Fond du Lac Area Foundation Impact Grant

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation offers the Impact Grant as part of its broader mission to improve the quality of life for residents within its defined geographic area. As a community foundation, its objective is to support initiatives that demonstrate tangible benefits for a substantial number of individuals. The foundation’s funding is targeted toward long-term community betterment, and its grantmaking philosophy centers around strengthening nonprofit capacity, supporting new and emerging ideas, and encouraging sustainable organizational growth. Grants are awarded based on the potential for measurable impact and alignment with community needs. Impact Grants may fund a wide array of initiatives, provided they fall within one or more of six defined categories. These categories include endowment building to improve nonprofit financial sustainability, capital projects involving physical infrastructure development, and capacity building efforts such as professional training or organizational development. Additionally, grants can support community leadership endeavors like assessments and special initiatives, general community betterment activities aimed at quality-of-life improvements, and start-up or entrepreneurial efforts focused on new projects or organizations. Through this broad scope, the foundation hopes to catalyze meaningful change and promote community resilience. Each Impact Grant award may be for up to $100,000 and span a maximum of two years. An organization that receives an Impact Grant must wait three full years before reapplying, which promotes equitable distribution of foundation funds across the community. Funding is limited to projects within the geographic region served by the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. The foundation does not provide financial support to religious organizations for religious purposes, political parties, scholarly research, annual fundraising drives, travel, or projects located outside its service area. To apply for an Impact Grant, applicants must submit a completed application through the Online Grant Portal by July 31 of each calendar year. Required documentation includes a narrative statement detailing the proposed project or program, including both the agency’s and the project’s budgets, along with confirmed and potential funding sources. Applicants must also specify expected outcomes and explain how the initiative will be sustained beyond the grant period if it is to continue. The submission must also include the organization’s IRS Federal Tax Exemption determination letter and a full list of officers and directors. Applications will be reviewed by the foundation with a focus on the project's projected impact, sustainability, and alignment with the foundation’s mission areas. Applicants should be able to articulate how the community or target population will benefit from the proposed work. While the guidelines do not detail the full review process or contact personnel, applicants must adhere strictly to the deadline and ensure that all supporting materials are uploaded completely and accurately. The foundation's emphasis on impactful, sustainable, and community-centered work ensures that funded projects are both meaningful and replicable. While the specific open date is not listed, the grant is not rolling, and the fixed deadline implies a predictable annual cycle. Prospective applicants should begin preparations well in advance of the July 31 submission deadline to ensure a timely and complete application.