The Burke Foundation today announced it has awarded eight grants totaling more than $3 million to local nonprofit organizations providing programs and services in the foundation’s focus areas of urban education, youth and leadership development. “Dick Burke’s vision was to make a difference in the lives of Milwaukee’s youth by ensuring that more young people have access to high-quality educational opportunities. We are excited to continue his legacy with new grants that provide innovative opportunities and programs that we believe can make a transformative impact on the lives our youth and on the long-term viability of our changing community,” said Kathy Burke, Board Director of the Burke Foundation, and daughter of Dick Burke. The eight organizations receiving grants are: Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing! “Three of the new grants – to Messmer High School, Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation and United Community Center – are challenge grants to help these organizations obtain additional support to advance their mission,” said Tina Quealy, Executive Director of the Burke Foundation. “Through our open grant process, we had the opportunity to learn about the incredible and challenging work being done in Milwaukee to alleviate achievement gaps and to support young people. We are inspired by the number of well-run organizations and passionate leaders we met who are providing much-needed services to young people and are doing impactful work in our city,” she added. About the Burke Foundation The Burke Foundation is named in honor of Richard Burke, former Chairman of Trek Bicycle Corporation headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Dick Burke dedicated his life to investing in others. The Burke Foundation is committed to enhancing and improving the character, quality and access to education, the personal, social and intellectual development of children and youth, and the educational and social quality of community life. For more information, please visit: www.theburkefoundation.org.