Ažuriranje Impact Grantsa – Više od olovaka i bojica 2025.

About the Program

Beyond Pencils and Crayons grants celebrate the spirit of learning and creativity by empowering local educators to bring innovative, hands-on experiences into their classrooms. This year’s grants support projects that help students explore the world through art, music, reading, sustainability, and global awareness—from recycled-art murals and imagination centers to multicultural learning and literacy initiatives. These projects transform classrooms into dynamic, inspiring spaces where curiosity grows and learning comes alive.

Grant Recipients and Projects

• Lutheran School of St. Peter & Key to Life Preschool – $1,000 for Imagination Stations

  As part of the daily reading block, students will rotate in small groups through six interactive classrooms. One station will be an Imagination Center, where students can play, act, build, and create using hands-on materials directly tied to the monthly reading curriculum. This center will encourage students to deepen their understanding through imaginative exploration, collaborative play, and creative expression.

• Riverside Elementary School – $2,000 for Children’s Books (#RiversideReads)

  The #RiversideReads school reading initiative aims to instill excitement and a love of reading in students, encouraging them to develop a habit of daily reading and become lifelong readers.

• Wausau Area Montessori Charter School (Wausau School District) – $500 for Montessori Model United Nations

  The Montessori Model United Nations offers students the opportunity to study and create solutions for critical global issues. Classrooms are assigned different countries and topics to research and present, deepening their study and understanding of the world.

• Marathon County Schools (organized by Edgar School District) – $5,000 for “Melody of America”

  Designed to enhance education and overall well-being, “Melody of America” showcases the rich culture and history of the Hmong community. With three programs throughout the year, each experience will help students grow as a school community by expanding their knowledge, deepening respect for diversity, and fostering greater understanding of differences.

• Lutheran School of St. Peter & Key to Life Preschool – $5,000 for History Comes Alive

  Students will visit Willow Springs to explore history in an interactive and memorable way. During the trip, they will learn about the 250th anniversary of the army and participate in a hands-on activity making holiday ornaments inspired by the past. These ornaments will be displayed in a replica 1950s classroom located in the basement of a round barn, offering students a unique opportunity to experience history firsthand.

• Rib Mountain Elementary School – $1,100 for Inspiring Positive Change

  Fourth-grade students at Rib Mountain Elementary will lead a school-wide project encouraging all students to develop lifelong habits from “The Leader in Me” program, applied daily. This initiative will also explore sustainability and creative ways to repurpose waste, directly connecting to Wisconsin’s agriculture department. Through this project, students will take ownership of their learning, inspire positive change, and make a meaningful impact on their school community and environment.

• Edgar School District – $2,000 for Protecting the Earth with Recycled Art

  Local artist Stephanie Kohli will collaborate with the Edgar School District to create five vibrant murals using recycled materials, such as colorful bottle caps. These collaborative artworks will be displayed in schools as a daily reminder to honor and celebrate Earth Day—not just once a year, but every day. This project will inspire students to think creatively about sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the power of art in the community.

Funding and Donor Recognition

These grants are made possible by the generosity of hundreds of donors. All gifts help bring community visions to life in Marathon County. Anyone can donate directly to the Wausau Area Community Foundation or establish their own impact fund, known as a Named Fund for the Wausau Area Community Foundation. Both giving options are invested for growth and designed to accept gifts of cash, stocks, retirement assets, or bequests.

Named Funds for the Wausau Area Community Foundation

• Otto S. and Esther M. Holmskug | Silver | 1994
• Clarion G. and Irene B. Sternberg | Bronze | 2002
• Orville and Geraldine Peterson Family | Bronze | 2004
• Caroline S. Mark | Platinum | 2005
• Marvin C. and Ruth (Rudie) J. Schuette | Platinum | 2009
• Nils Folke Jr. & Jean B. Becker | Platinum | 2013
• Edward & Lois Drott | Platinum | 2016
• James and Susan Lundberg | Gold | 2017
• Tom and Marilyn Kraemer | Silver | 2023
• William and Juliana Franzen | Silver | 2024
• Wausau Business Fair | Granite | 2024
• Harvey H. Scholfield Jr. Family | Granite | 2024
• Jim and Jan Kemerling Family | Silver | 2025
• Sue Nelson Legacy Fund | Granite | 2025
• Mark and Rita Yaeger | Granite | 2025
• Mary and Bill Mahony | Granite | 2025
• Dennis and Bonnie Mealy | Quartzite | 2025
• Robert A. and Angela M. Kucirek | Gold | 2025

Giving Levels

• Diamond – $2,000,000 or more
• Platinum – $1,000,000 to $1,999,999
• Gold – $500,000 to $999,999
• Silver – $250,000 to $499,999
• Bronze – $100,000 to $249,999
• Quartzite – $50,000 to $99,999
• Granite – $10,000 to $49,999

How to Get Involved

Nonprofit organizations in the community have been applying for grants from the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin for decades to help realize their visions for a brighter community. Anyone can donate at any time—every gift is meaningful and helps create a better place for everyone in the community.