MILWAUKEE – (June 21, 2023) – Since 1992, Bader Philanthropies has committed over $450 million in organizations addressing major social needs throughout Milwaukee, the state of Wisconsin, and the world through grants and program related investments. Today, the foundation announced its commitment to create the Bader Leadership Institute (BLI) which will be led by Brandon Wigley.
With this move, the Bader Philanthropies Board of Directors adds a critical piece to its multi-decade commitment to grantmaking and convening. It is a public statement about the importance of developing leaders who have the curiosity and will to create meaningful change in our communities.
BLI will be led by Brandon Wigley, who joined the Bader Philanthropies staff in 2018 as a Program Officer overseeing the Foundation’s Employment portfolio which has awarded over $42.6 million to Milwaukee area nonprofit organizations. Wigley brings to this new role his lived experiences as a former Lutheran minister, member of law enforcement and trial attorney.
In this new role, Wigley will work with the Groundwork Leadership Institute team to create a framework that engages individuals from all walks of life in an intensive cohort leadership experience. He will also be responsible for developing strategies for the ongoing engagement of the leaders and evaluating the impact BLI leaders have in addressing the most critical issues in Milwaukee.
“The time has come to invest in the development of individuals who care deeply about our communities and have the courage to help us cut through the things that hold us back from listening and working with one another,” said Daniel J. Bader, President and CEO of Bader Philanthropies. “Since joining the Bader Philanthropies team in 2018, Brandon’s unique experiences combined with his pragmatic approach have helped the Foundation see the need for the BLI.”
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About Bader Philanthropies, Inc.
Milwaukee-based Bader Philanthropies, Inc., one of southeastern Wisconsin’s top five foundations, is a philanthropic leader in improving the quality of life of the diverse global communities in which it works. The organization funds innovative projects and programs, convenes partners, and shares knowledge to affect emerging issues in key areas. Since its founding in 1992 as the Helen Bader Foundation, the organization has committed over $450 million in grants and program related investments, such as loans, loan guarantees, equity investments and other credit enhancements that advance its charitable mission. For more information on Bader Philanthropies, visit bader.org.