Community Foundation of Dunn County Grant Program

The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) administers a Community Grant Program designed to support charitable efforts that enhance the quality of life for residents of Dunn County, Wisconsin. As a private community foundation, CFDC uses funds established by local families, donors, philanthropists, corporations, and private foundations to support a wide array of community initiatives. The mission of the foundation is to connect people who care with causes that matter in order to promote enduring positive impact in the region. These funds are strategically directed through a competitive grantmaking process. The CFDC Community Grant Program serves as a vehicle for nonprofits, civic groups, and other eligible organizations to access financial support for projects across various sectors. These include health, arts, culture, heritage, environment, recreation, education, humanitarian needs, and civic improvement. The foundation evaluates grant proposals based on their potential to meet a demonstrated community need, as well as their capacity to benefit a wide cross-section of Dunn County residents. Projects should demonstrate clearly defined goals, measurable outcomes, and sustainability beyond the grant period. CFDC issues grants through two competitive cycles each year, with deadlines on February 1 and August 1. Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000, with an average grant size of $2,500. The foundation distributes approximately $70,000 or more in total funding annually, supporting 12 to 15 successful applicants out of approximately 20 submissions per cycle. Projects with innovative approaches, strong partnerships, or collaborative frameworks are given additional consideration. While projects from governmental bodies and educational institutions are eligible, they are generally deprioritized unless they extend beyond traditional functions or address substantial community needs. The foundation funds projects falling under three major categories: Community Health & Wellbeing, Program Development or Expansion, and Capacity Building. Examples include initiatives that promote health education, address housing and food insecurity, expand access to behavioral health, improve nonprofit operations, and encourage cross-sector partnerships. While indirect costs of up to 15% of the total grant request may be considered, the foundation typically does not fund routine operating expenses, political or religious activities, debt repayment, capital campaigns, or endowment-building. Eligibility for funding is open to independent nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, civic groups organized around charitable purposes, local units of state or national organizations, and governmental or tribal entities serving public purposes. Projects must serve residents of Dunn County. Applicants should clearly outline the project's objectives, provide a feasible timeline, and demonstrate an ability to measure impact. Applicants are also expected to detail other sources of funding or partnerships and describe how the project will be sustained. Applications must be submitted online through the CFDC grants portal, which is accessible at http://cfdunncounty.org/grants. The foundation does not provide ongoing or multi-year funding, and lower priority is given to repeat applicants for the same project. Questions can be directed to the Community Foundation of Dunn County via email at info@cfdunncounty.org or phone at 715-232-8019. The next grant cycle closes on August 1, and the cycle recurs every year on the same dates, allowing organizations to prepare and plan future submissions accordingly.