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 2007, the Janesville Generations Fund has given back $525,425 to the community.
About the Fund
The Janesville Generations Fund, formerly known as the Janesville Community Fund, was established to ensure a vibrant Janesville now, and for generations to come, with the support of donors inspired to leave a lasting legacy in the community. You can view current news on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/janesvillegenerationsfund/
Family of Funds
Donations to the Fund are placed into a permanent endowment fund. The below funds have been established by individuals and organizations to support their charitable goals for the Janesville community. If you would like to establish a fund within the Janesville Generations Fund umbrella, you can learn more here: https://cfsw.org/donors/create-a-fund/
- Cabin Fund
- Esther S. Geffs Advised Fund
- Marion J. and Robert C. Lietz Fund
- Karl A. and Bernice E. Samek Charitable Fund
- Mae Theisen Charitable Fund
- Richard and Nancy Belle Douglas Fund
- Dave and Trina MacDougall Fund
- Thom-Lovejoy Charitable Fund
About our Grants
Each year, a portion of the Fund’s earnings are given back to the community in the form of grants. The fund is advised by volunteer board members that take responsibility for grant distributions.Grants are due November 1 and awarded in December of the same year. Grants are awarded to support the Janesville community. Some of the family of funds are unrestricted, while others were established with specific areas of focus, such as supporting cultural, educational and charitable human service projects. Since it’s inception $525,425 has been granted to non-profit organizations serving the Janesville Community.
Recent Grant Awards
In 2025, the Fund distributed $ 54,475 to the following organizations:
- City of Janesville Fire Department – Pulse Point Initiative
- City of Janesville – Palmer Park Urban Mountain Bike Park
- Habitat for Humanity- Rock County
- Janesville Disc Golf Club
- Janesville VELO Club – Palmer Park Urban Mountain Bike Park
- Reach-A-Child – First responder backpack children books
In 2024, the Fund distributed $37,500 to the Boys & Girls Club, HealthNet of Rock County, Kandu Industries, Retired Senior Volunteer Program & School District of Janesville.
In 2023, the Fund distributed $47,000 to the Children’s Museum of Rock County, the Rock Aqua Jays, and the Rock Trail Coalition.
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 Janesville Generations 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.
Janesville Generations 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:
Clair BergMitch Cagney
Teryn Gray
Steve Huth
Eric Schmoldt
Tess Slavin
Sara Villa
Austin Watson
Katie Udell