Community Foundation of Dunn County grants over $70,000 through August Cycle

The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) recently awarded over $70,000 in grants through its August Competitive Grant Cycle. Each year, twice a year (February and August), the Foundation invites area non-profit organizations and community groups to apply for grant funding to support projects or programs that fulfill a community need across a broad range of program areas, including health, the arts, the environment, education, and basic needs.

These grants come from the earnings built by funds that were created by local families, philanthropists, and businesses alike that want to support local organizations that are working to create positive change in the community.

The Community Foundation of Dunn County recently held its annual Evening of Gratitude on September 18 at the Barn at Copper Creek, a celebration recognizing the impact of philanthropy and the vital work of local nonprofit organizations in Dunn County. The event honored grant recipients, donors, and community partners. August's grant recipients were also recognized for their grant award and had the opportunity to share how the funding has supported their missions and advanced their work.

The Community Foundation also encouraged attendees to consider deepening their philanthropic engagement by establishing a fund, supporting a scholarship, or leaving a legacy gift. Guests learned more about Donor Advised Funds, Scholarship Funds, and other charitable giving options that can create lasting impacts on the community. 

Through their August grant cycle, the CFDC has provided funding to 18 area nonprofits, totaling $70,811 in competitive grant funding for its second and final grant cycle for the year. Congratulations to the following grant recipients: 

Arbor Place: Furnishing the Women and Children’s Treatment Unit - $5,000

Home for Healing project - this funding will help furnish the Women and Children’s Treatment Unit, creating a welcoming and trauma-informed space. The new unit will provide mothers in recovery from substance use disorders with a supportive environment to focus on healing while caring for their families.

We are honored to support this important step toward brighter futures for women and children in our community.

Colfax Public Library: Colfax Veterans’ Memorial Project - $4,000

Colfax Veterans Memorial Project - this project will establish a 120-foot concrete memorial circle at the entrance of Evergreen Cemetery, complete with nine flagpoles representing each military branch, along with the American and POW/MIA flags. A lasting tribute, this space will honor the service and sacrifice of veterans for generations to come. Funding for this meaningful project comes from both the Fund for Veterans and the Common Good Fund.

Dunn County Health Department: System Silos and Mental Health Stigma - $2,000

Breaking Down Barriers in Mental Health - how do we build stronger support for mental health in Dunn County? By coming together. The Dunn County Health Department is hosting Breaking it Down: System Silos and Mental Health Stigma, a special event designed to connect providers, partners, and residents. The goal: share resources, improve collaboration, and reduce stigma around mental health.

Dunn County Historical Society: Wetland Restoration, Natural History and Land Protection Project - $5,000

Connecting History and Conservation - protecting the land is also protecting our heritage and our story. The Dunn County Historical Society is launching the Wetland Restoration: Natural History and Land Protection Project to restore wetlands, support biodiversity, and provide hands-on education about our community’s natural and industrial heritage. This grant will help bring this vision to life. This funding, made possible through the Building Healthy Communities Fund, will ensure that the land—and the lessons it holds—can be shared for years to come.

Explore Menomonie, Inc.: Murals in Menomonie, Community Engagement Activities - $4,625

Murals in Menomonie: Building Community Through Art - something colorful is on the horizon! In the summer of 2026, the Murals in Menomonie Walldogs Festival will transform our city with vibrant public art and community spirit. This grant will fund community engagement activities during the festival, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate creativity and local pride.

Free Clinic of the Greater Menomonie Area: Dental Care Assistance - $3,500

Access to Dental Care Matters - for many in our community, dental coverage is out of reach. Thanks to this grant, the Free Clinic of the Greater Menomonie Area will provide 10 preventive dental visits for individuals without insurance, improving both oral health and overall well-being. Expanding access to care is one more way our community comes together to support neighbors in need.

Hmong Friendship Center: Wellness & Socialization Programming for Hmong Seniors - $2,000

Supporting Hmong Seniors - connection and community are essential to healthy aging. With this grant, the Hmong Friendship Center is expanding its culturally responsive wellness and socialization programs for Hmong seniors. These efforts help reduce isolation, build community, and promote overall well-being. This grant recognizes the important role these programs play in honoring and supporting our elders.

HWCC Advancement Center, Inc.: Building Economic and Leadership Capacity for Underserved Communities in Dunn County - $5,000

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs - strong communities grow when everyone has the tools to succeed. The Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC Advancement Center, Inc.) is working to build economic and leadership capacity for underserved Hmong entrepreneurs here in Dunn County. This grant will support this important work, helping open doors to opportunity and leadership for the next generation of business owners.

Landmark Conservancy, Inc.: Lower Stairway Handrails at Devil’s Punchbowl - $5,000

Safety at the Devil’s Punchbowl - the Devil’s Punchbowl Preserve is one of Dunn County’s most treasured natural spaces, drawing visitors year-round to experience its beauty. Thanks to this grant, Landmark Conservancy will install a new handrail, enhancing safety and accessibility for all visitors. This project will ensure that this beloved landmark remains welcoming and safe for generations to come.

Mabel Tainter Theater: Free Holiday Performances for Seniors - $5,000

Holiday Joy at the Mabel Tainter - this holiday season, 550 seniors from nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior centers will experience the magic of live theater together at no cost to them. This grant will make these free holiday performances possible, helping reduce social isolation and share the joy of the season.

Menomonie Farmers Market: Market Match Program - $5,000

Fresh Food, Stronger Community - Access to healthy food should never be out of reach. With this grant, the Menomonie Farmers Market will expand its Market Match Program, providing FoodShare users with a 1:1 match on their purchases. This initiative makes fresh, nutritious food more affordable for families while also supporting the local growers who keep our community thriving.

Menomonie Pickleball Club: Resurfacing of Pickleball and Tennis Courts at Wakanda Park - $5,000

Pickleball is booming in Menomonie, and the courts at Wakanda Park are getting an upgrade! A $5,000 grant to the Menomonie Pickleball Club, on behalf of Menomonie Parks & Recreation, will help resurface the courts - improving safety, playability, and access for players of all ages. This project is supported by the Open Spaces Fund and the Healthy Futures Fund.

Menomonie Public Library: Board Game ‘Library of Things’ - $1,141

A New Way to Play at the Library - the Menomonie Public Library is rolling out something new: a Board Game Library of Things! Thanks to this grant supported by the Barnard Family Charitable Fund, patrons will soon be able to check out board games just like books, bringing families and friends together for fun, learning, and connection.

Red Cedar Film Festival Foundation: Red Cedar Film Festival - $1,445

Lights, Camera, Community! The Red Cedar Film Festival Foundation, Inc. is bringing stories to the big screen once again through its annual five-day Film Festival. With the motto “Rooted in Menomonie, Reaching the World Through Film,” the festival highlights creativity, connection, and global storytelling right here in our community.

This grant will help close a funding gap to keep this tradition alive and thriving.

REACH, Inc.: Craft/Art Supplies and Sensory Tools - $1,000

Creating Opportunities Through Art - with the help of this grant, Regional Enterprises for Adults & Children, Inc. will provide specialized craft, art, and sensory tools for individuals with disabilities. These resources open doors to creativity, expression, and meaningful engagement.

Stepping Stones of Dunn County: Pop-Up Pantry Food - $5,000

Bringing Fresh Food Where It’s Needed Most - The Stepping Stones of Dunn County Pop Up Food Pantry takes healthy, fresh food directly to rural and underserved neighborhoods — making sure no one is left behind. This grant will support this mobile food distribution service. It’s one more way our community is working together to fight hunger and strengthen access to nutritious food for all.

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys, Inc.: Diaper Bank - $5,000

For many families, the cost of diapers and wipes is a constant struggle. Through a $5,000 grant, the United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys will support the Diaper Bank in Dunn County, providing essentials for 80–100 children every month. The Diaper Bank helps ease the burden of diaper insecurity and brings relief to parents and caregivers across our community.

YMCA of the Chippewa Valley: Menomonie East Child Watch - $6,100

Peace of Mind for Parents, Fun for Kids. Safe child care makes all the difference. With this grant, the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley will support the Menomonie East & South YMCA's Child Watch Program, offering short-term care so parents and guardians can take part in wellness activities, attend appointments, or access community services, knowing their children are safe and cared for.

About The Community Foundation of Dunn County

For 30 years, the Community Foundation of Dunn County has enhanced the lives of all its residents by connecting donors with causes they care about and providing funding for nonprofits. Each year, the Foundation partners with donors and nonprofits to make a difference, now and for the future. For more information about the Community Foundation of Dunn County or to learn about giving opportunities, please visit cfdunncounty.org.

Information in this article is from a media release from the CFDC, and pictures and additional information are from the CFDC Facebook page.