Promise Award Helps Women Return to School, Build Brighter Futures

The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is now accepting applications for the Barb Schmelzle Promise Award for Women, a scholarship created to help adult women overcome financial barriers and continue their education.

Since its creation in 2020, the fund has distributed $6,000 and helped six women return to school, supporting those pursuing degrees, certifications, and new career opportunities.

The award honors the life and legacy of Barb Schmelzle, a compassionate Dunn County occupational therapist who believed deeply in lifting others up. Barb was known for her kindness, encouragement, and ability to help people see their own potential. She also cared deeply about helping women pursue education and create better futures for themselves and their families. After Barb’s passing in 2019, her family established the fund to continue that mission.

“We wanted to create something that reflected Barb’s heart for others,” said her husband, Tom Schmelzle. “She believed in people, especially women who were working hard to improve their lives through education.”

Each year, one $1,000 award is granted to a woman age 18 or older from Dunn County or the surrounding area. Funds can be used for tuition, books, technical supplies, past-due balances, licensing exams, and other educational expenses.

Preference is given to non-traditional students facing financial need or life circumstances that may have delayed their educational journey. For many recipients, this support can mean the difference between putting dreams on hold and moving forward.

Applications for the 2026 award are now open and must be submitted by July 1 at 5:00 PM.

To learn more or apply, visit cfdunncounty.org/schmelzle-promise-award.  Questions may be directed to info@cfdunncounty.org.

About the Community Foundation of Dunn County

The Community Foundation of Dunn County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization established in 1995. Serving all of Dunn County, the Foundation encourages charitable giving to build a permanent financial resource that supports local needs for generations to come. Through grantmaking, the Foundation supports programs that address civic, health, humanitarian, cultural, recreational, environmental, and educational priorities across the community.