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 1999, the Lancaster Fund, along with its Family of Funds listed, has given back more than $2,900,800
About the Fund
The Lancaster Community Fund is a permanent unrestricted charitable endowment dedicated to serving the Lancaster community. The Fund provides means for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support their charitable interests. Annually, a portion of the Fund’s earnings are given back to the community in the form of grants that support the elderly, historic preservation, the arts, the environment, and education.
A nine-member volunteer advisory board is responsible for fundraising and the grant distribution process.
Family of Funds
Following is a listing of funds, many of which have been established by individuals or organizations to support their charitable goals for the community:
- Lancaster Community Fund Endowment
- Lancaster Excellence In Education Endowment Fund
- Merlet Family Community Endowed Fund
- Morse Family Fund
- Schacht Family Fund
- Charles “Sonny” Tiedemann Charitable Endowment
- Winskill School Scholastic Endowment Fund
- Roggensack Family Charitable Endowment
- Randy Dudler Kid’s Courtyard Endowment
- Gillilan Family Community Fund
- Josephine Morris & Mary Marm Wilson Memorial Endowment
- Douglas and LuAnne Pink Family Charitable Fund
- Making a Difference for Lancaster Youth
- Josephine Pebworth Legacy Endowment Fund
- Ken and Jane Klaas Family Fund
- Supporting Our Youth – The Braeden Bausch Fund
About our Grants
The Lancaster Fund accepts grant applications in the spring and fall from non-profit organizations, the local school district, and/or local government agencies providing charitable programs or projects that better the community. The deadline for spring applicants is May 1st, with grants being awarded in July. While the deadline for fall applicants is November 1st, with grants being awarded in December.
Recent Grant Awards
- Christmas for Kids- Southwest WI: 2025 Giving Season
- City of Lancaster: multi-purpose sound system at Grantland Theater
- Family Promise of Grant County, Inc. : purchase of furniture, sensory tools, and learning materials for the day center playroom
- Family Promise of Grant County, Inc: Shelter Equipment Upgrade
- Grant County Humane Society: energy recovery ventilator system
- Grant Regional Health Center Foundation Inc: Behavioral Health/Counseling, Rehabilitation, Laboratory, and Nutrition Services Expansion Project
- Lancaster Association of Churches: support the Lancaster Food Pantry
- Lancaster Community School District: bicycle helmets/ bikes repairs
- Lancaster Community School District: Missoula Children’s Theatre
- Lancaster Community School District: remodel and refurbishment of the weight room
- Lancaster Community School District: Hand Pedal Cycle
- Lancaster EMS, Inc.: Vehicle Exhaust Extraction System
- Lancaster Police Department: build dog kennel
- Saint Clement School: student Chromebooks and teacher laptops
- Southwest Opportunities Center, Inc.: passenger transport vehicle
Total Grants Awarded in 2025: $332,790.00
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 Lancaster Community and Excellence In Education 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.
Lancaster Community Fund
P.O. Box 81
Platteville, WI 53818
P.O. Box 81
Platteville, WI 53818
Advisory Board Members
The Fund is advised by a committee of community volunteers who initiate fundraising activities and determine grant awards:
Lee Rupnow-ChairpersonSteve Walker-Vice Chairperson
Tom Driscoll-Secretary
Dave Bowen
Denise Labudda
Bill Haskins
Ted Schacht
Barb Tucker
Julie Zenz