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 it began, the Benton Community Fund has given back over $200,000 to the community.
About the Fund
In 2011, a group of committed volunteer advisory board members reached a fundraising goal of $50,000 in just 51 days to establish the Benton Community Fund. Charter donors to the Fund include the Benton State Bank, the City of Benton, the Benton Community Development Corporation, and several generous community members.
The Benton Community Fund was established to provide a permanent endowment for the support of the community. Using a portion of its earnings, the Fund annually awards grants to local organizations striving to improve and enhance life in Benton.
The BCF is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin.
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 programs or projects serving the good of the community. Grants are announced late summer.
Click on the link above right (sidebar) to apply.
Recent Grant Awards
- Benton Fire Department – Security System Project;
- Benton School District – GaGa Pit Maintenance/Update;
- Village of Benton – Swift Park new restroom doors;
- Family & Friends of Benton Red Church – exterior brick restoration.
- SUN Meal Site – sewer project
- Village of Benton – Paver bricks, rock, land-fill
2023 Total: $18,768.00
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 Benton Community 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.
Benton Community Fund
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 8125
Janesville, WI 53547-8125
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 8125
Janesville, WI 53547-8125
Advisory Board Members
The Fund is advised by a committee of community volunteers who initiate fundraising activities and determine grant awards:
Jill Knight, ChairCarol Alexander
Abbie Behrens.
Mary Foltz
Pat Neis
Steffanie Nemitz
Michelle Savatski
Chuck Wartner
Renee Wartner
