There are great stories and valuable work being done by nonprofits that have a positive impact on building better communities. There are about 3,000 non-profit public agencies in Dane County, and about 270 private foundations. There are so many paths for doing good! The Endres Foundation received 36 grant requests and have 5 agencies that are funded annually. Two of those are an annual BIG sponsorship for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, and a long-standing partnership with Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission. After discussion and review, the EMC Foundation is giving approximately $177,420.00 to 28 agencies in May.
Grants given during this spring cycle include:
The Beacon Homelesss Shelter – Catholic Charities $ 5,400
Big Brothers Big Sisters – annual BIG sponsorship $ 1,000
Waunakee Boy Scout Troop 46 Eagle Projects $ 2,500
Capital City Theater – On the Town production $ 5,000
Centro Hispano Sostenme program – Hold Me Up $10,000
DAIS Shelter $ 5,000
Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission $15,000
Girls Scouts CampBUILD – building trade skills $10,000
Goodman Center – youth art classes $ 2,000
Ice Age Trail Alliance Sauntering program $ 3,500
Independent Living – partnership program $ 5,000
Lakeview Lutheran Church – Phase 2 upgrades $ 3,000
Madison Reading Project – books for kids $ 5,000
Madison Youth Arts Center – $100,000 pledge $ 33,000
Music Makers – music ed through Wi Youth Symphony $15,000
PEBOGA – workshop and keynote series $ 2,500
RENEW Wisconsin – energy video/website $ 5,200
RSVP of Dane County $ 1,200
Simpson Street Free Press – Wi history research $ 5,000
Tri 4 Schools – for 4 Waunakee elementary schools $ 5,000
Unity Point Health – youth mental health facility $ 5,000
Vera Court Neighborhood – final pledge payment $ 5,000
Waunakee “Mutts on Main” – artist stipend $ 1,350
Waunakee EMS – recognition monument $ 1,000
Waunakee Fire Department – search & rescue equip $ 7,220*
Waunakee Police Department – vest & helmet equip $ 3,850*
Waunakee Senior Center – elderly cooking classes $ 2,200
Waunakee Warrior team center for soccer stadium $12,500*
* half of requested amount, given to promote a match from other donors. New Waunakee Library total pledge was $150,000. $90,000 has been paid and balance of $60,000 will be given later this year upon completion.
The valuable impact of these gifts will multiply and have a positive ripple effect. This year, three of the Foundation’s largest gifts went to the new Waunakee Library opening this fall, the new Madison Youth Arts Center opening in 2020, and the Waunakee Soccer Team Center Stadium. Each of these projects will touch a large population and be used by a broad scope of people.
The work nonprofits do to improve lives is critical. The work they do to create better neighborhoods is important. The work they do to build strong communities is impressive.
Chopra said, “Everything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given.” Everyone should seek to give back to their community with their time, talent or treasure. If you want to give but don’t know how, the EMC Foundation accepts donations of any size, and all money is channeled wisely to positive community projects. Check our website online.
Thank you,
Diane Endres Ballweg