From May 29, 2013 until July 18, 2013 the Burke Foundation will be accepting project proposals from organizations that focus on urban education and youth development in metro Milwaukee. The Burke Foundation will consider proposals for projects that are 3-5 years in duration, and will grant between $200,000 to $1 million per year to recipient organizations. The Burke Foundation will consider projects focused on youth ages 2 to 25 from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for projects that focus on those in need. In addition to financial support, the Foundation will seek ways to leverage its relationships and expertise to further the supported organizations’ missions.

“We believe that young people will unlock Milwaukee’s capacity to be an even more vibrant city.  For that reason, we are committed to providing additional resources to empower organizations tackling social challenges in the areas of urban education and youth development,” says Deanna Singh, Burke Foundation Executive Director. “We are looking for organizations that have a well-developed plan, great leadership and the ability to execute on their vision.” Winners of the award will be announced in early 2014. Requests may include expenses for planning, project staff, training and implementation costs, evaluation, and related capital expenditures.

The Burke Foundation Board of Directors is interested in funding projects that will produce substantive positive outcomes for young people in the Milwaukee area.  For the purposes of the Burke Foundation Award, the Foundation is looking to partner with new, innovative, or scalable educational opportunities and projects that enhance the well-being of Milwaukee’s youth and future leaders. By design, the project definition for this grant is open and flexible to allow for a variety of creative, well-conceived projects that address urban education and youth development.

The Burke Foundation is named in honor of Richard Burke, former Chairman of Trek Bicycle Corporation headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin.  Mr. Burke dedicated his life to investing in others, and left his estate to the Foundation to continue that work. The Burke Foundation is committed to enhancing and improving a) the character, quality and access to education, b) the personal, social and intellectual development of children and youth, and c) the educational and social quality of community life. This Request for Proposal reflects these priorities. “Dick believed that supporting Milwaukee’s young people was the best way to invest in the community,” says Mary Burke, Burke Foundation Board Member and Richard Burke’s daughter.