FDL Area Foundation Awards Grants

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation recently concluded its first of two annual grant cycles.  There were 30 grants allocated to more than 20 local organizations totaling $56,600.  These grants included support for the Life Impact Program, Parents as Teachers, Behavioral Health, Food for Thought Program, Brown Bag Lunch Program, Transportation Assistance, Senior Outreach Program, Drug Free Communities, Flowers in the Park, Community Gardens, Students Working As Teachers, Leadership Fond du Lac, Prairie Fest, Volunteer Training, Life and Leisure Classes, Camping Experiences, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Master Gardeners, Storybook Land,  and Teen Parent and Fresh Start Program.  “These grants provide critical funding for programs that make a positive difference in our community,” said Foundation Board Chair Tom Herre.

In addition to the above grants, the Foundation also approved two Community Impact Grants.  The first Community Impact Grant was for $125,000 to the Arc of Fond du Lac to purchase a new group home.  The second Community Impact Grant was for $50,000 to Fond du Lac Youth Baseball/FdL Recreation Department for a Youth Baseball Field at Lakeside Park.  Both of these grants will be paid out over a number of years.

All of these grants are made possible by donors creating unrestricted funds to support the charitable needs of our community.  The Foundation has two grant cycles every year with deadlines of January 15th and July 31st.  Consistently, there are requests for two or three times more dollars than are available.   The Foundation relies on its experienced and knowledgeable Board of Directors to review and carefully make allocations to these valuable organizations.  “Each year, our volunteer board is faced with the tough task of trying to meet as many requests as they can.  However, each year the need far outweighs the amount of dollars available.  We hope that people will consider starting Unrestricted Funds with the Fond du Lac Area Foundation to help us to continue to serve not only the needs, but also invests in the strengths of our great community,” said Sandi Roehrig, Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Anyone may establish a fund at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.  A minimum of $10,000 is required for a named fund; however an Acorn Fund can be started for as little as $1,000 with a goal to grow the fund annually.  This fund can help you support all the various charities you care about all from one place.  You can also start a fund in honor or in memory of a loved one.  You can teach your children and grandchildren about the importance of giving back.  Also, anyone can give to any of our 280 funds at any time.  The Foundation staff would like to work with you to help you achieve your charitable dreams, no matter how big or small.  To learn more, please call us at (920) 921-2215, visit us at www.fdlareafoundation.com  and like us on Facebook.