Community Needs Grants

The Community Needs Grants program, administered by the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, supports charitable organizations operating within Chippewa County, Wisconsin. This annual grant initiative is made possible through the Foundation’s Field of Interest and Unrestricted Endowment Funds, contributed by local fundholders who are committed to strengthening their community. The Foundation itself operates as a private philanthropic organization based in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and is deeply embedded in the local nonprofit landscape. The grantmaking focus is rooted in addressing critical needs across a wide array of sectors, including arts and culture, education, community development, the environment and animal welfare, and health and human services. The purpose of the Community Needs Grants is to provide financial support to organizations and initiatives that directly benefit the residents of Chippewa County. The program emphasizes sustainability, volunteer engagement, collaboration among service providers, and long-term impact. Successful proposals generally reflect thoughtful planning, active community involvement, and measurable goals. In the previous grant cycle, awards ranged between $500 and $6,500 per recipient, reflecting a moderate funding level designed to enable impactful community initiatives without sustaining recurring operational costs. Notably, funding is not available for routine operating expenses, endowments, political or lobbying activity, direct support to individuals, regranting, or projects seeking ongoing or repeat funding for the same purpose. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as well as public charities classified under Section 170(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, including churches, schools, and government entities. The primary requirement is that proposed projects must serve the people of Chippewa County. Organizations must also meet documentation requirements, including submission of financial and governance documentation for requests exceeding $5,000. These include an annual operating budget, a full list of board members, and either a 501(c)(3) determination letter or a formal letter from the organization's leadership affirming their public charity status and project intent. Applications open on August 25, 2025, and close at 4:00 PM on October 2, 2025. All applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s GOapply grant portal. Applicants must first register and create a username and password in the system to submit and track their application status. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. The Grants Committee reviews submissions during November and provides recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Board meets on December 18, 2025, to approve or deny funding recommendations. Notifications will be sent in January 2026, and grant funds will be disbursed upon receipt of a signed grant contract. Upon completion of a funded project, grantees are encouraged to submit a Progress Report to the Foundation. This report serves both evaluative and public relations purposes and must be submitted before the applicant is considered for additional future funding. Photographic documentation is also requested, to be submitted along with the report without file compression. These elements enable the Foundation to share the outcomes and community impact with stakeholders and fundholders. The Foundation offers support to applicants throughout the process. Questions can be directed to their office via email at grants@yourlegacyforever.org or by phone at 715-723-8125. Their office is located at 404 1/2 N Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. Organizations are strongly encouraged to reach out for assistance before the deadline to ensure eligibility and completeness. The Foundation also maintains summer and regular office hours, which applicants should consider if in-person or phone assistance is required. Signups for newsletter updates and Discovery Sessions are also available through their website at www.yourlegacyforever.org.

Contact the Foundation early, complete all fields thoroughly, and submit photos and a final report.