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 $1,613,111.
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
- Merlet Family Endowment
- Morse Family Endowment
- Schacht Family Endowment
- Charles “Sonny” Tiedemann Charitable Endowment
- Winskill School Scholastic Endowment
- Roggensack Family 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
- The Klaas Family 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
- The City of Lancaster- the Lancaster Residents Ash Tree Replacement Program.
- Family Promise of Grant County, Inc – a new kitchen floor
- Grant County Historical Society- a new flagpole at the Veterans Memorial in Memorial Park and for the lighting of the Nelson Dewey statue on the Square.
- Lancaster Community Schools- towards the Lancaster High School Science Department.
- Lancaster Community Schools- Games Club Board Game Fund and Equipment Expansion
- Lancaster Community Schools “Fit 4 Life—Safe for Life”
- Lancaster EMS, Inc. for a new portable ventilator.
- Saint Clement School-Playground Improvements
- Southwest Opportunities Center New Flooring Project
Lancaster Excellence in Education 2023 Recipients:
- Making an Impact: Understanding and assessing Phonological Awareness for Lancaster Community Schools
- Professional Camera for Live Streaming & Lens for Quality Pictures
Total Fall Grants Awards: $96,587.25
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 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:
Kyle Vesperman, ChairDaniel Glass, Vice Chair
Dana Straka, Secretary
Tom Driscoll
Susan Hermsen
Amara Hoffman
Denise Labudda
Lee Rupnow
Steve Walker
