The Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) has awarded $179,000 to nine local organizations through its 2026 Community Health Grant Cycle. The grants will support programs and services that address local health needs, reduce barriers to care, and improve well-being throughout the Eau Claire area.

Now in its second year, the Community Health Grant Cycle is funded through the Community Health Endowment Fund, which was created through the consolidation of charitable funds dedicated to addressing community health needs and reducing health disparities.

“This year’s grant cycle reflects the important work happening throughout our community to improve access to care and support the health and well-being of local residents,” said ECCF President & CEO Wesley Escondo. “We are grateful for the organizations working each day to meet these needs and proud to help strengthen their efforts through this funding.”

Applications were carefully reviewed by ECCF’s grant committee to ensure that each proposed project aligned with the purpose of the Community Health Endowment Fund and responded to identified health priorities in the Eau Claire area.

The nine grant recipients are supporting a variety of programs designed to strengthen individuals, families, and the broader community. Individual grants ranged from $10,000 to $25,000.

For Curtie Cares, the funding will help provide transportation to medical appointments for people who may otherwise face barriers to receiving care.

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this grant. These funds will help us provide more than 200 rides to medical appointments each year, all at no cost to the rider,” shared Curtie Cares. “One of the individuals we serve is a man in his 60s who lives alone and relies on us for transportation to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, as well as appointments in Eau Claire. His story is just one example of how these rides help people in our community access the medical care they need.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters will use its grant to expand mentoring support and strengthen youth well-being through collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club and Eau Claire County.

“These grant funds will support collaborative efforts with the Boys & Girls Club and Eau Claire County to provide mentoring within the Club setting, while also equipping our mentors with mental health training materials,” shared Big Brothers Big Sisters. “This funding will help us reach more children in Eau Claire County, strengthen collaboration, and gather meaningful data around social connectedness, resilience, and youth well-being.”

The grant to Rogers Behavioral Health will support expanded access to behavioral health services in the Chippewa Valley.

“This investment reflects a shared belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality behavioral health care and that strong communities are built when we invest in people before they reach a crisis. Mental health is health,” shared Rogers Behavioral Health.

ECCF is proud to award $179,000 to the following organizations:

• 1000 Generations, Inc. DBA Safe Families for Children in Wisconsin
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Chippewa Valley Free Clinic
• Curtie Cares
• Feed My People Food Bank
• Home for Good of Eau Claire, Inc.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Chippewa Valley
• Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc.
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Inc.

Nonprofit organizations seeking funding and community members interested in supporting or establishing charitable health initiatives can learn more under the Grant Opportunities tab at www.eccfwi.org.