Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin

GRANTS » Community Enhancement Funds

Application Procedure and Guidelines

The Community Foundation reviews proposals on a quarterly basis from area nonprofit organizations. Through the generousity of the donors who have given to the Wausau·Marathon County Fund and our Community Enhancment Funds, we provide grants for innovative projects and programs that enhance the vibrancy and livability of our community. Applications are evaluated with consideration to the policies, funding objectives, and mission of the Community Foundation.

Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their ideas with program staff prior to submitting an application.

Electronic applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on the first business day in the months of March, June, September, and December to be considered in that grant cycle.

The Foundation favors innovative proposals that:

Enhance the vibrancy and livability of the greater Wausau area / Marathon County
Apply the Foundation's resources where they will be used wisely to make a tangible difference in meeting a specific community need
Demonstrate community impact and outreach
Reduce service duplication and promote agency collaboration

We attempt to understand both the specific objectives of a request and the long-term benefits that will be derived by the community if the project is funded. Consideration is given primarily to those organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.

Groundbreaking for Bridge Community Health

Bridge Community Health Clinic building expansion project

We do not generally fund:

Annual campaigns
Operating expenses or losses
Debt retirement
Endowments
Direct support of individuals
Lobbying
Sectarian causes

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin food pantry project

Wausau·Marathon County Fund Community Enhancement Grants Awarded in 2011

The Wausau·Marathon County Fund is the Community Foundation's most flexible resource in providing funding for innovative projects that enrich our community. Through the generosity of our donors, the following grants have been awarded in 2011 from the Wausau·Marathon County Fund for programs that positively impact the quality of life in Marathon County.

SquareUp – 400 Block enhancement project

WAUSAU · MARATHON COUNTY FUND

Beyond Pencils and Crayons Grants: $25,000
Grants were awarded to benefit thousands of K-12 students in Marathon County schools for innovative programming initiated by teachers in their classrooms in the 2011-12 school year

Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area: $10,000
The purchase of a 25-passenger yellow school bus will allow Club members to be transported to Club activities including college and company site visits, service projects, and tours

Community Arts Grants: $10,000
Supported various visual and performing arts programs in north central Wisconsin

Community Center of Hope: $6,000
A cargo van will be purchased and used by the organization to pick up food donations and purchases for distribution to families in need in southern Marathon County

Healthy Eating Active Living Coalition (HEAL): $2,630
Implemented a system that would allow FoodShare program participatants to use their benefits to purchase produce from the local farmer's market

Stable Hands, Inc. Equine Therapy Center: $50,000
Capital campaign to purchase a property that will allow them to provide therapeutic riding services year-around

Wausau Curling Club: $27,500
Capital fund campaign to build a premier 8-sheet curling club facilitiy in the Wausau area that could host local, regional, state, and national events

Wausau Kayak/Canoe Corporation: $9,500
Provided 24 additional gate poles that will increase course flexibility and an enhanced competition venue

Wausau School District: $1,000
Summit on the Future of Education in Wausau

Nonprofit Strengthening Seminars and Workshops: $2,175
Support was awarded to provide several nonprofit workshops on topics that included "Collaborating for Sustainability" conducted by Forward Community Investments; as well as strategic planning, marketing, and grantwriting workshops provided by NTC

Commununity Enhancement Grants Awarded in 2011

In addition to the Wausau·Marathon County Fund, the Foundation's Distributions Committee also awards grants from the George L. Geisler Trust Fund, the Caroline S. Mark Legacy Fund, the Orville E. & Geraldine L. Peterson Family Trust Fund, the Marvin & Ruth (Rudie) Schuette Fund, and the Clarion G. & Irene B. Sternberg Fund. These funds also address the changing needs of the community and support innovative projects and programs that enhance the vibrancy and livability of our area.

GEORGE L. GEISLER TRUST FUND

Mosinee Community Athletic Complex: $4,000
Supported a capital campaign to construct a sports complex in Mosinee that will include additional baseball and softball fields and other recreational opportunities

CAROLINE S. MARK LEGACY FUND

The Achieve Center: $2,000
Provided neurosychological assessment protocals and a scoring program to enhance the evaluation of clients in need of their services

American Indian Resource Center of Marthon County: $2,500
Supported the Cultural Connection Program, which is an educational and social interaction resource centered on Native American culture

Beyond Pencils and Crayons Grants: $25,000
Grants will be awarded to benefit thousands of K-12 students in Marathon County schools for innovative programming initiated by teachers in their classrooms in the 2012-13 school year

Family Counseling Servi: $25,000
Local youth will have an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents in a community event to be held in downtown Wausau on the 400 Block in the spring of 2012

Kids Voting USA - Marathon County: $2,000
Area high school students will come together to participate in a simulated national party convention in March of 2012

Robert W. Monk Gardens: $7,500
Funded the development of the first permanent garden in the botanical garden - the Wildflower Woods and Memorial Grove - as an accessible place for everyone to enjoy

Randlin Adult Family Care Homes: $7,500
Supported the startup of a moving company venture, that will provide education and training for their clients and needed service for the community

ORVILLE & GERALDINE PETERSON FAMILY TRUST FUND

Madison Community Foundation: $2,700
Annual fund allocation to support community programs in Oregon, Wisconsin

Mosinee Community Athletic Complex: $2,000
Supported a capital campaign to construct a sports complex in Mosinee that will include additional baseball and softball fields and other recreational opportunities

Wausau Metro Adult Special Olympics: $250
Purchased a digital camera to document and display competitions and fundraising events

MARVIN & RUTH (Rudie) SCHUETTE FUND

Homme Heights / Forest Park Village: $10,000
Provided for site improvements that would allow the creation of an adult day care center within Forest Park Village

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum: $2,500
Enhanced the quality of the visit to the Museum of individuals in need of a hearing loop, wheelchairs, and a defibrillator