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 in 2007, the Elkhorn Fund has given back over $253,350 to the community.
About the Fund
The Elkhorn Fund was established in 2007 as a means for current and former residents to give back to the community through charitable contributions. Donations to the Elkhorn Fund are placed into a permanent endowment fund. A percentage of the Fund’s earnings are given back to the community annually in the form of grants to Elkhorn-area non-profit organizations.
Grants are awarded to support historical and environmental preservation, education, health care, youth programs and senior programming. The Fund is advised by a board of community volunteers who initiate fundraising activities and determine grant awards.
Family of Funds
The following charitable funds have been established by individuals and organizations to support their charitable goals for the community:
- Lori Genske Fund
- Kuznacic Family Excellence In Education Fund
- John Henderson Memorial Fund
About our Grants
Once per year the advisory board awards grants to non-profit organizations, the local school district, and/or local government agencies for charitable programs or projects serving the good of the community. Grants are presented in November.
Recent Grant Awards
Congratulations to our 2025 grant recipients!
- Elkhorn Area School District – Piano for Band Room
- Elkhorn Area School District – Books to support young readers
- Elkhorn Area School District – Funding for Schoolwide Assemblies
- Elkhorn Area School District/Tibbets School – Decodable Books
- Elkhorn Food Pantry – Thanksgiving Meal Distribution
- Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County, Inc. – HFHWC Partnership with Walworth County Housing Authority to Build Affordable Apartments
- Hope Now, Inc. – Transportation Assistance
- Jackson Elementary PTA – Food for Family Engagement Events
- Junior Achievement of Wisconsin-South Central Region – Future Ready Elkhorn
- Lutherdale – Expanding Lutherdale’s Team USA: Community-Funded Camp for Adults with Developmental Needs
- Matheson Memorial Library – Fourth Annual Elkhorn Community Read Program
- Shake it with Purpose – Fitness without Limitations – Funding for Additional Equipment for Parkinson’s Classes
- Southern Lakes Memory Project – Memory Matters
- Tree House Child and Family Center Inc – Tree House Laundry Assistance Project
- Walworth County Agricultural Society, Inc – The “Kindness Matters” Agriculture Education Gardens in Barnyard Adventure
- Walworth County Reading Project, Inc – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Elkhorn
- West Side Elementary PTA – Kickball Backstop
GRANT TOTAL 2025: $29,190
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 Elkhorn 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.
The Elkhorn Fund
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
121 N. Parker Dr.
Janesville, WI 53545
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
121 N. Parker Dr.
Janesville, WI 53545
Advisory Board Members
The Fund is advised by a committee of community volunteers who initiate fundraising activities and determine grant awards:
Jon Anzalone (co-chair)Kate Abbe (co-chair)
Robert Handel
Susan Leibsle
Ken Meinke