The Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) is pleased to announce that its annual Community Grant Cycle awarded $213,259 in grants to 50 nonprofits that serve Eau Claire County. This total includes an unprecedented eight grants of $10,000 or more. Grantees represent all four of ECCF’s giving categories: Create Culture (visual and performing arts, museums, literature); Form Futures (education, training); Give Green (animals, fitness, the environment); and Offer Opportunities (basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care).
Each year, ECCF’s Grants Committee, which is currently composed of 20 local volunteers, evaluates applications to the Community Grant Cycle. After reading, scoring, and discussing them, the Grants Committee makes funding recommendations for approval by ECCF’s Board of Trustees. This year’s Community Grant Cycle was especially notable because it marked the debut of Operations grants.
Community Grants have traditionally supported only programs and asset purchases. Now, for the first time, nonprofits could request funding for expenses like rent, utilities, and salary. While these new grants aren’t intended to provide ongoing support, they’ll play a vital role in helping nonprofits keep their doors open during times of unusually high expenses or unexpected revenue loss.
