About The Fund
People of the Midwest are known for their grit and tenacity, capacity for growth, and willingness to break new ground. These are the traits Steve and Marianne Schlecht have demonstrated in their successful business ventures and through the Schlecht Family Foundation.
The Foundation funds endeavors that align with Steve and Marianne’s values: work that adds meaning to people’s lives; education in the broadest sense of sharing knowledge for life and work; and connecting with nature, hearkening back to the tranquility they both experienced growing up in the farmlands of the Midwest.
The Schlecht Family Foundation established a donor advised fund within the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin to help address the needs of rural southwestern Wisconsin.
Please note, to submit an application for southern Wisconsin, login or create an account directly through the CFSW site here.
Please learn more about the Schlecht, HERE. But do not send an LOI via their website; applications should go through CFSW,
About Our Awards
The Schlecht Family is looking for instigators – people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex
issues facing our communities. Grant awarding supports organizations in the following focus areas:
- Meaningful work, Entrepreneurship, training and childcare expansion
- Youth ages 12-24: Career development, social and emotional skill building, academic support
- Connections to nature support: Conservation, outdoor recreation, environmental
- Capacity building grants offering technical support to improve organizational effectiveness
- Seed grants for new organizations or new program start up costs
- General operating for organizations with close mission alignment and demonstrate impact for at least ten years
Advisory Board Members
The Fund is advised by a committee of community volunteers who initiate fundraising activities and determine grant awards:
Schlecht Family Foundation