Fort Atkinson Community Grant

The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation offers Community Grants to support nonprofit organizations that aim to enhance the quality of life within the Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin community. The Foundation is dedicated to fostering the educational, cultural, charitable, and benevolent betterment of the area, with grants designed to fund specific projects that fulfill public service goals. These grants are part of the Foundation’s broader efforts to serve community needs through strategic philanthropic support and civic-minded collaboration. To be eligible for these Community Grants, applicants must be nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations that provide services benefiting the general public. Projects should be innovative, creative, and tailored to address clear community needs. The Foundation emphasizes that grants are typically awarded for projects with a defined timeline, generally not exceeding one year. The Foundation explicitly states that it does not fund ongoing operational expenses, salaries, endowments, annual drives, debt retirement, or politically partisan and sectarian religious purposes. Individuals are also not eligible, unless the award is through a pre-established scholarship or recognition fund. Additionally, if the applicant is affiliated with a larger organization, such as a school district or city department, the grant application must be approved and signed by an appropriate supervisor, such as a building principal or city manager. Interested applicants must first review the complete grant guidelines to ensure their project aligns with the Foundation's funding priorities. If the project meets the stated criteria, the applicant must contact the Foundation’s Executive Director, Megan Hartwick, to formally request a grant application. The application process is not directly downloadable or public-facing, reinforcing the Foundation’s intention to maintain a consultative approach to applications. The Foundation accepts applications on a quarterly basis, aligning with its board meeting schedule. Application deadlines are March 15 for the April meeting, June 15 for the July meeting, September 15 for the October meeting, and December 15 for the January meeting. These fixed quarterly deadlines provide multiple opportunities throughout the year for eligible organizations to seek support. The Foundation encourages potential applicants to be deliberate and thorough in preparing their proposals. Applications must be submitted either via mail or hand-delivered to the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation at 244 North Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. No specific online submission method is provided, which underscores the Foundation's preference for personal and localized engagement. Those with questions or in need of further guidance are encouraged to reach out directly to Megan Hartwick by phone at (920) 563-3210 or by email at facf@fortfoundation.org. This funding opportunity represents a reliable and recurring grant cycle that is structured yet accessible to organizations with meaningful, well-conceived projects. Its emphasis on community enrichment and responsible stewardship ensures that funds are directed toward efforts that bring tangible benefits to the residents of Fort Atkinson.