Hudson Institute Launches Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal

 Hudson Institute announced today the creation of the Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal, to be directed by William A. Schambra. The Center takes its name from its principal donor, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, a prominent funder of public policy research supporting free enterprise, traditional values, and a strong national defense, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Schambra has written extensively on the theory and practice of civic revitalization, and comes to this post after 11 years at the Bradley Foundation, where he began as a senior program officer and leaves as director of programs.

The new center aims to encourage foundations and charitable donors to direct more resources toward support of small, local, often faith based grassroots associations that are the heart of a vital civil society. In its research, writing, and seminars, the center will undertake a critical examination of the current giving practices of American foundations, which tend to be directed toward large, expert driven projects that often undercut, rather than support, small civic associations. It also will provide practical advice and counsel to funders who are interested in designing grant-making programs that support civic renewal.

Bradley President Michael Grebe noted: "Hudson was a vital part of our first effort at encouraging philanthropy directed toward civic revitalization, the National Commission on Philanthropy and Civic Renewal, chaired by now Senator Lamar Alexander, which issued its report five years ago. Schambra helped develop that project, and acquired hands on experience in building our ‘new citizenship’ grant making program for small, grassroots neighborhood groups while he directed programs for us in Milwaukee. At a time when President Bush is asking us all to pay more attention to the often invisible faith based groups in our own backyards, the new Bradley Center at Hudson will help amplify that message."

Hudson Institute President Herbert London added: “Through its various efforts, the Bradley Foundation has transformed public policy, in fields from welfare reform to school choice to the faith-based initiative. I can think of no one more qualified than Bill Schambra to head The Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal. Bill will enhance an already impressive Hudson Institute effort with his research and writing on the future of philanthropy and civic renewal. It is a privilege to have Bill working at Hudson since his contribution to civic society issues has been so notable. He is not only an asset for the Hudson Institute, but for all those in the policy arena concerned with the nation’s social advancement.”

Before joining Bradley in 1992, Schambra served as a senior advisor and chief speechwriter for Attorney General Edwin Meese III, Director of the Office of Personnel Management Constance Horner, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Louis Sullivan. He was also Director of Social Policy Programs for the American Enterprise Institute, and Co Director of AEI's "A Decade of Study of the Constitution." He has written extensively on the Constitution, community revitalization, and civil society in The Public Interest, Public Opinion, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, Policy Review, and Crisis, and is the editor of As Far as Republican Principles Will Admit: Collected Essays of Martin Diamond. He recently was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve on the Board of the Corporation for National and Community Service.