The Harley-Davidson Foundation, the philanthropic organization of Harley-Davidson Inc., strives to improve the quality of life for all by targeting our charitable giving in the areas of greatest need where we have corporate and manufacturing facilities.
The Foundation focuses on enabling student success, building healthy and sustainable neighborhoods and making Milwaukee, our hometown, a vibrant community. We support these initiatives through monetary grants, event sponsorships, and merchandise donations. Each of these signature initiatives
Enable Student Success
We invest in neighborhood schools to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities through:
STEAM+ Education: Help build a sustainable, skilled workforce by investing in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and skilled trade programming.
Access to Healthcare: Provide students the opportunity to receive high quality physical and mental healthcare services at school in order to be effective learners.
Mentorship: Guide youth on the path to success by providing them an influential role model.
Community Vibrancy
Drive meaningful growth that ensures our broader community has access to connect through diverse, healthy, and inspiring collaborations.
Prominent Destinations: Help Milwaukee flourish and make it a great destination to live, work, and play by supporting cultural and diverse programs.
Emergency Relief: Provide special funding for major disasters.
Healthy and Sustainable Neighborhoods
Drive economic development by working to identify safe and sustainable opportunities to improve identified communities through:
Broader Access to Healthy Food: Support initiatives that strive to fight hunger issues through adequate food sources.
Workforce Development: Provide education and training opportunities that lead to employment.
Economic Empowerment: Provide individuals with a set of skills and knowledge that allows them to make informed and effective financial decisions, so they can reach their full potential.
who we are and what we do
- Qualified charitable organizations 501(c)(3) or 170(c) organizations
- Programs focused on at least one of our strategic enablers
- Organizations located in and/or serving the communities where Harley-Davidson has facilities with a preference for serving programs in our designated neighborhoods.
- Individuals
- Political causes or candidates
- Endowment funds
- Groups or organizations that will re-grant Foundation support to other organizations or individuals (except for those approved on an exception-only basis)
- Schools or community athletic events or teams, bands or choirs
- Religious, labor, or fraternal organizations (unless engaged in a major project benefiting the greater community)
- Conferences or capital campaigns
- Organizations that do not align with Harley-Davidson’s non-discrimination policy
The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization. The following documents provide financial data and information regarding the company’s corporate governance:
IRS Form 990-PF – Return of Private Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my organization is eligible for a grant? Harley-Davidson provides grant funding to organizations that fall within our eligibility guidelines.
Are there any deadlines for grant applications? Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Applications must be submitted by the following dates to be considered during each quarterly review period:
- Q1 Review: December 31
- Q2 Review: March 31
- Q3 Review: June 30
- Q4 Review: September 30
How do I apply for support? You may submit your application electronically through our website using the “Apply Online” link above. If you are a returning user, use your login credentials to start a new application. If you are a new applicant, please create a login by choosing the "New Applicant" option.
Sponsorships at this time are limited to organizations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
How do I know if my organization is eligible for event sponsorship? Harley-Davidson has an online application process for all Event/Table Sponsorship requests.
Are there any deadlines for event applications? Applications should be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the event date.
What is the sponsorship criteria? Harley-Davidson corporate employees need to be involved with your organization (board member or active volunteer) to host any table we purchase. Additionally, the Foundation will sponsor a maximum of one event per nonprofit partner per calendar year.
What should I expect after I submit my application? Once your application is completed and submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please allow 30 days after submission for review. We will contact you for further information if needed.
Merchandise requests at this time are limited to organizations in the general Milwaukee, WI area.
How do I know if my organization is eligible for a merchandise/ in-kind donation? Harley-Davidson provides merchandise/ in-kind donations to organizations that fall within our eligibility guidelines and are located in the general Milwaukee, WI area. The foundation does not mail any donations.
Are there any deadlines for event applications? Applications should be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the event date.
What should I expect after I submit my application? Once your application is completed and submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please allow 30 days after submission for review. We will contact you for further information if needed.
Do I have to complete the online application during one online session? No, you can start the application and save and finish it another time. Just click on the “Save and Finish Later” button located at the bottom of each page. When you are ready to return select the “in progress application” link below.
If I create an account, will my application be saved automatically? No, your application will need to be saved once you begin to work on it. To ensure no data is lost, please click on the “Save and Finish Later” button.
How do I access an application I haven’t submitted or haven’t completed? When you decide to return to an application, go to the “Application in Progress” link on the Foundation’s website. Then, log in using your email address and password to view all applications saved under your account.
Can I get a copy of the online application? You’ll be able to print out the online application form while you’re filling out the proposal. Just click on the Printer Friendly Version link. Where do I send my online application? Once the application is completed online, you will need to click the "Review & Submit" button at the bottom of the last page of the application to submit your application electronically. Once your application has been submitted, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address that you used to create your online grant application account. Please add FoundationApplications@harley-davidson.com and FoundationReview@harley-davidson.com to your e-mail address book (or friendly senders) to ensure that these messages arrive in your inbox.
What should I expect after I submit my application? After you submit your application, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. After an initial review, you may be contacted to provide additional information. Communications will occur via e-mail or letter. Please add FoundationApplications@harley-davidson.com and FoundationReview@harley-davidson.com to your e-mail address book (or friendly senders) to ensure that these messages arrive in your inbox. After the Harley-Davidson Foundation reviews your application, you will receive a notification indicating whether your request has been approved or declined.
