Established in 2003, the Waupaca Area Community Foundation’s mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life for the people of the greater Waupaca area. It is a regional affiliate of the Appleton-based Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. Photo credit: Teri Van Dam.

The Waupaca Area Community Foundation has two grant opportunities available now for local nonprofit organizations, and there are five days left to apply.

Our regional affiliate partner is accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations for the 2020 grant cycle. Waupaca Area Community Foundation Fund grant money comes from fundraising activities — including an annual gala — and unrestricted funds that donors established intending that volunteer board members determine the best ways to use the grant money to address community needs.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the 2020 annual grant cycle, the Waupaca Area Community Foundation is temporarily amending the annual competitive grant guidelines to respond to the crisis more aptly. Traditionally, this fund has accepted applications for projects and programs in the area of arts and culture, community development, education, environment, and health and human services.

The Community Foundation will continue to accept requests from charitable organizations in these areas, with greater flexibility as to the type of support provided. Applicants may request support for projects or programs benefiting residents of the Waupaca area as they have in years past, or, they may request assistance to respond specifically to the coronavirus crisis including sustaining critical mission-based work that has been financially impacted by the crisis.

Click here to see grant guidelines and the application. Waupaca Area Community Foundation grant applications will be accepted through June 10, 2020.

In addition, the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, established by the Community Foundation and United Way Fox Cities, provides grants to support nonprofit and other community organizations engaging in immediate basic needs relief, short-term response and longer-term recovery in Outagamie, Calumet, Shawano, Waupaca and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago counties. Organizations supporting the food, shelter, health, and childcare needs of Waupaca County residents, and/or providing direct financial assistance to Waupaca residents in need, should follow the fund guidelines.

Applying for, or having received a grant from, the COVID-19 Community Response Fund does not preclude a charitable organization from applying to the Waupaca Area Community Foundation. We encourage interested applicants to pursue both grant opportunities as applicable.

Questions about either or both of these grant opportunities can be directed to Carolyn Desrosiers, community engagement manager for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region at [email protected].

The Waupaca Area Community Foundation was established in 2003 by and for the people of the area to improve the quality of life in Waupaca area communities. It is an affiliate of the Appleton-based Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. Visit our site to learn more.