Who Can Apply

The Fund awards grants only to organizations exempt from federal taxation under section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Types of Grants Awarded

Brico recognizes that different needs require different kinds of funding.  We consider general operating, program, and rarely, capital and endowment grants.  We are interested in learning about your area of greatest need.

We primarily fund organizations with projects and programs within the Greater Milwaukee community and in southeastern Wisconsin.  Some funding is done statewide in Wisconsin and nationally for programs of broader scope (i.e. they have a national/international impact). 

Restrictions

The Brico Fund does not fund:

While we enjoy long relationships with some grantees, we generally limit the frequency for any long term granting to four out of six years.  This allows us to stay with a small organization as it grows or as a program develops, but requires it to develop a diversified base of income so that Brico is not the sole support.  Because you know your organization and its funding streams best, we ask you to be selective in deciding in which years Brico funds are least needed.   Conversely, some compelling issues are short lived, only fit our funding priorities for a short time, or are not influencing the systemic change we expect to address. No assumptions should be made about continued support.

Generally, the Fund does not accept requests for additional support during the period in which an organization has a grant in effect.  We prefer to receive a request from an organization only once in a twelve month period.

Because of the limited resources of the Fund, many worthwhile projects and programs cannot be funded or will be supported only to the extent our budget allows.  The demands on the Fund’s resources also limit the size of grants and the ability to make commitments for extended time periods. 

Should You Apply?

In reflecting on this question, you should consider the criteria we value.  Ask yourself if your organization or project:

1. closely fits our current funding priorities

2. effects systemic change

3. has clearly articulated how you will effectively accomplish the three goals we ask you to articulate in the preliminary application

If you are not sure, please give us a call.  We recognize that your time is valuable and do not want to waste it.