Impact Grants Update
April 6, 2026
Strong communities are strengthened through thoughtful investments that address critical needs while creating opportunities for connection, safety, and growth. This quarter, Community Impact Grants totaling $167,896 are supporting initiatives that uplift vulnerable children, expand access to the arts and education, enhance public safety, and improve access to nutritious food and outdoor spaces.
From advancing innovative child advocacy in the criminal justice system to revitalizing cultural and educational programs, these projects reflect a deep commitment to well-being across all ages and experiences. Investments in infrastructure, including safer community spaces and life-saving emergency equipment, ensure that residents can thrive in environments that are accessible, resilient, and secure. At the heart of this impact is the generosity of donors, whose philanthropy makes it possible to turn community vision into meaningful, lasting change.
Your generosity made the following grants possible.
Health and Human Services – $44,896
CASA of Marathon County | $20,000 for Pilot Training Program
This program will establish Wisconsin’s first CASA model serving child victims in criminal cases. Already piloting in Marathon County, volunteers are supporting 13 children in five active cases. The program recruits and trains volunteers in trauma-informed criminal court advocacy, partners with judges and prosecutors, evaluates outcomes, and explores statutory guidance. This initiative addresses a critical gap, ensuring children’s voices are heard while promoting healing, stability, and long-term well-being.
Vivent Health | $8,000 for Cold Storage Infrastructure
Replacing aging refrigeration and freezer equipment with higher-capacity, commercial-grade units will allow the pantry at Vivent to safely store a greater variety and volume of nutritious foods while reducing food loss and service disruptions. This investment will support growing client demand and ensure consistent access to health-supportive food for a medically and economically vulnerable population.
Wausau Fire Department | $16,896 for New Thermal Imaging Cameras
The Wausau Fire Department is upgrading critical life-saving equipment by replacing outdated thermal imaging cameras with three new, modern models. These cameras help firefighters see through smoke and darkness to find people and hazards more quickly during emergencies. With recent budget reductions, this grant ensures frontline fire trucks remain fully equipped with reliable tools. This investment improves safety and response times for both firefighters and our community.
Arts – $110,000
Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre, Inc | $10,000 for Parking Lot Improvements
Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre is improving safety and accessibility at its Wausau rehearsal facility by repaving its parking lots, where deteriorating asphalt has created challenges for families, volunteers, and young performers. Following recent building improvements, safe access to the facility is now a top priority to ensure a welcoming and secure environment. These upgrades will remove barriers to participation and support the long-term sustainability of youth theatre programs in Marathon County.
Performing Arts Foundation, Inc | $100,000 for their Second Century Capital Campaign
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, The Grand Theater is undertaking a comprehensive transformation to preserve its historic legacy while preparing the facility to serve the community for the next century. The $17 million Second Century Capital Campaign will address long-overdue infrastructure needs and deliver major renovations to the theater, lobby, Great Hall, and backstage areas, improving accessibility, comfort, and production capacity. With strong community support, this investment will ensure that arts and culture in downtown Wausau continue to thrive in a world-class venue for decades to come.
Resource Preservation – $3,000
North Central Conservancy Trust (NCCT) | $3,000 for Big Cain Creek Preserve – Community Access & Ecological Improvement Project
The Big Cain Creek Preserve is a newly donated 30-acre property that will become a publicly accessible nature space for the community to enjoy. Grant support will help build trails, seating areas, and an informational kiosk, while also supporting efforts to manage invasive species and protect the land’s natural health. This project creates more opportunities for outdoor recreation in an area with limited access to nature. It also ensures the preserve is cared for long-term for conservation, education, and public enjoyment.
Education – $10,000
Wausau School Foundation | $10,000 for Wausau East Drumline Equipment Renewal
Band programs play a vital role in student success by supporting academic achievement, cognitive development, resilience, and social connection, while also strengthening school culture and community pride. At Wausau East High School, years of deferred maintenance have left more than one-third of school-owned instruments unusable, limiting student access and instructional quality despite strong participation and national-level recognition. Strategic investment in instrument replacement will preserve the program’s ability to deliver meaningful educational, developmental, and community benefits for current and future students.
What makes these grants possible?
The generosity of hundreds of donors! All gifts help bring to life more community-brightening visions for Marathon County.
Anyone can give directly to the Wausau Marathon County Fund or establish their own impact fund, called a Named Fund for Wausau Marathon County. Both options of gifts are invested for growth and are designed to accept gifts of cash, stock, retirement assets, or bequests.
Named Funds for Wausau Marathon County:
- Otto S. & Esther M. Holmskug | Silver | 1994
- Clarion G. & Irene B. Sternberg | Bronze | 2002
- Orville & Geraldine Peterson Family | Bronze | 2004
- Caroline S. Mark | Platinum | 2005
- Marvin C. & Ruth (Rudie) J. Schuette | Platinum | 2009
- Nils Folke Jr. & Jean B. Becker | Platinum | 2013
- Edward & Lois Drott | Platinum | 2016
- James & Susan Lundberg | Gold | 2017
- Tom & Marilyn Kraemer | Silver | 2023
- William & Juliana Franzen | Silver | 2024
- Wausau Business Show | Granite | 2024
- Harvey H. Scholfield Jr. Family | Granite | 2024
- Jim & Jan Kemerling Family | Silver | 2025
- Sue Nelson Legacy of Service Fund | Granite | 2025
- Mark & Rita Yaeger | Granite | 2025
- Mary & Bill Mahony | Granite | 2025
- Dennis & Bonnie Mealy | Quartzite | 2025
- Robert A. & Angela M. Kucirek | Gold | 2025
- Bill & Kathy Drengler | Granite | 2025
Giving Levels:
Diamond | $2,000,000 or more
Platinum | $1,000,000 to $1,999,999
Gold | $500,000 and $999,999
Silver | $250,000 and $499,999
Bronze | $100,000 to $249,999
Quartzite | $50,000 to $99,999
Granite | $10,000 to $49,999
How can you get involved today?
Have you ever dreamed of accomplishing something important but needed more resources to make it happen? Watching nonprofit leaders dream big but lack the resources to make their dreams come true was the catalyst for establishing the Wausau Marathon County Fund. The nonprofits in our community meet a variety of tangible needs, and for decades now, they have been able to apply for grants from the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin to help make their visions for a brighter community come to life. Anyone can donate at any time! Every gift is meaningful and is important for making the community a better place for all.
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