Community Enhancement Grant Update – July 2023

Generosity makes amazing things happen, and it’s been another year of seeing its impact in Marathon County. From practical additions like solar panels and retaining walls to pressing needs like increased mental health support and resources for educators, our community is becoming a brighter place because of you.

Donors give in various ways and to different types of funds. This report highlights unrestricted donations recently awarded to organizations. When donors give to our unrestricted fund, their contributions are invested in our community foundation, known as the Wausau Marathon County Fund. Donations are drawn from the earnings, allowing the fund to award grants in perpetuity—imagine it as a savings account where only the interest is spent. When donors contribute to our unrestricted fund, their generosity grows and combines with other gifts, increasing the impact of everyone’s donation.

Nonprofit organizations actively serving our community submit grant applications to request financial support for achieving their important and unique goals. Through our Community Enhancement Grants, donor contributions impact every area of life for people of all ages across Marathon County.

Thanks to your generosity, we have awarded $335,000 from unrestricted funds so far this year. An additional $325,000 remains available to award in the final two grant cycles of the year. Application deadlines are September 1 and November 27. For more information or to discuss a proposal, contact Sue Nelson, Vice President for Programs and Donor Services, at sue@cfoncw.org or (715) 845-9555.

Grant Awards

Health – $137,000

• HealthNet | $100,000 for a mental health clinic | Wausau-Marathon County Fund
• Village of Spencer | $15,000 for pickleball courts | Wausau-Marathon County Fund
• Wausau Nordic Ski Club | $11,000 for ski area expansion | Marvin and Ruth (Rudie) Schuette Fund
• Central Wisconsin Water Ski Team | $10,000 for equipment trailer upgrade | Nils Folke Jr. and Jean B. Becker Legacy Fund
• Extra Innings Nonprofit Corporation | $1,000 for a life celebration | Marvin and Ruth (Rudie) Schuette Fund

Resource Preservation – $90,000

• Wausome | $50,000 for three-year seed funding for community connection | Wausau-Marathon County Fund ($25,000) and Edward and Lois Drott Legacy Fund ($25,000)
• Progress Athens, Inc. | $25,000 for community hall restoration | Wausau-Marathon County Fund
• Town of Ringle | $15,000 for park development near town hall | Marvin and Ruth (Rudie) Schuette Fund

Social Services – $57,000

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin | $30,000 for outfitting a new mentoring center | Caroline S. Mark Legacy Fund
• Community Partners Campus | $22,000 for solar energy expansion at the facility | Wausau-Marathon County Fund
• Protect Area Teens | $5,000 for retaining wall restoration | George L. Geisler Foundation

Arts – $26,000

• Common Arts | $25,000 for arts support | Wausau-Marathon County Fund
• CenterStage Band and Show Choir | $1,000 for enhancing community engagement | George L. Geisler Foundation

Education – $25,000

• Beyond Pencils and Crayons Fund | $25,000 for grants to be awarded in the 2023-24 school year | Wausau-Marathon County Fund

About the Wausau Marathon County Fund

• It is a permanent community endowment; the principal remains intact to meet the evolving needs of Marathon County for generations to come.
• Every gift is meaningful and helps create a better place for everyone in the community.
• The fund was established in 1987.
• It awards approximately $400,000 annually.
• Anyone can donate at any time, in any amount.

Benefits of Donating Through Us

• Maximum tax advantages beyond those available to private foundations.
• Donors can choose maximum recognition or complete anonymity.
• We accept donations in many forms.
• Gifts improve the vitality and quality of life in your community.
• We are here forever, ensuring lasting impact.