Visionary Grants support our nonprofit partners in implementing and embedding innovative solutions, helping them take their next best step in Portage and/or Waushara counties.
Mission Areas
- Arts & Culture
- Education
- Environment
- Helping People
- Wellness
Timeline
Applications Open: September 1
Applications Close: October 31
Decision: Mid-December
Starting in 2024, we are excited to offer multi-year grants aimed at launching new programs, adopting transformative operational structures, or expanding and enhancing existing services. The expectation for multi-year committed funding is that at the end of the grant’s lifecycle, the improvements to the organization will be embedded into the organizational budget. The funds are unrestricted as long as they are used for the specified purposes in the grant application.
Applicants can request up to $15,000 for the first year. Funding is committed for up to five years in a tiered sequence:
- Up to 100% in year 1
- Up to 80% in year 2
- Up to 60% in year 3
- Up to 40% in year 4
- Up to 20% in year 5
This grant cycle is open to programs and projects in Portage and Waushara counties that align with our values and five mission areas. Visionary Grants will award up to 10 projects in 2024 for Portage County and up to 3 projects for Waushara County.
The Foundation commits to partnering with Visionary grant recipients to help raise awareness and share information about these new, emerging initiatives with donors and the community.
Requirements
- Applications submitted must not be for more than $15,000 the first year.
- Organizations may only submit one Visionary Grant application each year.
- An organization cannot apply for multiple requests within the lifecycle of a funded grant.
- If at any point, a funded organization no longer has the capacity to complete the grant or no longer sees the need in the community, they can contact CFCWI staff and conclude the lifecycle of the funding without penalty.
Eligible Organizations
- Nonprofit 501c3 agencies that are state and federal tax exempt and in good standing with the IRS
- The Foundation will consider applications from public, charter, parochial schools, or government entities.
- Established community groups wishing to complete a community project for benefit of the general public of Portage or Waushara County
Learn More
Our June 10 community lunch hour video and slide deck provide additional information regarding our Community Grants Program.
