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 2022, the Community Impact Fund has granted more than $108,000 across the southern Wisconsin region.
About the Fund
The Community Impact Fund’s Grant Program aims to provide up to a $10,000 grant for large-scale projects, programs or services that have lasting influence within southern Wisconsin. Applications should be focused on one or more of the following: program/technology/facility expansion or enhancement, organizational and program viability, or multi-community collaborations that address systemic challenges.
Applicants should be advised that grant requests will be considered with financially sustainable and broad-reaching outcomes, such as:
- Areas not currently represented by a local CFSW Community Fund
- Projects that go beyond the funding capacities of local or regional resources due to their size, scope, or long-term impact relative to the size of the community or organization
About our Grants
The Community Impact Fund is an endowment of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. As an endowment, the assets grow over time, while the investment on its principal is used for grant-making. This endowment is a permanent resource that supports causes and organizations across southern Wisconsin. The more the endowment grows, the more grants can be awarded annually.
Recent Grant Awards
Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, school or government agency located in the following counties: Rock, Walworth, Green, Grant, Lafayette, Crawford, Sauk, Vernon, Iowa.
Projects or programs may include services in multi-county/multi-community areas. (Can be services in counties not included in the county list above, but applicant must serve at least one of the counties listed above.)
Projects or programs should serve a life-enhancing and community-strengthening purpose, such as growth or change, and be a result of demonstrated strategic thought and planning.
Grant applications should be written for funding between $5,000-$10,000.
DETAILS:
Applications accepted April 5 – June 1.
Deadline for submission of application: June 1, 11:59 p.m.
Grant awards announced by November.
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 Community Impact 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.
Community Impact Fund
Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
121 N. Parker Dr.
Janesville, WI 53545
Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
121 N. Parker Dr.
Janesville, WI 53545
Donor Services Representative
Wyatt Jackson, President/CEO
Phone: 608-758-0883
Email: [email protected]
Advisory Board Members
The Fund is advised by a committee of community volunteers who initiate fundraising activities and determine grant awards:
Community Foundation Board of Directors