Community Impact Grants to Improve Quality of Life in Wisconsin

The Community Impact Grants offered by the Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) aim to enhance the quality of life within Dunn County, Wisconsin. The CFDC connects people who care with causes that matter and funds initiatives that improve the community for present and future generations. The grants are supported by funds established through the contributions of local families, philanthropists, corporations, and private foundations. These contributions allow CFDC to support a wide array of civic, cultural, environmental, and social efforts. This grant program supports nonprofit organizations and community groups whose projects fulfill identifiable community needs. Funded initiatives span sectors including health, arts, culture, heritage, the environment, recreation, education, and humanitarian needs. The grants are part of a competitive process and are awarded during two annual cycles with deadlines on February 1 and August 1. CFDC grants typically range between $500 and $5,000, with the average grant around $2,500. Each cycle sees about 20 applications, with 12 to 15 projects receiving full or partial funding. Approximately $70,000 or more is awarded in total annually. Projects should aim to benefit a wide cross-section of Dunn County residents and demonstrate measurable outcomes, support from other sources, collaboration, and sustainability. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local chapters of state or national organizations, clubs or groups sponsoring charitable projects, and government units, including Native American tribal governments, serving Dunn County residents. The foundation generally does not fund private non-operating foundations. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria including the merit of the project, organizational capability, clarity and measurability of goals, feasibility of timelines, and the scope of the population served. Applicants are expected to present clear, impactful plans with well-defined, achievable goals and supporting evidence of their ability to deliver results. For more information, prospective applicants can contact the CFDC directly at 715.232.8019 or via email at [email protected]. Full guidelines are available in PDF format on the CFDC website. This grant program is not rolling and follows a fixed deadline structure, although it recurs biannually.