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PPC Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$0.1M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.5M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $101,263 (2022 grant disbursements)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Applications reviewed in fall; decisions by year-end
  • Grant Range: $500 - $500,000
  • Geographic Focus: Wisconsin, with emphasis on Milwaukee area

Contact Details

Email: foundation@ppcpartnersinc.com
Phone: (414) 462-7700
Contact Person: Melissa Soto
Address: 5477 S Westridge Ct, New Berlin, WI 53151
Website: https://www.ppcpartnersinc.com/foundation

Overview

PPC Foundation Inc was established in 1968 as the corporate foundation of PPC Partners, an employee-owned specialty contracting holding company. The foundation operates on a distinctive profit-sharing model, distributing 10% of the company's pre-tax profits annually to nonprofit organizations in communities where their companies operate. With total assets of $6.77 million (2024), the foundation has demonstrated significant growth in recent years. The foundation is rooted in the parent company's values of servant leadership and biblical principles, focusing on giving back to communities where employees and customers live and work. Major past recipients include Milwaukee School of Engineering ($775,000 total across multiple years) and Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership ($100,000). The foundation primarily supports organizations in Wisconsin, particularly the Milwaukee area, with interests spanning education, arts and culture, health, human services, and government and public administration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with tiered application requirements based on grant size:

  • Small Grants (under $500): Basic application requirements
  • Medium Grants ($500 - $1,000): Additional documentation required
  • Large Grants ($1,000 - $2,500): Enhanced scrutiny of administrative costs
  • Major Grants ($2,500+): Comprehensive application including long-range plans and employee/board involvement

Applications accepted on a rolling basis from January 1 through October 1 annually.

Priority Areas

Based on Form 990 data and stated interests, the foundation supports:

  • Education: Strong track record with educational institutions, particularly engineering education (Milwaukee School of Engineering)
  • Arts and Culture: Nonprofit organizations promoting cultural activities
  • Health: Healthcare and health-related nonprofits
  • Human Services: Community service organizations
  • Civic and Community Development: Organizations serving local communities, including memorial projects (Kewaskum Remembers 911)
  • Youth Development: Programs like Junior Achievement Fox Valley

What They Don't Fund

  • Private foundations
  • Political organizations
  • Religious organizations (except social service programs with separate 501(c)(3) status)
  • Institutions primarily funded by public taxes
  • Organizations with more than 10% of funds used for promotional expenses (for grants over $1,000)

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates under the umbrella of PPC Partners Inc, which was founded by Dick Pieper in 1990. The company transitioned to employee ownership to ensure its future sustainability. The parent company operates five subsidiary businesses: CarolinaPower, MetroPower, MP Systems, PieperPower, and Pieper Automation.

Core Values (reflecting foundation priorities):

  • Servant's Heart: Focus on Others
  • Wisdom: Insightful
  • Courage: Decisive & Confident
  • Integrity: Honest & Trustworthy
  • Passion: Unfailing Dedication
  • Humility: Modest & Respectful

The foundation's philosophy is described as "people-first servant leadership, directed by biblical wisdom and Jesus' example," which influences their grant-making approach toward community impact and ethical stewardship.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Submit written requests to foundation@ppcpartnersinc.com or mail to the New Berlin address. Applications must include specific documentation based on grant amount requested:

All Grant Applications:

  • Written request describing the need and purpose
  • Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation

Grants $500 - $1,000:

  • Board of Directors listing
  • Copy of annual budget and expenses
  • Definition of organization's mission

Grants $1,000 - $2,500:

  • All of the above
  • Documentation showing funds used for programs vs. promotion (less than 10% for promotional expenses preferred)

Grants $2,500+:

  • All of the above
  • Copy of long-range plans and goals with evidence the plan is being used
  • Annual unqualified audit
  • Evidence of involvement by a PPC Partners employee, retiree, or Board Director

Decision Timeline

  • Application Window: January 1 - October 1
  • Review Period: Fall
  • Notification: By year-end
  • Payment: Checks distributed by year-end for approved grants

Note: Incomplete applications will not be pursued; applicants are responsible for ensuring all required materials are submitted.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, 990 data shows variable grant-making activity:

  • 2022: 3 awards totaling $101,263
  • 2020: 1 award
  • 2019: 2 awards
  • 2018: 151 awards

The significant variation suggests grant-making depends heavily on the parent company's profitability in a given year.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's website states that "organizations who fail to meet this request cycle will have to submit a new request after January 1st," indicating that unsuccessful applicants or those missing deadlines can reapply in subsequent years without penalty.

Application Success Factors

Profit-Dependent Funding: The foundation explicitly states on their website that "the magnitude of the response is dependent upon the profitability of their businesses." Grant-seekers should understand that funding availability fluctuates based on PPC Partners' annual performance.

Employee Connection Advantage: For grants of $2,500 or more, involvement of a PPC Partners employee, retiree, or Board Director is required. Organizations with existing connections to the company have a significant advantage for larger grants.

Low Administrative Costs: For grants over $1,000, the foundation prefers organizations spending less than 10% on promotional expenses, demonstrating a strong preference for efficient operations focused on program delivery.

Long-Range Planning: Organizations requesting larger grants must demonstrate strategic planning with documented long-range plans and goals, suggesting the foundation values sustainable, well-managed organizations.

Geographic Alignment: Strong preference for Wisconsin organizations, particularly those in communities where PPC Partners operates (Milwaukee area and surrounding communities).

Educational Focus: Historical grant data shows significant support for educational institutions, particularly Milwaukee School of Engineering, which received $775,000 across multiple grants. Educational nonprofits appear to be favored recipients.

Values Alignment: Given the foundation's roots in servant leadership and biblical principles, organizations whose missions align with these values may have stronger appeal.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Timing is critical: Submit applications between January 1 and October 1; late applications must wait until the next cycle
  • Employee connections matter: For grants over $2,500, having a PPC Partners employee, retiree, or board member involved significantly strengthens applications
  • Demonstrate efficiency: Keep administrative/promotional costs under 10% for best consideration on larger grants
  • Location counts: Wisconsin-based organizations, especially in Milwaukee and surrounding areas, are strongly preferred
  • Education is favored: The foundation has a demonstrated track record of supporting educational institutions with substantial multi-year commitments
  • Funding varies annually: Grant availability depends on company profitability; adjust expectations accordingly and consider multi-year relationship building
  • Complete applications only: Ensure all required documentation is included; the foundation will not follow up on incomplete applications

References

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