Free Grant Writing Workshop for Nonprofits! Posted on September 17, 2025 by Eau Claire Community Foundation We at ECCF are excited to partner with Ann Kaiser of AMK Nonprofit Coaching to offer a free two session workshop series to help Eau Claire area nonprofits improve their grant writing processes. Read on for a detailed description of the series: Grant Writing Workshop Series: Setting Your Nonprofit Up for Funding Success Strong grant proposals can open the door to new funding opportunities—but for many nonprofits, the process feels overwhelming and time-consuming. This two-part workshop series is designed to help Eau Claire area nonprofits develop more efficient, effective grant writing… Read More »
The Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Fund is now accepting grant applications! Posted on September 15, 2025 by Eau Claire Community Foundation 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 Oct. 31, 2025.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 as well as strategic planning sessions for nonprofits. 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 Grant Cycle page for more information. They can also write to [email protected] or call the ECCF office at 715-552-3801. Read More »
ECCF Awards Over $70,000 to Local Nonprofits Through Inaugural Community Health Grant Cycle Posted on August 19, 2025 by Eau Claire Community Foundation The Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) is proud to have completed its inaugural Community Health Grant Cycle, awarding over $70,000 to local organizations whose programs improve community well-being and promote health equity in the Eau Claire area. This new grant cycle is funded through the Community Health Endowment Fund.The Community Health Endowment Fund was created through the consolidation of specific funds geared towards addressing local health needs and reducing health disparity. These funds, which represent a portion of a larger gift, were entrusted to ECCF following the departure of HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals from the region. For decades, these hospitals strengthened the Chippewa Valley — this grant cycle helps keep that legacy alive and at work in our community.“The Community Health Grant Cycle is a brand-new funding opportunity we’ve introduced this year,” shared ECCF President & CEO, Wes Escondo. “Expanding our grantmaking is a direct response to the needs we see in our community and a reflection of our commitment to empowering the local nonprofit sector.“By ensuring these organizations have the resources they need to carry out their missions, we are building not only a healthier Eau Claire, but a stronger and more resilient one as well.”Through the Community Health Grant Cycle, all applications were carefully reviewed by ECCF’s grant committee to ensure they met community health priorities and the fund’s mission. We are proud to award over $70,000 in grants to the applicants below:Chippewa Valley Free ClinicEau Claire Tenant-Landlord Resource CenterEau Claire Youth Cycling IncFeed My People Food BankNational Alliance on Mental Illness Chippewa Valley (NAMI)NorthLakes Community ClinicThe Community TableUnited Cerebral Palsy of West Central WisconsinNonprofits seeking funding, and community members wishing to support or launch new health initiatives, can find more under the Grant Opportunities tab at www.eccfwi.org, email [email protected], or call (715) 552-3801. Watch the Full WQOW Coverage Read More »
William A. Bingham Grant Cycle Update Posted on July 1, 2025 by Eau Claire Community Foundation William A. Bingham ECCF is excited to announce that almost fifty nonprofit organizations submitted applications to the William A. Bingham Grant Cycle! These high-impact grants of up to $100,000 will support initiatives that improve the Eau Claire area’s quality of life. This grant cycle is supported by the William A. Bingham Family Endowment Fund, which was established thanks to an unprecedented legacy gift from lifelong community member William “Bill” A. Bingham. Funding decisions will be announced in November. We thank all the wonderful nonprofits that participated… Read More »
Happy 35th Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act! Posted on June 22, 2025 by Eau Claire Community Foundation 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… Read More »
2025 Community Grant Cycle Results: Over $230K Distributed! Posted on March 5, 2025 by Eau Claire Community Foundation 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… Read More »
AnnMarie Foundation Brings $11 Million in Assets to Become ECCF’s Newest Affiliate Posted on February 6, 2025 by Eau Claire Community Foundation 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. Read More »
ECCF’s Community Grant Cycle is now accepting applications! Posted on December 1, 2024 by Eau Claire Community Foundation 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… Read More »
Women’s Giving Circle grant impact now exceeds half a million dollars! Posted on November 6, 2024 by Eau Claire Community Foundation 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… Read More »
Nonprofit Grant Trainings Posted on October 17, 2024 by Eau Claire Community Foundation 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… Read More »
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