Northwestern Bank School Mini-Grants in Wisconsin

The Northwestern Bank School Mini-Grant is a privately funded opportunity administered by the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, located in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The Foundation manages a wide array of community-oriented grant programs, and this mini-grant program is specifically underwritten by Northwestern Bank to support educators in local schools. Its purpose is to provide small-scale financial assistance to teachers for projects that enrich student experiences and foster innovative or service-based learning within the classroom. The grant is designed to support 3rd through 8th grade educators working in public or private schools within Chippewa County. It aims to encourage the development and implementation of projects that promote student motivation, creativity, and community engagement. Funded projects may include unique classroom activities, service-learning initiatives, or other instructional enhancements that go beyond standard curriculum requirements. Repeat or ongoing initiatives are eligible for consideration, provided they continue to offer value and impact. Applications for the grant open annually, with the current cycle beginning on August 25, 2025, and closing on October 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM Central Time. Applications must be submitted through the new GOapply grant portal, which requires applicants to register a new account. Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed by the Foundation’s Grant Committee in November. Final funding decisions are approved by the Executive Committee, and notifications are issued to applicants by December. Selected grantees will receive an official award notification via email, and must log into the GOapply portal to sign and submit a grant contract before funds can be disbursed. Grant checks are issued only after this contractual step is completed. Those who are not selected will also be notified via email and are encouraged to reapply in future cycles, especially as available funding may increase in coming years. Recipients are strongly encouraged to submit a Progress Report upon completing their funded project. This report, sent to grants@yourlegacyforever.org, is necessary to maintain eligibility for future grants. Additionally, applicants are asked to take and submit photographs throughout the course of their project, which will be used to document and assess project outcomes. All photos should be submitted with the final report and must retain original file sizes. For assistance or questions about the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation at 715-723-8125 or via email at info@yourlegacyforever.org. Additional resources, such as FAQs and guides for the GOapply portal, are available on the Foundation’s website. The next cycle of this recurring annual program is expected to open in August 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation before submitting to increase chances of a successful application. Submit a Progress Report after completion to be eligible for future funding.