Firm,Baird Foundation
MILWAUKEE, May 12, 2026 – Baird announced today that 38 nonprofits across the country are recipients of a 2026 Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant, totaling $2 million. These nonprofit organizations are based in 13 U.S. states, reflecting Baird’s geographically diverse presence throughout the country. Funded by Baird, Baird Foundation and Baird associates, the international, employee-owned financial services firm established the grant to honor former Chairman & CEO Paul Purcell, who passed away in February 2020.
“Paul believed deeply that access to high-quality education can change a child’s life,” Baird Chairman & CEO Steve Booth said. “He challenged us to ask one simple question: 'Do the kids win?' We’re proud to support organizations answering that question with action as they expand access to quality education for young people, regardless of their circumstances.”
2026 Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant Recipients:
For more information about the Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant, please visit rwbaird.com/kidswin.
Baird’s Commitment to the Community
Baird has a long tradition of giving back to the community and the dedication to making a positive contribution is integral to the firm’s culture and The Baird Way. Baird Foundation supports nonprofit organizations through an associate-driven giving model, fostering meaningful local engagement across the communities where Baird associates live and work. In 2025, Baird Foundation and the Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant contributed more than $7.9 million to qualified nonprofits, including more than $3.5 million to match our associates’ charitable donations. Through the Baird Gives Back program, associates receive two paid days off each year to volunteer for the charity of their choice. Associates also organize an annual Baird Gives Back event during which associates, family members and friends volunteer in more than 100 Baird locations worldwide.
About Baird
Established in 1919, Baird has more than 5,400 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird has more than $560 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2025. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked No. 16 on the 2026 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list – its 23rd consecutive year on the list. Baird is the marketing name of Baird Financial Group. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and Baird Trust Company in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Robert W. Baird Limited and Baird Capital Partners Europe Limited are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For more information, please visit Baird’s website at www.rwbaird.com.
For additional information, contact:
Baird Public Relations
(414) 765-7250
publicrelations@rwbaird.com
