Merrill Area Community Foundation Grant

The Merrill Community Foundation, operating as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, provides funding for projects that significantly enhance the quality of life in Merrill, Wisconsin, and its surrounding areas. This foundation supports local organizations with the goal of benefiting both residents and visitors, emphasizing broad community impact across various sectors such as education, health and wellness, arts and culture, human services, environmental stewardship, and community development. Grants awarded through the Merrill Community Foundation are open to a diverse array of applicants, including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local chapters of state or national organizations, and educational, religious, or governmental institutions that provide public-serving programs. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission and be feasible for completion within a two-year timeframe. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong organizational leadership and financial capacity to successfully implement their proposed activities. The Foundation specifically excludes certain types of projects from consideration. These ineligible uses include the repayment of debt, loan programs, political campaign activities, or programs with solely religious or sectarian purposes. It also avoids funding indirect costs that are not essential to the execution of the proposed initiative. As part of its commitment to equity and inclusion, the Merrill Community Foundation maintains a strict nondiscrimination policy and expects applicants to uphold similar values in their operations. To apply, applicants must complete and submit a grant application through the online portal at cfoncw.org/merrill-community-foundation. Only one application may be submitted per cycle, with a maximum of two submissions per year. The Foundation has two annual deadlines, April 10 and September 10. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a member of the Advisory Board prior to submission—particularly if they are applying for the first time—to discuss the suitability and potential impact of their project. Applications are initially reviewed by the Foundation's Grants Committee, with final decisions made by the Advisory Board. The review process may include requests for additional information to support evaluation. Applicants can expect to be notified of funding decisions within four weeks of each deadline. Award recipients are expected to participate in public recognition activities as requested, include the Merrill Community Foundation’s name in promotional materials, and provide a final report with supporting documentation, such as media coverage and photographs, within 60 days of project completion or one year after the award date. This grant program is structured with a regular, twice-yearly cycle, ensuring predictable access to funding opportunities for local organizations. Its clear submission deadlines, strong community focus, and commitment to transparency and accountability make it a vital support mechanism for initiatives that enrich the Merrill area.