Cycle 2 is closed. Results of this grant cycle should be posted by October 1.
Community Grants
- All applicants must discuss their grant proposal with Nancy Brown, President/CEO, prior to submission
- Please review ALL eligibility and application guidelines prior to submission
- Recommended: Record your application answers on a separate document as a back-up.
- Maximum grant award per application: $7,500.00
- Opens: By July 24, 2023
- Closes: September 1, 2023
PURPOSE
An important part of the Winona Community Foundation’s mission is realized though awarding community grants to meet the ever-changing needs of the community through a competitive process. By doing so, a variety of interests are supported with the goal of helping local charities make a difference in the Winona area. Our community grants for nonprofits are broad and inclusive to meet the current community needs in the Winona area.
These grants are competitive, so be sure to read information thoroughly prior to calling staff to review your project idea. After reviewing this information, if you don’t find the information needed or questions remain, Foundation staff will be pleased to assist you further as well as provide technical assistance with the application process.
CYCLE 2 FOCUS
We are looking for proposals that focus on addressing critical needs within in the greater Winona area. Requests coming from organizations that did not receive funding in 2022 will be given priority consideration.
For additional eligibility questions or concerns, please see FAQs below.
Donna Helble Literacy Fund
Through the Community Grant program, applicants seeking funding that works to improve childhood literacy may receive funding from the Donna Helble Literacy for Cycle 2. To learn more about Donna and the fund, click here.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & PROCESS
In order for your organization’s grant application to be considered by the Foundation’s Grant Committee and Board of Directors, you must:
- Discuss your grant proposal with Nancy Brown, President/CEO, prior to submission. Click HERE to schedule a time now.
- Complete online application. Click HERE to see application now.
- Include a project or program budget along with your application.
- Follow the required word count.
- Include a list of additional funders for project (if applicable).
The recipients for Cycle 2 will be announced by early October. The time allotted allows our Grants Committee to carefully review each application, meet to discuss the applications and evaluate the current needs of the community, and have the selected organizations approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. All applicants will receive notification of their individual grant prior to the announcement.
ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply:
- Charitable organizations with a 501(c)(3), government agencies, or organizations with a fiscal agent agreement with a 501(c)(3) organization, operating within the Winona area.
- What is the “Winona area”? We define this area as within the City of Winona and a fifteen-mile radius from Winona. This includes Wisconsin and programs that have operations in Winona but may have their headquarters elsewhere.
- Nonprofits that received funding prior to 2022. However, a grant project and report needs to be completed and submitted with the Foundation before applying for this grant cycle. Your eligibility will be removed if your grant project and report have not been submitted. Contact us with questions.
Who cannot apply:
- Nonprofits that received funding from the Foundation’s Community Grant Program in 2022 are not eligible to apply. Update for Cycle 2: nonprofits that received funding in 2022 can apply but please note that priority will be given to applicants that did NOT receive funding in 2022.
- Nonprofits that have received funding from the Foundation’s Community Grant Program but have not submitted their final grant report.
Grant exclusions:
- Activities that are non-secular or promote a religious doctrine
- Academic or medical research
- Annual fundraising campaigns or events
- Creation of, or addition to, endowment funds
- Payment of debt or legal settlements
- Political or partisan purposes
- Capital improvements or additions to public or private educational institutions
- Grants that provide direct support to an individual
EVALUATION CRITERIA
- NEED: The organization’s application verifies an important need or opportunity and aligns with current funding priorities.
- IMPACT: The organization clearly identifies the program or project outcomes and has the capacity and ability to complete the stated objectives.
- COLLABORATION: The organization’s request is inclusive of the community.
- SUSTAINIBILITY: The organization clearly presents a viable plan for financial support.
- PLAN: The organization adhered to all grant application policies, procedures and timelines including attachment requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the frequently asked questions below.