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 1996, the Evansville Fund, together with the Evansville Family of Funds, has given back more than $347,000 to the community.
About the Fund
Founded in 1996, the Evansville Fund is a permanent, charitable endowment created to support the community of Evansville. The Fund gives back a portion of its annual earnings in the form of grants to support the arts, education, health and human services and historic preservation. A volunteer board takes responsibility for fundraising activities and determines grant distributions.
Family of Funds
The charitable funds shown on the Evansville Fund Family Tree have been established by individuals and organizations to support their charitable goals for the community:
- Dr. Roger & Elizabeth Gray Fund
- Dorothy & Alvin Helgesen Family Fund, of the Evansville Fund
- Millie Tait Charitable Fund
- Richard & Elaine Strassburg Fund
- Clifford & Jeanette Fellows Fund
- E. Susan Eager Fund
- Leonard P. Eager Fund
- Robert J. & Janet L. Petterson Family Fund
- Alan & Diana Eager Fund, of the Evansville Fund
- Finfrock Fund, of the Evansville Fund
- Gordon, Barb & Kelly Andrew Fund
- Hartje Fund, of the Evansville Fund
- Paul & Barbara George Family Fund, of the Evansville Fund
- William C. & Thea Brunsell Fund for Elementary Education
- Meals on Wheels Fund (MOW)
- Carolyn Butts Family Fund
- Sandra J and John R Decker Fund
About our Grants
Once per year the advisory board awards grants to non-profit organizations, the school district, and/or local government agencies providing charitable programs or projects for the community. The awards are presented in November.
Recent Grant Awards
Grants Awarded in 2025
- AWARE Program – Snack Packers
- Creekside Place – Non-Profit support relief
- Creekside Place – Creekside Café Revival
- Creekside Place – Food Sponsor for Cruise Night
- Evansville Ecumenical Care Closet – Thanksgiving Support
- Evansville Fire Department – Mini Extrication Cutter
- Evansville School District – Crash Pit for Sensory Regulations
- Evansville School District – Snap-On/Instruments Certification
- Historic Cooksville Trust – HVAC System assistance
2025 Total: $35,079
Grants Awarded in 2024
- Bridging Brighter Smiles
- City of Evansville Police Department
- Community Action of Rock & Walworth
- Creekside Place
- Evansville School District
- Evansville Fire Department
- Living Kindness Program
- Ecumenical Care Closet
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 Evansville 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 Evansville 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:
Hanna AndersonJamie Cornwell
Christia Hunt
Dave Kopf
Mike Laufenberg
Patricia Larson
Patrick Reese
Jason Sergeant
Lilly Takali
Josh Tregoning