The Cudahy Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Cudahy Foundation is a private foundation in Mequon, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $7.1 million in 18 grants; the typical grant was $35,250 and the largest $6.3 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$7.1 million
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$35,250
- Largest grant$6.3 million
- Assets$21.4 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.5 million the year before.
44% 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 | $1.3 million | 21 | $26.4 million |
| 2024 | $2.5 million | 21 | $26.4 million |
| 2025 | $7.1 million | 18 | $21.4 million |
How to apply
The Cudahy Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Cudahy Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 17 | $7.1 million |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery World | Education/community | $6.3 million |
| St Augustine Preparatory Academy | Education | $120,000 |
| United Community Center | Community | $110,000 |
| Acts | Community | $100,000 |
| Milwaukee Academy of Science | Education | $100,000 |
| Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation | Community | $100,000 |
| Milwaukee Ballet | Community/arts | $75,000 |
| St Marcus School | Community | $60,000 |
| Cudahy Family Library | Community | $50,000 |
| Milwaukee Repertory Theater | Community/arts | $20,500 |
| Cristo Rey Jesuit High School | Education | $20,000 |
| Employ Milwaukee | Community | $20,000 |
| Madacc | Community | $20,000 |
| Teens Grow Greens | Community | $20,000 |
| Journey's Lutheran School | Education | $10,000 |
| Vision Forward | Education/community | $10,000 |
| World Ocean School | Education/community | $10,000 |
| Wisoncin Humane Society | Community | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John W Linnen
- Kevin L Lindsey
- Joanna D Hamadi
- Julia A Cudahy
- Lisa A Cudahy
- Melvin S Newman
Questions people ask
Does The Cudahy Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Cudahy Foundation give?
$7.1 million in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $35,250.
Who runs The Cudahy Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John W Linnen (Director/Trustee), Kevin L Lindsey (Director/Trustee), Joanna D Hamadi (Director/Trustee) and Julia A Cudahy (Director/Trustee) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Cudahy Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and arts and culture.