Grants

Grant-making process for nonprofits and grantseekers

Last year, the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin awarded more than $1.6 million in grants throughout our nine-county service area.

Our grant-making covers a wide range of focus areas including education, community development, economic development, health and human services, arts and culture, the environment, animal welfare, public safety and more.

Grants are offered to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation cannot award grants to individuals.

Types of Grants

Advised and Non-Competitive Grants

Many grants made through the Community Foundation are made at the recommendation of the donors whose gifts established the fund from which the grant is drawn. Designated funds and nonprofit endowments, created to benefit a specific nonprofit organization, pay out non-competitive grants to the designated organization each year.

Competitive Grants

The Community Foundation manages approximately 35 competitive grant programs. Most grant programs accept applications once a year.

Each grant cycle is a process spanning several months. During the first phase of the grant cycle, the Foundation requests funding proposals from nonprofits, sometimes in broad focus areas and other times within very specific fields, such as the arts. Proposals are then evaluated by staff and board members. Grants awards are announced approximately six weeks to two months after the grant deadline.

Preparing to Apply for a Competitive Grant

Grant applicants are encouraged to start gathering information for the next grant cycle long before the grant deadline. Below is a list of items that you will need in order to complete the grant application for some of our most popular competitive funds — the Community Enhancement Fund, DUWI Fund, Marion J. & Robert C. Lietz Fund, Rock County Agricultural Fund, and all CFSW community funds:

  • Organization’s Federal ID number
  • Copy of organization’s 990 for the most recent year.
  • Copy of organization’s actual income and expense statements for current fiscal year.
  • Background information on the applicant organization including date established, number of full-time employees, number of regular volunteers, description of mission, population served and principal geographic area.
  • Fiscal information on the applicant organization including dates of fiscal year, amount of endowment or reserve funds, total operating expenses for past fiscal year, and current year budget.
  • Your board’s approval of the project request
  • Your board’s approval of an equal opportunity employment policy for your organization
  • Detailed project budget
  • Full description of the project including identification of the problem or need that the project addresses, the project goals, the audience served, the geographical location served, and other sources of support. 

Make a Gift

We support giving of all levels, making your charitable giving meaningful and rewarding. Learn about our giving options or click the button to donate now.

Available grants

Our grant-making program provides opportunities for your organization to receive financial support.

Share This Page