“Fondy 100 Gives” Surpasses $127,500 In Grants

Fondy 100 Gives, a program of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, has announced they have surpassed a significant milestone of awarding 17 grants totaling $127,500 to Fond du Lac County nonprofits since their inception in July 2017.

Fondy 100 Gives is a collective of 100 community-minded individuals who are dedicated to supporting the immediate project and program needs of local nonprofit agencies.

“It is amazing to see what has transpired over the last four years. From the number of nonprofit projects that have seen an immediate and positive impact to the number of members who have been a part of Fondy 100 Gives,” said Joe Braun, Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. “It is truly humbling for the Fond du Lac Area Foundation to be a part of this journey. We are excited to see what the future holds for the program and our local nonprofits.”

One of the most unique aspects of Fondy 100 Gives is that each dollar of the $127,500 in grant awards to date has been funded exclusively by the 100 members. As a members-only program with a maximum enrollment capacity of 100, each participant is required to pay quarterly dues of $100.

At 100 members, each quarterly project that is funded receives a $7,500 grant and $2,500 is added to build the Fondy 100 Gives Endowment Fund for future community projects.  

Every three months, members hear presentations by three inspiring representatives from local nonprofit community vying for a $7,500 grant. Each presenter is limited to a five-minute presentation with an additional five-minute allowance for member questions.

Following the live presentations, members vote for the project they would most like to see funded. Voting takes place in a “Survivor-type” area where votes are cast anonymously. The project which receives the most votes is announced immediately.

The following nonprofit organizations have received grants from Fondy 100 Gives since July 2017:

• July 2017: Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund
• October 2017: Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac
• January 2018: Salute the Troops
• April 2018: Family Resource Center
• July 2018: The Treffert Center
• October 2018: YMCA Youth in Government
• January 2019: Women’s Empowerment Series
• April 2019: Fish for Kids
• July 2019: Sabish Elf Program
• October 2019: Fondy Cares
• January 2020: James House Ministry
• July 2020: Marsh Haven Nature Center
• October 2020: The Charity Club of Fond du Lac
• January 2021: Sandi Paws
• April 2021: Holyland Food Pantry
• July 2021: Fond du Lac STEM Academy
• October 2021: Fond du Lac Soccer Associate

Those interested in becoming a member of Fondy 100 Gives may contact the Fond du Lac Area Foundation at 920-921-2215. For more information, email fondy100gives@gmail.com, or visit fdlareafoundation.com/fondy100.html or facebook.com/Fondy100Gives.