The Lynde And Harry Bradley Foundation Incorporated
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking foundation based in Milwaukee, WI, with a mission to restore, strengthen, and protect principles of American exceptionalism. The site lists staff and board, recent news (including 2026 Bradley Prize recipients), and grantmaking information. Applications are handled through an online grants-management system (bradley.smartsimple.com).
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit or university program whose work advances free enterprise, civic education, American history/culture, public policy research, fellowships, or Wisconsin-focused community initiatives and that can provide the foundation's requested financial and governance documents.
Good Fit
- • Clear program alignment with the foundation’s emphasis on free enterprise, civic education, or American civic and cultural programs
- • Organizational stability and capacity to provide audited financials, board lists, and IRS documentation
- • Requests framed as program support, fellowships, capital projects, or targeted project funding rather than unrestricted overhead
- • A track record of measurable program outcomes or a strong university/think-tank partnership
- • Demonstrated work in Wisconsin or a national program with clear state-level impact
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year reached 39 states and include major recipients across the country, though Wisconsin accounts for roughly one-third of dollars.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 314 distinct organizations across universities, policy centers, cultural and community groups and charities, showing a broad and diverse recipient set for a private foundation of this size.
New Applicants
A public LOI/full-application process is published and 73 new recipients appeared in the latest year alongside 241 returning grantees, indicating new entrants can and do enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
