What is a Community Fund?
A Community Fund allows individuals and groups to contribute time and money toward the betterment of a specific community. Each community fund has a volunteer advisory board comprised of local members who encourage the growth of the fund and oversee distributions in the form of grants. These grants are awarded to community projects and programs based on the changing needs of that community. The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin oversees 16 community funds in its nine-county service area.
- Since its founding, the Monroe Fund, combined with the Monroe Family of Funds, has given back more than $1,108,000 to the community.
About the Fund
The Monroe Fund is a permanent endowment fund established by current and former residents in 1996. The Fund provides a means for Monroe supporters to match their philanthropy to the needs of the community.
Each year the Fund gives a percentage of its earnings back to the community in the form of grants that enhance the area’s quality of life.
The Monroe Fund is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin.
Family of Funds
The following charitable funds have been established by individuals and organizations to support their charitable goals for the community:
- Dr. Fred W. & Alice J. Kundert Charitable Fund
- Jane Lysaght Memorial Fund
- Monroe Farmers Market Coupon Program
- Clifford & Dorothy Reasa Charitable Fund
- Clifford & Dorothy Reasa Fund for Historic Preservation
- Clair Fund
- Etter Legacy Fund
- Sandra Heimann Fund
- Ray & Betty Stamm Charitable Funds for the Monroe Fund and for the Community of Lena
About our Grants
Once per year the advisory board awards grants to non-profit organizations, the local school district, and/or local government agencies providing charitable projects or programs serving the good of the community. Grants are awarded in June.
Recent Grant Awards
2026 Monro Fund and Family of Funds Grants:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Green County
- Community based programs
- Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare
- Sensory friendly classroom expansion
- City of Monroe Parks & Recreation Dept.
- Special needs programing; Imagination playground; and
- Manikins for CPR / First Aid / AED training.
- Girls on the Run of South Central WI
- Wellness program in Monroe
- Green County Aging & Disability Resource Center
- Home Delivered Meals
- Green County Human Services
- Respite Care Program
- Green County YMCA
- Capital Campaign Support
- Main Street Monroe, Inc.
- Annual Summer Theme – ’26 Road Trip
- Historical Walking Tour
- Monroe Arts Center, Inc.
- Gunderson Stiles Concert Hall Ceiling Restoration & Window Renewal
- Children’s Performance Arts Programming
- Rainbow Childcare of Monroe, Inc.
- Playground improvements
- School District of Monroe
- Band Uniforms
- Lena Community Park District
- Replace Ice Rink Structure (Ray & Betty Stamm Charitable Fund)
Total 2026 Grant: $69,672
Grant Guidelines
Tips and tools for you to use as you prepare your application. Print out this PDF as you prepare your grant for a quick checklist of your progress.
Invest In Your Community
Donations to the Monroe Fund are welcome at any time of the year. All gifts are tax deductible. Mail a check to this address, or click the button to donate online.
Monroe Fund
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 733
Monroe, WI 53566
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 733
Monroe, WI 53566
Advisory Board Members
The Fund is advised by a committee of community volunteers who initiate fundraising activities and determine grant awards:
Kirsten BollRon Spielman
Deb Hillary
Megan Knox
Karin Krimmer
Richard Maliszewski
Terri Montgomery
Reid Stangel
Matt Figi
Steve Schneider