The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It supports organizations and projects that advance its mission to restore, strengthen, and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism.
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc gave $56.5M across 361 grants in 2024 (avg $156K), top state Wisconsin. 16% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $56,482,360
- +4.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 361
- +4.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $156,461
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $993,446,884
- +0.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (50 of 314, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (32% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
Applications are submitted through the foundation’s online grants-management system using a two-step process. Organizations first submit a virtual letter of inquiry (LOI), which is accepted on an ongoing basis. If invited after LOI review, they submit a full application with a project description, objectives and significance, participant qualifications and roles, and organizational materials: the current IRS exemption determination letter, current-year budget, project budget if applicable, board and officer list, most recent audited financial statements, most recent IRS Form 990, and any additional supporting materials. The foundation supports only organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and publicly supported under Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3); it does not provide grants to individuals or fund overhead or indirect costs. Program staff review applications, and the board makes grant decisions.
- Review Cycle
- Full applications are due February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15. Applications are typically considered at the corresponding board meeting in May, August, November, or February, respectively; some may be deferred.
- Deadline
- Full applications are due February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15.
- Contact
Application contact: Program Team
Mailing address: 1400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 291-9915
Website: https://bradleyfdn.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc
Who The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Caroline D Bradley Association of Scholars ($6.6M). Together the top 10 received $18.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($300,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,981 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 744 grants of 1,981 (38%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in Wisconsin and makes grants in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the country. In 2024, recipient-state shares of grant dollars were Wisconsin 32%, California 17%, the District of Columbia 10%, Virginia 8%, and New York 6%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 361 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 50 of 314 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $158K; repeat grants $184K. How we count
Medians: $69K first-time, $100K repeat.
- 78% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 26% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 132% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $45.0M (2021) to $56.5M (2024). In 2024 it made 361 grants totaling $56.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Caroline D Bradley Association of Scholars Pasadena, CA | To support the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship program | $6,620,000 |
| Bradley Impact Fund Inc Milwaukee, WI | To support general operations | $3,200,000 |
| Historic Haymarket Milwaukee I Inc Milwaukee, WI | To support a capital campaign | $2,000,000 |
| Encounter for Culture and Education Inc New York, NY | To support Encounter Books | $1,000,000 |
| Foundation for Excellence in Higher Education Princeton, NJ | To support educational institutes, centers, and programs at universities | $800,000 |
| Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty Inc Milwaukee, WI | To support general operations | $750,000 |
| Foundation for the Constitution Washington, DC | To support the Center for the Constitution | $685,000 |
| American Legislative Exchange Council Arlington, VA | To support general operations | $500,000 |
| Center for Urban Teaching Milwaukee, WI | To support expansion | $500,000 |
| Concordia University Wisconsin Foundation Mequon, WI | To support the Free Enterprise Center | $500,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $993,446,884 | $60,991,447 | $68,888,306 | $56,482,360 | 361 | $64,353,569 | $65,626,403 | $48,623,963 |
| 2023 | $987,072,699 | $30,987,418 | $68,861,089 | $54,127,095 | 346 | $61,475,361 | $27,247,836 | $47,344,879 |
| 2022 | $991,872,820 | $1,893,272 | $63,824,563 | $49,822,750 | 409 | $56,721,377 | $9,196,216 | $50,581,600 |
| 2021 | $1,183,267,692 | $146,815,017 | $71,392,544 | $44,990,317 | 434 | $51,321,036 | $140,226,978 | $52,535,936 |
| 2020 | $1,061,478,184 | $82,867,746 | $60,529,770 | $51,366,960 | 431 | — | $74,098,354 | $44,895,028 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $48.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to restore, strengthen, and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism. Its guiding principles include fidelity to the Constitution and individual liberties, commitment to free markets and private enterprise, and support for civil society and informed citizens.
Its 2024 grants included support for a scholarship program, a museum capital campaign, educational programs, publishing, urban teacher development, and organizations working on policy and constitutional issues. For example, Encounter for Culture and Education Inc describes its work as editing, publishing, and distributing books related to democratic society that lack traditional means of publication. The Center for Urban Teaching describes its mission as identifying, preparing, and supporting high-performing urban teachers and leaders.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 361 grants totaling $56,482,360. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $6,620,000, with a median grant of $100,000.
Among the largest grants were $6,620,000 to The Caroline D Bradley Association of Scholars for its scholarship program; $3,200,000 to Bradley Impact Fund Inc for general operations; $2,000,000 to Historic Haymarket Milwaukee Inc for a capital campaign; and $1,000,000 to Encounter for Culture and Education Inc to support Encounter Books. Other substantial awards included $800,000 to the Foundation for Excellence in Higher Education for educational institutes, centers, and university programs, and $750,000 to Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty Inc for general operations.
The foundation also reports direct charitable activity through the Bradley Prizes, which honor scholars and practitioners whose work reflects its mission. Three individuals received awards in 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists P. English as Chairman and Director; J. Barry as Vice Chairman and Director; C. Mitchell as Secretary and Director; and J. Beagle, P. Clement, R. George, V. Hanson, J. A. Pope, R. Ribble, and E. Scalia as Directors.
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc is led by Richard W Graber, President on every filing since 2020; 11 of 16 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Richard W Graber
President
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$733K (2020) → $762K (2024)
P English
Chairman & Director
Vice Chairman & Director → Chairman & Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
C Mitchell
Secretary & Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$23K (2021) → $32K (2024)
J Barry
Vice Chairman & Director
Director → Vice Chairman & Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$38K (2020) → $47K (2024)
Kim Magnan
Director for Human Resources & Administrative Services
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$93K (2020) → $136K (2024)
Mark Rhode
Director of Finance
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$164K (2020) → $201K (2024)
R George
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$30K (2020) → $30K (2024)
R Ribble
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$35K (2020) → $38K (2024)
V Hanson
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$33K (2020) → $30K (2024)
P Clement
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$33K (2021) → $0 (2024)
Dionne King
Director of Operations
New on the 2024 filing
45 hrs/week
$139K (2024)
J A Pope
Director
Chairman & Director → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
E Scalia
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
J Beagle
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephen A Langlois
Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
Vice President for Finance, Technology & Operations → Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, 2023
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$258K (2020) → $389K (2024)
Alicia Manning
Vice President for Programs
On filings since 2022
45 hrs/week
$202K (2022) → $341K (2024)
Former officers (4)
- Former: C Culver (2020–2024) — Director · Filing note: Thru 4/2024
- Former: Carl O Helstrom (2020–2023) — Vice President for Programs · Filing note: Terminated 1312023
- Former: T Considine (2020–2022) — Director · Filing note: Term ended 5172022
- Former: Terri L Famer (2020–2021) — Assistant Secretary · Filing note: Terminated 73121
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $762K, to Richard W Graber (President). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc
How much does The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc give each year?
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc gave $56.5M across 361 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $54.1M across 346 grants.
What is The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $100,000, and its average grant was $156,461, across 361 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc that year got $158K on average.
Where does The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc give grants?
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc's top state is Wisconsin, with 32% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were California (17%) and District of Columbia (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Milwaukee, WI (82 grants), Washington, DC (36 grants), New York, NY (14 grants) and Arlington, VA (11 grants).
Does The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 61% of The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (220 of 361) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "To support a legal fellowship" (10 grants) and "To support a capital campaign" (5 grants).
Who are The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include The Caroline D Bradley Association of Scholars ($6,620,000), Bradley Impact Fund Inc ($3,547,500 across 2 grants) and Historic Haymarket Milwaukee I Inc ($2,000,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($300,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 22% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc?
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc reported $993.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $64.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $48.6M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to restore, strengthen, and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc?
Applications are submitted through the foundation’s online grants-management system using a two-step process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-6037928. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-lynde-and-harry-bradley-foundation-inc-morg_27fb1c05d4bf41929927678846b62581
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_396037928_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-lynde-and-harry-bradley-foundation-inc-morg_27fb1c05d4bf41929927678846b62581},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-08. 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 Lynde and Harry Bradley 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.
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