Patty and Jay Baker Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Patty and Jay Baker Foundation supports performing arts, education and healthcare in Wisconsin and beyond.

IP TAKE: Although this funder has strong roots in Milwaukee, grantmaking is shared with Naples, Florida. This foundation lacks transparency and does not accept unsolicited grant proposals.

PROFILE: Established in 1993, the Patty and Jay Baker Foundation is a private family foundation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jay Baker is the former president of the Wisconsin-based Kohl’s Corporation, which is a department store. He and his wife, Patty, created this foundation to channel their charitable giving. Today, the foundation is managed by an attorney, Peter M. Sommerhauser of Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.  The Baker Foundation funds local efforts for performing arts, education and healthcare.

The Patty and Jay Baker Foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers. Recent tax filings reveal that this couple maintains a strong interest in education and funds both K-12 and higher education. Other interests include theater, the elderly, domestic abuse prevention, hospitals, Jewish causes and youth programs for out-of-school learning.

Grants range between about $5,000 and $3 million. The Bakers tend to support the same well-established organizations year after year. Grantmaking focuses on Milwaukee, Florida, New York and Washington, D.C. Past grantees include the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Paralyzed Veterans of America and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.

This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits and only funds pre-selected organizations. Direct general questions to the staff at 414-273-3500.

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CONTACT:

Patty and Jay Baker Foundation

833 E Michigan St. No. 1800

Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 273-3500