First Business Charitable Foundation Inc
Accepts applications
First Business Charitable Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Madison, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $339,150 in 63 grants; the typical grant was $1,500 and the largest $125,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$339,150
- Number of grants63
- Typical grant$1,500
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$2.6 million
- New grantees70%
Giving in 2025 was up from $130,049 the year before.
70% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $212,125 | 37 | $2.2 million |
| 2024 | $130,049 | 33 | $2.3 million |
| 2025 | $339,150 | 63 | $2.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Brian Spielmann VP 401 Charmany Drive, Madison, WI 53719 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (608) 232-5977 |
| What to submit | By initial letter of inquiry with name of person whom the foundation should contact |
| Restrictions | Local organizations engaged in non-profit activities designed improve the economic and social well being of the community by First Business Financial Services, Inc |
What First Business Charitable Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 55 | $294,650 |
| Iowa | 1 | $25,000 |
| Illinois | 3 | $15,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $2,500 |
| Kansas | 2 | $1,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boys and Girls Club of Dane County Inc | Program support | $125,000 |
| United Way of Dane County | Program support | $38,000 |
| American Heart Association Inc | Program support | $25,000 |
| Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation Inc | Program support | $15,000 |
| Envision Unlimited | Program support | $10,000 |
| Madison Public Library Foundation Inc | Program support | $10,000 |
| American Cancer Society Inc | Program support | $9,100 |
| Stoughton Hospital Foundation Inc | Program support - pmt 3 of | $5,000 |
| Community Smiles Dental | Program support - pmt 1 of | $5,000 |
| Edgewood College | Program support | $5,000 |
| Lad Lake Inc | Program support | $5,000 |
| Community Coordinated Child Care Inc | Program support | $5,000 |
| Reedsburg Area Medical Center Foundation | Program support - pmt 1 of | $5,000 |
| The Grand Oshkosh Inc | Program support- pmt 5 of 5 | $5,000 |
| Volunteer Center of East Central Wi | Program support | $5,000 |
| Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras Inc | General support | $5,000 |
| Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders Assoc Inc | Program support | $3,000 |
| Bridging the Gap Inc | Program support | $3,000 |
| The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Program support | $2,500 |
| Abundant Life Christian School Fdn Inc | Program support | $2,500 |
| Meta House Inc | Program support | $2,500 |
| Aldo Leopold Nature Center Inc | Program support | $2,500 |
| Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra | Family series contribution | $2,500 |
| Wha Research & Education Foundation | Program support | $2,500 |
| Cathedral Center Inc | Program support | $2,500 |
| Evans Scholars Foundation | Program support | $2,000 |
| Community Action Coalition for South Central Wi | Program support | $2,000 |
| Vogel Foundation Inc | School supplies for kids | $2,000 |
| Ozaukee Nonprofit Center Inc | Program support | $2,000 |
| Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin Inc | Program support | $1,500 |
| Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wi Inc | Program support | $1,500 |
| Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Madison Inc | Program support | $1,500 |
| South Central Library System Foundation | General support | $1,500 |
| River Food Pantry | Food pantry | $1,000 |
| New Heights Lutheran Church | Program support | $1,000 |
| Pecatonica Area Food Pantry | Food pantry | $1,000 |
| Our Lady of Hope Clinic Inc | Program support | $1,000 |
| District Council of Madison Inc Society of St Vincent de Paul | Program support | $1,000 |
| Kandu Industries Inc | Program support | $1,000 |
| Disability Rights Wisconsin Inc | Program support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- First Business Bank
- Jim Hartlieb
- Brian Spielmann
- Pauline Hittesdorf
- Corey Chambas
- Mark Meloy
- David Seiler
Questions people ask
Does First Business Charitable Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does First Business Charitable Foundation Inc give?
$339,150 in tax year 2025, across 63 grants, with a typical grant of $1,500.
Who runs First Business Charitable Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists First Business Bank (Trustee), Jim Hartlieb (President & Director), Brian Spielmann (Vice President, Treasurer & Director) and Pauline Hittesdorf (Secretary) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does First Business Charitable Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, health and human services.