The Community Foundation of Chippewa County (CFCC) offers Community Needs Grants to support charitable organizations serving Chippewa County, Wisconsin. These grants align with the foundation's mission to address various community needs. The program encompasses diverse areas including arts and culture, community development, education, environment and animal welfare, and health and human services. The CFCC's strategic priorities are evident in its preference for proposals that originate locally, promote strong volunteer involvement, encourage collaboration to reduce service duplication, empower individuals, build on community strengths, make a tangible difference, and demonstrate a high level of sustainability. This approach reflects a theory of change that emphasizes community-led initiatives and long-term impact.
The target beneficiaries of the Community Needs Grants are the people and communities within Chippewa County. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve various aspects of community life, from enriching cultural experiences to enhancing educational opportunities and promoting overall well-being. The foundation's focus on "helping people help themselves" suggests a commitment to fostering self-sufficiency and empowering communities to address their own challenges.
The program prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate strong community engagement and a clear understanding of local needs. Proposals are favored if they demonstrate strong volunteer involvement, highlighting the importance of community participation and shared responsibility. Additionally, the emphasis on collaboration and reducing service duplication aims to optimize resources and ensure that grants have the broadest possible reach and effectiveness within Chippewa County.
Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the supported areas, such as increased access to arts and cultural programs, enhanced educational outcomes, improved environmental conditions, and better access to health and human services. The foundation seeks measurable results, as indicated by its preference for projects that make a "tangible difference" and demonstrate "a high level of sustainability." Grant sizes range from $500 to $6,500, indicating support for a variety of projects, from smaller, targeted interventions to more comprehensive programs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or public charities serving the people and communities of Chippewa County.
