The Searle Freedom Trust

Donors Trust Inc

Alexandria, VA

Donors Trust supports charities and programs in social welfare, health, the environment, economics, governance, foreign relations, and arts and culture, with a strong emphasis on conservative and libertarian policy and education groups. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000, though awards ranged from $5,038 to $35 million, and recipients were concentrated in Washington, D.C., Virginia, New York, Texas, and California. It does not accept unsolicited requests; donor-advisors recommend grants through their accounts.

The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Inc

Milwaukee, WI

The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations advancing constitutional order, free markets, civil society, and informed citizens, with grants across the U.S. and the largest share going to Wisconsin. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $6.62 million, with a median of $100,000. It accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry online on an ongoing basis; full applications are by invitation.

Sarah Scaife Foundation Incorporated

Pittsburgh, PA

The Sarah Scaife Foundation primarily funds publicly supported nonprofits working on public policy issues, including tax policy, law and economics, national security, and foreign policy. Its 2024 grants ranged from $27,000 to $1.2 million, with a median of $200,000, and went primarily to organizations in Washington, DC, and Virginia. It accepts unsolicited requests; organizations not previously funded or pre-vetted must apply by hard copy.

Bradley Impact Fund Inc

Milwaukee, WI

Bradley Impact Fund supports people and nonprofits advancing conservative ideas and public policy through research, public education, advocacy, and implementation, with grants ranging from $100 to over $10 million and a 2024 median of $14,250. It funds locally, regionally, and nationwide; prospective recipients are directed to the Bradley Foundation’s two-step application process, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Adolph Coors Foundation

Denver, CO

The Adolph Coors Foundation funds youth development, adult job training and work programs, and public policy, with entrepreneurship and integrative medicine grants by invitation only. It focuses on Colorado, especially rural communities, and considers out-of-state public policy requests; 2025 awards ranged from $4,500 to $500,000, with a median of $40,000, while youth and adult grants are typically $5,000–$175,000. It accepts online applications during set periods, but does not accept letters of inquiry and asks prospective applicants to call first to discuss fit.

John William Pope Foundation

Raleigh, NC

The John William Pope Foundation funds public policy, education, human services, and arts work, with a focus on improving the well-being of North Carolinians. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $2,500 to $500,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through its online application portal.

The Chicago Community Trust

Chicago, IL

The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing

Appleton, WI

Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing distributes donor-directed and program donations to a broad range of causes and organizations in local, national, and global communities. Its 2024 grants had a median of $11,520 and ranged from $5,006 to $5 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Dane Buy Local Foundation Inc

Madison, WI

Dane Buy Local Foundation supports buy-local education, collaboration, and programs that strengthen locally owned businesses and communities in Dane County and South Central Wisconsin; it also offers scholarships to area high school seniors pursuing post-secondary business or entrepreneurship studies. No typical award amount is stated, and the information does not say whether the Foundation accepts unsolicited funding requests.

Alliant Energy Foundation Inc

Madison, WI

Greater Milwaukee Foundation Inc

Milwaukee, WI

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation funds nonprofits working on regional needs such as education, housing, basic needs, health, arts and culture, and small business, with an emphasis on racial equity. Most 2024 grants were relatively modest (median $27,778), though amounts ranged from $5,017 to $4.56 million; its competitive cycles serve organizations in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. It accepts applications through competitive grant cycles held three times a year.

Give Back Foundation

Madison, WI

Give Back Foundation is a 501(c)(3) donor-advised fund that encourages philanthropy by providing a platform to facilitate charitable giving. Founded in 2009, the organization helps connect donors with causes they care about, making it easy to distribute donations to multiple charities. The foundation serves as the steward for the Combined Federal Campaign, the world's largest workplace giving program, processing tens of thousands of donation transactions annually to thousands of charitable partners.