Happy 35th Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act!

Access Eau Claire Fund Holder Dr. Katherine Schneider and her canine companion Calvin explore REACH's Community Green Space, which is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. This summer, ECCF joins the Eau Claire community in celebrating the 35th 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…

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2025 Community Grant Cycle Results: Over $230K Distributed!

ECCF was thrilled to distribute over $230,000 to an array of outstanding nonprofits that serve the Eau Claire area through our annual Community Grant Cycle. Grantees by giving category are listed below:   CREATE CULTURE Total Granted: $37,305 Create Culture grants support programs and organizations that enhance the quality of life in our community through music, visual and performing arts, literature, and museums.  Chippewa Valley Museum Chippewa Valley Symphony Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association Eau Claire Children's Theatre Eau Claire Municipal Band Eau Claire Public Access Eau Claire…

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AnnMarie Foundation Brings $11 Million in Assets to Become ECCF’s Newest Affiliate

The Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) is proud to welcome the AnnMarie Foundation as its newest Affiliate Fund. This transformative partnership solidifies a shared commitment to fostering meaningful community impact and ensures the AnnMarie Foundation’s legacy of generosity will continue to inspire for generations to come. 

As an independent philanthropic organization, the AnnMarie Foundation has dedicated itself to enhancing the quality of life in Wisconsin communities. Through monetary awards to schools and non-profits, the foundation promotes educational, humanitarian, cultural, and recreational initiatives. Additionally, its scholarship programs empower high school graduates to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

Established in 1973 by Bob Cervenka and Louie Vokurka, founders of Phillips Plastics Corporation, the AnnMarie Foundation has been a pillar of philanthropy in Wisconsin. Named in honor of the founders’ mothers, Ann and Marie, the foundation was initially funded by Phillips Plastics Corporation. After the company was sold in 2010, the foundation became independent, carrying forward its mission to enrich communities through grants and scholarships. To date, the AnnMarie Foundation has awarded more than 6,200 grants and scholarships, totaling over $12 million in support of educational, humanitarian, cultural, and recreational activities—a testament to its enduring impact and commitment to improving lives.

The AnnMarie Foundation remains deeply connected to the communities that were home to Phillips Plastics Corporation and its employees, including Eau Claire, Hudson, Medford, Menomonie, New Richmond, Phillips, and Prescott. Its mission extends to neighboring areas, further emphasizing the founders’ vision of community enrichment and inclusivity.

“The AnnMarie Foundation’s legacy of making a meaningful difference aligns seamlessly with ECCF’s focus to connect donors with causes that matter,” said Wesley Escondo, President & CEO of the Eau Claire Community Foundation. “We are honored to partner with them as an Affiliate Fund and to uphold their tradition of transformative philanthropy.”

This partnership brings approximately $11 million in assets to the Eau Claire Community Foundation, ensuring the AnnMarie Foundation’s resources and vision are sustained and amplified. With ECCF’s robust administrative support and grantmaking expertise, the AnnMarie Foundation will continue to serve its communities while maintaining its unique identity and priorities.

“Becoming an Affiliate Fund strengthens our ability to serve our mission and extend our impact,” said Ron Bakken, Advisory Board Chair of the AnnMarie Foundation. “We are confident that this collaboration will enhance the lives of those in the communities we cherish.”

Together, the Eau Claire Community Foundation and the AnnMarie Foundation are committed to building a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community—honoring the past while striving toward a brighter future. This partnership exemplifies the enduring impact of collaboration and community-based giving.

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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. Sessions will be offered in November, December, and January; please check back closer to the time for specific dates. 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…

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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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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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