OVERVIEW: The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation primarily invests in conservative policy and academic research, with a focus on democratic infrastructure, economic deregulation, federalism and higher education.
IP TAKE: The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is an ultra-conservative funder that supports research and policy work that aligns with its values. In recent years, The Bradleys have facilitated Trumpian politics that are not related to more traditional conservative principles, such as increasing the deficit and promoting conservative thought on college campuses. Applicants with proposals veer too far from the ideals of its founders will not find success with this funder. Grants mainly support those working in the far-right, Big Lie space. However, Bradley accepts letters of inquiry on an ongoing basis through its application portal, and full proposals are accepted by invitation.
PROFILE: The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation in Milwaukee is named for two of the three co-founders who started the Allen-Bradley Company in 1903. In 1985, Allen-Bradley was purchased by Rockwell International—a sale that “boosted The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation’s assets from less than $14 million to more than $290 million.” The foundation’s mission is to “restore, strengthen, and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism.” Four principles inform the foundation’s grantmaking themes: Constitutional Order, Free Markets, Civil Society and Informed Citizens.
Grants for Civic Engagement, Democracy and Higher Education
Bradley’s four overlapping areas of giving support policy, research and education according to the following principles and beliefs:
- The Bradley Foundation’s Constitutional Order focus area supports organizations that “advance federalism and limit government at the national, state, and local levels.” Issues of specific interest include freedom of speech, election integrity, civic engagement and Constitutional order.
- The foundation’s Civil Society program area supports programs that support traditional family structures, economic self-sufficiency, civil discourse and cultural programming for the greater Milwaukee area.
- Bradley’s Informed Citizens program funds projects that “reform and re-imagine systems and institutions of higher education” by advancing “American exceptionalism,” the idea that the U.S. is unique among and superior to other nations. This program works towards instilling conservative principles into classrooms.
- The Free Markets focus area articulates an interest in economic development but invests in efforts toward a “free enterprise system” and research that contributes to support for less government involvement in economic and financial affairs.
- Grantees are mainly conservative and libertarian think tanks. Grants have gone to the conservative publisher Encounter for Culture and Education, the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the American Legislative Exchange Council and the Franklin News Foundation.
- A portion of this funder’s giving supports local causes in Milwaukee and in the state of Wisconsin. Grantees include Milwaukee’s Acts Community Development Corporation, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty and the Center for Urban Teaching of Milwaukee.
- Note that the foundation also provides ongoing support to the Institute for Educational Advancement’s Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship Program and the Bradley Impact Fund, a conservative donor-advised vehicle that supports “”
Important Grant Details:
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $800,000, although a few grantees regularly receive sums in the millions. This funder’s average grant size is about $50,000, and it made over $54 million in grants in a recent year.
- This funder supports a mix of national and regional conservative organizations. Milwaukee, where the foundation is based, is an area of priority.
- Bradley accepts letters of inquiry on an ongoing basis and invites full proposals. See the application guidelines before submitting a letter via the application portal.
- Grantseekers may review the foundation’s past grantees for more information on its giving habits.
- Sign up for the foundation’s newsletter at the bottom of the website. Bradley does not have a contact page, but it can be reached by phone at (414) 291-9915.
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