Dear Colleagues,
Earlier this year, I shared with you that Brico Fund would be transitioning back to my family office.
As part of this transition, I would be reviewing Brico’s strategy in considering the next phase of my
philanthropic work.
After a year of re-engaging directly with all aspects of my philanthropy, I have decided to return
Brico to its roots. When I started Brico in 1989, I was inspired by the ongoing challenges
that needed to be addressed relating to the environment as well as the role of women in society.
Going forward, these areas will receive the primary attention of Brico Fund.
As you may be aware, over the past decade Brico has had three program areas: arts, democracy,
and the environment. The environment focus will continue, although we will be considering how
Brico’s ongoing investment in water resources can be integrated with attention to the threats posed
by climate change. Arts and democracy will cease to be independent program areas.
Aspects of these approaches, however, will likely be reflected in Brico’s work in new areas of inquiry,
as the strategy in our areas of interest is still being fleshed out.
With respect to the environment, Brico hosted a roundtable discussion in November featuring
outside experts who are leaders in areas complementary to Brico funding. This discussion was
informative and will move forward Brico’s thinking on how to enhance our work on the environment.
Water will continue to be a central concern, as it is an important aspect of our identity as Wisconsinites,
but we cannot ignore the impacts of climate change on our state.
As a result of these changes, Lynn Lucius and Linda Honold will no longer serve as day-to-day advisors
to Brico’s strategy on arts and democracy, respectively. Karen Schapiro will continue in her role advising
Brico’s environmental work. I want to thank all three of them for their sage advice over many years and
their ongoing dedication to improving the lives of those who call Wisconsin home.
I continue to be thankful for all of the good work that Brico has supported in the past, and I look forward
to sharing with you the next phase of our work as the strategy crystallizes.
Yours sincerely,
Lynde B. Uihlein