Murco Foundation Grants

The Murco Foundation Fund was established in 1992 within the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. It operates under the administration of the Community Foundation, which manages the grantmaking process and provides support to applicants. Each year, the Murco Foundation's board of directors reviews proposals and awards grants to nonprofit organizations that contribute to the cultural and educational landscape of the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. The Foundation emphasizes its commitment to advancing education and the arts within this region. Grants from the Murco Foundation are specifically intended to support initiatives that foster educational advancement and artistic engagement. Eligible organizations include nonprofit entities, preferably those with a 501(c)(3) designation, that operate within the geographic boundaries of the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. Proposals must clearly demonstrate a commitment to these focus areas and show potential community impact. The Foundation encourages applicants to consider how their proposed projects align with the mission of advancing education and the arts locally. While the Murco Foundation is open to funding a variety of initiatives, it maintains specific exclusions to ensure resources are directed effectively. The Foundation does not generally fund annual campaigns, operating expenses or losses, debt retirement, endowments, direct support of individuals, lobbying efforts, or sectarian causes. Organizations are expected to use awarded funds in a manner that directly contributes to the educational or artistic enrichment of the local community. Larger requests, such as those supporting capital campaigns, may be considered and, if approved, could be awarded as multi-year grants. Applications must be submitted through the Community Foundation's online portal. The process is centralized and designed to guide applicants through each step, including selecting the appropriate fund for their application. The deadline for submission is the first business day in September. Applicants can expect a notification regarding the status of their proposal within 45 days of the deadline. Organizations are encouraged to discuss their proposal with a Murco Foundation board member prior to submission for clarification or feedback. Follow-up requirements for successful applicants include publicly acknowledging the grant as a gift from the Murco Foundation Fund. This acknowledgment helps promote transparency and builds awareness of the Foundation’s role in supporting local initiatives. Grant recipients may be asked to submit reports or documentation to confirm how the funds were used in alignment with the approved proposal. For additional information or to discuss a proposal in advance of submission, applicants may contact David Gisselman via email at dcgissel@yahoo.com or reach out to Sue Nelson at the Community Foundation office. Questions about eligibility, funding focus, or application logistics can also be directed to the Foundation's general contact line at 715-845-9555 or by email at info@cfoncw.org. All applications and communications are managed under the guidance and support of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with a Murco Foundation board member prior to completing the application.