Baird Foundation Inc

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

• Baird Foundation official page: https://www.rwbaird.com/bairddifference/community-involvement/baird-foundation/ (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• Baird 2024 Annual Report - Impacting Our Communities: https://www.rwbaird.com/annual-reports/2024/impacting-our-communities/ (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• Paul Purcell Kids Win 2025 Grant Announcement: https://www.rwbaird.com/newsroom/news/2025/05/baird-awards-paul-purcell-kids-win-grants-to-32-nonprofits/ (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• Paul Purcell Kids Win 2024 Grant Announcement: https://www.rwbaird.com/newsroom/news/2024/05/baird-awards-purcell-kids-win-grants-to-18-nonprofits/ (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• Kids Win About the Grant page: https://www.rwbaird.com/kidswin/about-the-grant/ (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/396107937 (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• CauseIQ profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/baird-foundation-inc,396107937/ (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• Grantmakers.io profile: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/396107937-baird-foundation-inc/ (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy - Baird Foundation: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-b/baird-foundation (accessed 17 Feb 2026)
• Charity Navigator profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/396107937 (accessed 17 Feb 2026)