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Benton Community Fund
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 2010, the Benton Community Fund has given back nearly $111,000 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 presented at a ceremony in September.
Recent Grant Awards
- Benton Community Development Corp, Swindler’s Ridge roof repair, $1,045
- Benton Fire Department, Training upgrade and helmet light project, $3,958
- Benton First Responders, Purchase of pagers, $1,700
- Benton Public Library, Preserving our past project: WI newspaper archive, $2,910
- Seniors United for Nutrition, Commercial 2-door refrigerator, $2,500
- Southwest WI Technical College Foundation, fuel a charger program, $300
- Benton School District, clear touch panel purchase, $4,614
- Benton School District, Electric wall projection screen, $1,107
2019 Total: $18,134
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 733
Monroe, WI 53566
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 733
Monroe, WI 53566
Donor Services Representative
Linda Gebhardt
Phone: (608) 758-0883
Email: linda@cfsw.org
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
Mary Foltz
Dirk Milestone
Pat Neis
Steffanie Nemitz
Michelle Savatski
Chuck Wartner
Renee Wartner
