The Mission of Bader Philanthropies is to help people and honor the legacy of our founders. We strive to accomplish this with grants and program related investments and by convening partners, engaging with community and developing leaders.
The Foundation shares the values of Dignity, Compassion, Humility, Integrity and Service. We strive to practice Cultural Intentionality (please click the underlined words for a PDF), Embedded Philanthropy, Continuous Improvement, and Good Governance.
Bader Philanthropies supports the State of Israel and its right to exist. We oppose hate, racism, antisemitism and discrimination in any form and towards any population.
For more than three decades, Bader Philanthropies continues to practice the intentions of its trailblazing founders, Helen Daniels Bader and Isabel and Alfred Bader. The Foundation is among the first to catalyze growth and development through its physical presence moving from a downtown Milwaukee office space to the Historic Third Ward in the 1990s followed by the decision to move to the Harambee neighborhood in 2018.
The Foundation through its grantmaking supports organizations of all sizes and budgets and at various stages in their transformation who are committed to serving the needs of our communities. The Foundation is equally committed to convening – offering a state-of-the-art facility and environment that brings people from all walks of life to share diverse perspectives on issues of social concern often sparking solutions that lead to meaningful change.
Helen Bader Foundation offices open at Firstar tower.
1992
Bader Philanthropies expands its downtown Milwaukee offices.
1994
First major gift of $1 million to Wisconsin Conservatory of Music creates Helen Bader Recital Hall, celebrating Helen’s love for music and performance.
1998
The Foundation convenes its Board of Directors meeting in Israel.
1999
Cardinal Stritch University establishes The Leadership Center for the Advancement of Learning and Service with a $1.2 million commitment from the Foundation.
2002
Foundation funded Homework First program celebrates five years of helping Milwaukee Public School students learn good study habits.
2004
$5 million Program Related Investment in Generation Growth Capital Fund I aims to spur regional business and job growth.
2007
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Center name their campus road, Helen Bader Drive, in recognition of the Foundation’s commitment to Judaic education and values.
2008
$10 million committed to creating a permanent endowment for the Helen Bader Scholarship Fund for Jewish Education.
2009
Tsad Kadima opens its new Marvin and Jane Klitsner Educational Rehabilitative Center in Be’er Sheva for Israeli children with Cerebral Palsy, honoring the memory of one of the Foundation’s founding board members, Marvin Klitsner, with a gift of $2 million.
2010
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy names the Foundation to its “Top 30 PRI Providers” list, recognizing the Foundation’s support through program related investments, such as a loan to the Wisconsin Preservation Fund, supporting affordable housing for Milwaukee’s low and moderate income population.
2012
Helen Bader Foundation total giving surpasses $250 million milestone.
2014
Bader Philanthropies, Inc. established, encompassing the Helen Daniels Bader Fund and Isabel & Alfred Bader Fund.
2015
Bader Philanthropies announces the renovation of a historic building in the Harambee neighborhood which will become its new Global Headquarters in 2018.
2016
Hillel Academy and Hillel High School rename Bader Hillel Academy and Bader Hillel High in honor of the schools’ co-founder, Alfred Bader.
2017
Bader Philanthropies occupies its Global Headquarters in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood.
2018
Bader Philanthropies completes construction which will bring a jazz café and holistic wellness center to the Harambee neighborhood.
2020