We are here to be transformational - not transactional.
We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin.
Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below, and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grant at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography.
We prefer not to fund capital campaigns or endowments.
Learn More
Download our Strategic Framework to see if your organization aligns with our mission.
See if you qualify and how to apply for funding: Grant Guidelines.
Learn about our work to date: Grants List.
MEaningful Work
Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it.
Education for Life and Work
Young people experience numerous “inflection points” between the ages of 12-24. The consequences for their choices carry more weight. We believe this cohort deserves greater attention and investment.
Connections to Nature
We believe relationships to the natural world improve mental, physical and spiritual health. We want to enable those connections for more people - especially children - through education and conservation.