A new online grant opportunity is helping Eau Claire area nonprofits increase inclusion initiatives for people with disabilities. Supported by the Access Eau Claire Fund, which was established at the Eau Claire Community Foundation by Dr. Katherine Schneider, these grants will help nonprofits facilitate participation in their organizations by people with disabilities.

Although the Access Eau Claire Fund has existed since 2013, this year marks the launch of its online grant applications. Three local nonprofits have been chosen to receive Access Eau Claire grants in 2022: the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center, and Trinity Equestrian Center.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley is receiving a grant for their KIT (Kids Included Together) Academy, which works to ensure an accessible and equitable environment for all children, including those with disabilities. The L.E. Phillips Career Development Center is receiving a grant to help make bathrooms more wheelchair accessible. Trinity Equestrian Center is using their grant to help purchase a lift system that will help children with disabilities safely mount and dismount therapy horses.

Dr. Schneider explained her vision for the Access Eau Claire grants: “People need to consider that half the people over sixty-five have disabilities, so if they do not have a disability now, they may in the future. Then they can think about what needs to happen so that if they develop a disability, they could still live the good life in Eau Claire.”

With support from the Access Eau Claire Fund, local nonprofits can do even more to ensure that all Eau Claire residents have the opportunities they need to live that good life.

To learn more about the Access Eau Claire Fund or to donate, please visit the Access Eau Claire Fund page.