Three Local Nonprofits Receive $136,000 in Grants from the William A. Bingham Family Endowment Fund

ECCF is proud to announce the distribution of $136,000 in grants from the William A. Bingham Family Endowment Fund to three local nonprofit organizations. Recipients were selected after careful evaluation by a panel of ECCF grant reviewers. These grants reflect the Fund’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Chippewa Valley community.

The following organizations received grants in support of their missions:

YMCA President & CEO Derek White shared his excitement about the impact of this grant: “This grant will help us make transformational changes to the lobby of the Eau Claire South YMCA – from expanding our childcare services to creating spaces for socializing and building the vital connections that keep us healthy in spirit, mind, and body. We are deeply grateful to ECCF for their generous support.”

Since its inception in 2023, the William A. Bingham Family Endowment Fund has provided over $280,000 to local charities, empowering them to address critical needs and enhance the quality of life for all residents in the Chippewa Valley.

“The generosity of the William A. Bingham Family Endowment Fund is a shining example of the power of philanthropy,” said Wes Escondo, ECCF President & CEO. “These grants will enable our grantees to continue their vital work, from fostering stronger families and supporting youth development to preserving our natural environment.”

ECCF is proud to steward funds like the William A. Bingham Family Endowment Fund, which exemplify the spirit of giving and the impact it can have on the community. These contributions help create a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

 

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ECCF’s Community Grant Cycle is now accepting applications!

ECCF’s Community Grant Cycle will accept applications from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025. Any tax-exempt nonprofit that serves Eau Claire County is eligible to apply.  While Community Grants traditionally support programs and asset purchases, nonprofits can also choose to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support their operations during times of increased need, such as unexpected revenue losses or unusually high expenses. During the Community Grant Cycle, nonprofits can assess their greatest needs and apply for either a Program, an Asset, or an Operations grant. Nonprofit…

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Women’s Giving Circle grant impact now exceeds half a million dollars!

The members of the Women's Giving Circle (WGC) have now exceeded half a million dollars in grant impact since the group was founded in 2007! They voted to fund $63,239 in grant awards at their Annual Meeting on Nov. 4, 2024.  Each grant recipient helps to fulfill the WGC’s mission of supporting women and children in the Eau Claire area. The organizations and programs the WGC has voted to fund are: Altoona Boys and Girls Club: "Youth Education Technology Access Program” Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW WI: “A Day…

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Nonprofit Grant Trainings

Nonprofit staff and volunteers are invited to ECCF's free nonprofit grant training sessions, which will introduce attendees to ECCF grant cycles and processes.  Topics covered include:  ECCF Grantmaking Guidelines Grant options available through the Community Grant Cycle Other available ECCF grant cycles Guidance for filling out ECCF's grant application forms Tips and strategies for effective grant writing Grant training sessions will be offered on three dates; each session will cover the same information, so it's not necessary to attend more than one. All sessions will be offered virtually through Microsoft…

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ECCF receives a Community Partner Award from Beaver Creek Reserve

ECCF received the Community Partner Award at Beaver Creek Reserve's 2024 Annual Meeting. ECCF is honored to have received a Community Partner Award from Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR). This award had been recommended by BCR's team to acknowledge ECCF's support of the Reserve's work over the years, including the facilitation of a grant from Compeer Financial that significantly expanded BCR's outreach to rural schools. Grants from ECCF have also supported staff professional development opportunities, upgrades to recreational equipment, general operating expenses, and (most adorably) a large…

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The Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Fund is now accepting grant applications!

The Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Fund  is offering grants of up to $500 to help Eau Claire area nonprofits help staff and Board members attend professional development opportunities. The application deadline is Nov. 1, 2024.

This Fund was established in 2021, when Royal Credit Union (RCU) and the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) identified a need for financial resources that would help local nonprofits access professional development. Grants can also support partnerships to create professional development opportunities.

Like ECCF, RCU has deep roots in the Eau Claire community. RCU was started in 1964 by employees of the Uniroyal Tire Company in Eau Claire. Today, the credit union serves over 300,000 members throughout Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota.

Any nonprofits interested in applying can visit the Royal CU and ECCF Professional Development Fund page for more information. They can also write to [email protected] or call the ECCF office at 715-552-3801.

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ECCF and Royal Credit Union offer scholarships for nonprofits attending UWEC Continuing Education’s online Nonprofit Fund Development course

Is your nonprofit struggling to secure the funds needed to make a real impact? What if you had the tools and knowledge to transform your fundraising efforts? Join UWEC Continuing Education for their Nonprofit Fund Development online course on Oct. 16, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You will learn: The spirit and ethics of giving How and why to diversify in order to reach fundraising goals Why a fund development plan is crucial Their expert instructor will share practical tips, real-world examples, and interactive exercises to help you…

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Happy 34th Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act!

Access Eau Claire Fund Holder Dr. Katherine Schneider and her canine companion Calvin explore REACH's new Community Green Space, which is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. ECCF joins the Eau Claire community in celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.). Signed into law by President George H. Bush on July 26, 1990, the A.D.A. is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in employment, purchasing goods and services, and participating in state and local government programs and services.…

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Eau Claire Community Foundation Awards $90,000+ in Scholarships!

The Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) proudly announces its distribution of over $90,000 in scholarships to 35 deserving students in the 2024 scholarship cycle, marking an unprecedented level of support.  These scholarships are designed to support the academic and career aspirations of students, encouraging them to achieve their educational goals. This year’s scholarship recipients, chosen through a meticulous selection process by high school scholarship committees, have showcased remarkable academic achievements, community involvement, and a steadfast dedication to their future careers. These scholarships provide financial support to students with a diverse…

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