12 | $2,093,180 |
| 2021 | $121,362,007 | $6,169,378 | $6,889,090 | $6,386,874 | 19 | $6,169,378 |
| 2020 | $116,683,618 | $5,046,058 | $9,189,217 | $8,703,505 | 29 | $5,046,058 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to improve young people’s lives by investing in creative, well-conceived, cost-effective educational opportunities. It identifies goals that include improving the character, quality, and access to education; supporting children’s and youths’ personal, social, and intellectual development; and improving the educational and social quality of community life. Its filing describes grants to exempt organizations working toward those goals.
The 2025 grants included university scholarships, operational support, capital campaigns, youth programming, and a youth music program. Among the recipients, Marquette University describes its mission as fostering personal and professional excellence and developing leadership expressed in service to others. The Urban Ecology Center says it connects people in cities to nature and each other. Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation says it promotes educational excellence and strengthens community participation in Milwaukee Public Schools. These are the grantees’ own descriptions, not additional statements of the foundation’s mission.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 11 grants totaling $6,097,812. Grant amounts ranged from $50,000 to $1,672,866, with a median of $450,000.
The largest reported awards were $1,672,866 to Marquette University for scholarships; $1,204,946 to Mount Mary University for scholarships; $1,000,000 to Urban Ecology Center for operational support; and $500,000 each to Historic Haymarket Milwaukee and Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation for capital campaigns. Other grants included $450,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Dane County for the AVID TOPS Program; $250,000 to Notre Dame School of Milwaukee for a capital campaign; $180,000 each to First Stage Children’s Theater and Nativity Jesuit Academy for operational support; $110,000 to Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra for a youth music program; and $50,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee for Sponsor-A-Scholar support.
The website’s application FAQ describes eligibility as a federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, or an organization with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, focused on youth development or urban education and serving youth in the City of Milwaukee. It defines youth as ages 0–25. The FAQ gives request ranges of $15,000–$250,000 for non-capital requests and up to $500,000 for capital projects; says projects may include capital and administrative or overhead costs; and describes awards as lasting one to two years and nonrenewable. It also says organizations should submit a Letter of Intent. The application page, updated January 2021, says the foundation is not currently reviewing Letters of Intent or unsolicited proposals and will announce any opportunity to apply on its website and mailing list.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Kathleen Burke, Mary Burke, Michele Deubel, Debra Dosemagen, Abiola Keller, and Deanna Tillisch as directors. Christopher Due is listed as executive director, and William Komisar as treasurer.
The Burke Foundation Inc is led by Christopher Due, Executive Director on every filing since 2024; all 8 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Christopher Due
Executive Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$118K (2024) → $134K (2025)
Abiola Keller
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$5K (2020) → $8K (2025)
Deanna Tillisch
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$5K (2020) → $8K (2025)
Debra Dosemagen
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$5K (2020) → $8K (2025)
Kathleen Burke
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$5K (2020) → $8K (2025)
Mary Burke
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$5K (2020) → $8K (2025)
Michele Deubel
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$5K (2020) → $8K (2025)
William Komisar
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$2K (2022) → $8K (2025)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Tina M. Quealy (2020–2023) — Executive Director
- Former: Kathryn L. Bennett (2020–2022) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $134K, to Christopher Due (Executive Director). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Burke Foundation Inc
How much does The Burke Foundation Inc give each year?
The Burke Foundation Inc gave $6.1M across 11 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $6.9M across 14 grants.
What is The Burke Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Burke Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $450,000, and its average grant was $554,347, across 11 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Burke Foundation Inc that year got $500K on average.
Where does The Burke Foundation Inc give grants?
The Burke Foundation Inc gives mostly in Wisconsin: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Milwaukee, WI (10 grants).
Does The Burke Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 27% of The Burke Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (3 of 11) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Capital Campaign" (3 grants).
Who are The Burke Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Burke Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Marquette University ($1,672,866), Mount Mary University ($1,204,946) and Urban Ecology Center ($1,000,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 64% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Burke Foundation Inc?
The Burke Foundation Inc reported $122.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.5M.
What does The Burke Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to improve young people’s lives by investing in creative, well-conceived, cost-effective educational opportunities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Burke Foundation Inc?
The foundation’s website says it does not accept unsolicited requests at this time. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Burke Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Burke Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1828760. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Burke 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 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 26, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 7, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 16, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 23, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Burke 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
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
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
Ralph Evinrude Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The Ralph Evinrude Foundation supports community services, education, health, arts and culture, and capital projects, primarily in Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,500 to $100,000, with a median of $7,250. It accepts requests by letter and does not limit giving to preselected organizations; applications are due quarterly.
Assets
$13.7M
Grants
118
Total Given
$1.3M
Milwaukee Jewish Federation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The federation funds Jewish community organizations and programs, social services, education, and community life in Milwaukee, Israel, and elsewhere, with most grant dollars going to Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from about $5,000 to $1.63 million, with a median of about $16,700. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$280.1M
Grants
196
Total Given
$11.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Wisconsin
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Burke Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-burke-foundation-inc-morg_f7f861d9099c4332b3900928754d53b0
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_391828760_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Burke Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-burke-foundation-inc-morg_f7f861d9099c4332b3900928754d53b0},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Burke 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.
The Burke Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?