Generosity makes amazing things happen, and it’s been another year of seeing its impact here in Marathon County. From practical additions like solar panels and retaining walls to pressing needs like increased mental health support and resources for educators, our community is becoming a brighter place because of you. Thank you!

Our donors give in different ways and to various types of funds. This report highlights unrestricted fund grants recently awarded to organizations. When donors give to our unrestricted fund, their gifts are invested into our community endowment, known as the Wausau Marathon County Fund. Grants are taken from earnings, allowing the fund to provide grants into perpetuity, making this our preferred giving option. Gifts to the Wausau Marathon County Fund allow us to do good, forever – think of it like a savings account where you only spend its interest. When donors give to our unrestricted fund, not only does their generosity grow but it is combined with other gifts, increasing the impact of the everyone’s gift. Nonprofits who serve with boots-on-the-ground in our community submit grant applications to request financial support to accomplish their important and unique goals.

Through our Community Enhancement Grants, donors’ gifts impact every area of life for people of all ages throughout Marathon County.

Because of your generosity, we’ve distributed $335,000 from unrestricted funds so far this year. See below which local organizations, causes, and projects have received funding support.

An additional $325,000 remains available to award in the final two grant cycles of the year. Application deadlines are September 1 and November 27. Talk to Sue Nelson if you have a proposal you would like considered for funding.