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Baird Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$7.4M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.4M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7.4 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation/nomination only)
  • Decision Time: Variable based on programme
  • Grant Range: $500 - $390,000 (typical median ~$1,500)
  • Geographic Focus: National, primarily markets where Baird associates work

Contact Details

Website: https://www.rwbaird.com/bairddifference/community-involvement/baird-foundation/ Phone: 414-765-3500 Address: 777 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Note: Does not accept unsolicited applications

Overview

Founded in 1967, the Baird Foundation Inc is the philanthropic arm of Robert W. Baird & Co., managing over $130 million in assets and distributing approximately $7.4 million annually to over 3,500 nonprofits. The foundation operates as a private non-operating foundation focused on amplifying the charitable giving of Baird associates through matching programmes and strategic education grants. The foundation's giving has grown significantly, from $5.4 million in 2022 to $7.4 million in 2024, reflecting both increased corporate commitment and associate participation. Unlike traditional foundations, Baird Foundation operates exclusively through associate-driven giving, requiring a direct connection to a Baird employee for all grants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Associate Match Programme: Up to $1,500 per associate annually (matched donations to eligible 501(c)(3) organisations where associates give and volunteer)
  • Paul Purcell "Kids Win!" Education Grant: ~$50,000-100,000 per recipient (2025: 32 recipients sharing $1.5 million; requires Baird associate sponsorship)
  • Foundation Charitable Gifts: Variable amounts for strategic partnerships where associates are deeply engaged

Priority Areas

  • Health & Human Services (largest category by recipient count)
  • Education (K-12, higher education, workforce development)
  • Arts & Culture (particularly Milwaukee-based institutions)
  • Diversity & Inclusion initiatives
  • Youth programmes
  • United Way campaigns

What They Don't Fund

  • Unsolicited proposals from organisations without Baird associate connections
  • Direct programme delivery (foundation does not operate programmes)
  • Organisations outside markets where Baird operates

Governance and Leadership

  • Jill E. Fox - Director of Baird Foundation
  • Alexandria Craig - Manager, Baird Foundation & Philanthropy
  • Steve Booth - Chairman & CEO of Baird (board member)
  • Jennifer L. McCauley - Treasurer
  • Dawn M. DeCicco - Secretary

Steve Booth on the Kids Win grant: "Paul was a champion of education and strongly believed that every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their circumstances."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. All grants are made through:

  1. Associate Match: Automatic matching when Baird employees donate to eligible charities
  2. Kids Win Grant: Requires nomination and sponsorship by a Baird associate with direct insight into the organisation
  3. Foundation Gifts: Discretionary grants to organisations where Baird associates volunteer or serve on boards

Getting on Their Radar

  • Engage Baird employees as volunteers or board members - the primary pathway to funding
  • Target Baird office locations: Milwaukee (HQ), Chicago, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Baltimore, Sarasota, Salt Lake City, and 50+ other US offices
  • For education nonprofits: Cultivate relationships with local Baird office staff who can become Kids Win nominators
  • United Way agencies in Baird markets may benefit from the company's annual workplace giving campaign

Decision Timeline

Variable based on programme type; Associate Match is automatic upon employee donation

Success Rates

Not applicable - all funding requires internal champion

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - relationship-based funding model

Application Success Factors

Based on funded organisations and foundation statements:

  • Direct Baird associate involvement is mandatory - the foundation explicitly states it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organisations"
  • Kids Win recipients demonstrate: Service to diverse student populations, first-generation students, and students with limited financial means
  • Geographic alignment matters: 2025 Kids Win grants went to 32 organisations across 15 states where Baird has offices
  • Long-term engagement succeeds: Many recipients like United Performing Arts Fund and Milwaukee Art Museum receive consistent annual support
  • Scale of associate involvement correlates with grant size: Largest grants go to organisations with multiple Baird volunteers/board members

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Cold outreach will not work - the foundation explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests
  • Cultivation strategy required: Focus on recruiting Baird employees as volunteers, board members, or donors first
  • Milwaukee-based organisations have advantages due to headquarters concentration of associates
  • Education nonprofits should target Kids Win grant by developing relationships with Baird associates who can sponsor applications
  • Small donations can trigger matching: Even $500 donations from Baird associates can be matched up to $1,500
  • United Way partnership provides indirect access in Baird's 57+ office markets
  • Growth trajectory is positive: Annual giving increased 37% from 2022 to 2024, suggesting expanding capacity

References

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