Community Foundation Awards $525,000 in Community Enhancement Grants

[WAUSAU, WI, December 22, 2021] — The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin announced that in 2021, thirty-one charitable causes have received Community Enhancement Grants totaling more than $525,000.

Community Enhancement Grants address the tangible needs of nonprofit organizations and new initiatives that foster a vibrant and livable community for all. These grants provide support in the areas of the arts, education, health, human services, and resource preservation – enhancing every area of life for people throughout Marathon County.

“The Community Foundation is dedicated to being good stewards of the contributions that have been entrusted to us, and we are very proud of the grants that have been awarded this year,” stated Ann Werth, chair of the Community Foundation’s Distributions Committee. “With a board that is forward-focused, we anticipate these grants will enhance our area today and for years to come.”

Community Enhancement Grant applications are reviewed quarterly. The next deadline is March 1, 2022. Grants range in size from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on the proposal’s scope. Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with Foundation staff before applying. Visit here for more details.

2021 Community Enhancement Grants:

 319 Gallery:  $2,000
Gallery enhancements

 Achieve Center:  $25,000
Treatment focused childcare facility

Angel of Hope Memorial Garden:  $2,500
Bench in the memorial garden

Athens Area Trail Association:  $10,600
Odyssey Trail improvements

Beyond Pencils & Crayons Fund:  $25,000
Classroom enrichment grants

Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area:  $50,000
Renovation of the Caroline S. Mark Center

Bridge Street Mission:  $1,000
Pest control maintenance

Central Wisconsin Educational Theater Alliance:  $2,000
Theatre support – sewing machine

Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition:  $15,000
Sylvan Hill Mountain bike park improvements

Children’s Imaginarium:  $25,000
Children’s museum capital campaign support

Christmas in July Charity:  $5,000
“Starry Starry Night” ceiling lights for sedation and recovery rooms

Community Arts Grant Fund:  $25,000
Support for the arts in Marathon County

DC Everest Area Education Foundation:  $65,300
Sports Performance and Recreation Center capital campaign support

 Good News Project, Inc.:  $25,000
Facility improvements

Hmong American Center:  $3,000
Community room furnishings

Lake duBay Lions Club Park:  $21,200
Accessible fishing pier

Little Lions Childcare:  $10,000
New community child care playground

LuCille Tack Center for the Arts:  $15,000
Theatre equipment

Marathon County Historical Society:  $5,600
The Roaring 20s:  Flappers and Farmers in Marathon County traveling display

McLit: Marathon County Literacy Council:  $30,000
Multicultural literacy center

Mosinee School District:  $10,000
Mosinee Elementary School playground accessibility

Rise Up Central Wisconsin:  $5,000
Women’s Community Mural at Whitewater Music Hall

Rise Up Central Wisconsin:  $10,000
Rise Up HUB located within Whitewater Music Hall

Robert W. Monk Gardens:  $2,600
Golf cart to provide an inclusive experience for all

Sara’s Storybook Garden:  $25,000
Development of the Storybook Garden at Monk Botanical Gardens

Town of Rib Mountain:  $12,500
Sandy’s Bark Park expansion

Village of Edgar:  $7,500
Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve Trail Groomer

Village of Marathon City:  $25,000
Marathon Baseball / Softball Complex and Veteran’s Park

Wausau Child Care, Inc.:  $6,592
Westside infant playground and classroom renovation

Wausau Events:  $17,700
Events trailer and electrical needs for community events

Wausau River District:  $5,000
Speakers to enhance downtown events

Wausau Events:  $3,720
Hand sanitizers and a contactless payment system

Wausau River District:  $10,000
Banners to honor and observe culturally significant months

YWCA of Wausau:  $25,000
Mosaic of North Central Wisconsin