Gardner Foundation
Accepts applications
Gardner Foundation is a private foundation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $233,000 in 60 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $10,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$233,000
- Number of grants60
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$3.6 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $225,000 the year before.
38% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $217,500 | 53 | $2.9 million |
| 2024 | $225,000 | 55 | $3.2 million |
| 2025 | $233,000 | 60 | $3.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Theodore Friedlander III 322 E Michigan St Ste 250, Milwaukee, WI 53202 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (414) 273-0308 |
| What to submit | Gardner foundation form and attach IRS 501(c)(3). |
| Deadlines | One month before each meeting. Meetings are held in april, september, and december. |
| Restrictions | Greater milwaukee, Wisconsin area |
What Gardner Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 60 | $233,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin | Operating expenses | $10,000 |
| Hunger Task Force Inc | Operating expenses | $8,500 |
| Grand Avenue Club | Operating expenses | $7,500 |
| Milwaukee Rescue Mission | Operating expenses | $7,000 |
| Pathfinders | Operating expenses | $7,000 |
| Walkers Point Youth & Family Center | Operating expenses | $6,000 |
| Milwaukee Institute of Arts & Desig | Operating expenses | $5,600 |
| Wisconsin Conservatory of Music | Operating expenses | $5,500 |
| Alverno College | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Ascension Wisconsin Foundation | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Beyond Vision | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Goodwill Industries of SE Wi | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Hear Wisconsin Inc | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| La Causa Inc | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Repairers of the Breach | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Shepherds Ministries | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| St Marcus School | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| The Guest House of Milwaukee | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Versity Blood Research Institute | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Wellpoint Care Network | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Wisconsin Luther Child & Family Ser | Operating expenses | $5,000 |
| Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra | Operating expenses | $4,000 |
| Next Act Theatre | Operating expenses | $4,000 |
| Vision Forward Association | Operating expenses | $4,000 |
| Center for Deaf Blind Persons Inc | Operating expenses | $3,500 |
| Civic Music Assc of Milwaukee | Operating expenses | $3,500 |
| Lutheran Counseling and Family Serv | Operating expenses | $3,500 |
| Meta House Inc | Operating expenses | $3,500 |
| Awe | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro M | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Broadscope Disability Svc Inc | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Discovery World | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| First Stage | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Jewish Family Services | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Kingdom Workers | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Malaika Early Learning Center | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Milwaukee Academy of Science | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Milwaukee Art Museum | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Milwaukee Ballet | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
| Milwaukee Chamber Theatre | Operating expenses | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Theodore Friedlander III
- Gardner LR Friedlander
- Clifford M Asmuth
- C Frederick Geilfuss
- Louise Friedlander
- Karen Friedlander
- Margaret Brinig
- Sarah O Zimmerman
Questions people ask
Does Gardner Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: One month before each meeting. Meetings are held in april, september, and december..
How much does Gardner Foundation give?
$233,000 in tax year 2025, across 60 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs Gardner Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Theodore Friedlander III (President), Gardner LR Friedlander (Director), Clifford M Asmuth (Director) and C Frederick Geilfuss (Secretary/Tr) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Gardner Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and faith communities.