Lakeshore Community Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,439,000 (2023)
• Total Assets: $116 million (2024)
• Decision Time: Approximately 6 weeks from deadline
• Grant Range: Varies by fund; disclosed annually by February 1
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties, Wisconsin
• Application Window: February 1 - March 15 annually

Contact Details

Website: https://lakeshorecommunityfoundation.org

Manitowoc Office:

• Phone: 920-682-5222
• Address: 915 Memorial Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220

Sheboygan Office:

• Phone: 920-458-1920

CEO: Rachel E. Wiegert (rwiegert@LakeshoreCommunityFoundation.org)

Overview

Lakeshore Community Foundation Inc was established in 2009 in Wisconsin to harness the Lakeshore Area of East Central Wisconsin's spirit of giving through innovative philanthropy. The foundation operates as a tax-exempt public charity organized to promote and manage endowment funds primarily for the benefit of Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties. With total assets of $116 million (2024) and 98 funds under management valued at $89 million aggregate market value, the foundation made 227 grants totaling $2,439,000 in 2023. Since establishing its first fund in May 2011, the foundation has distributed more than $22.3 million in grants. The foundation's mission is to "gather, grow, and give endowed charitable financial resources to build stronger, more vibrant communities now and into the future." Charity Navigator awarded the foundation a Four-Star rating with a score of 97%, reflecting its strong operational performance and transparency.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates multiple fund types with varying grant-making approaches:

Client Funds (Competitive Application Process)

• Margaret A. Friedland Fund: Supports programming and opportunities for positive growth for low-income and disadvantaged children in Manitowoc County
• Lakeshore Protecting Animal Welfare Fund (Lakeshore PAW Fund): Secures, locates, and provides permanent homes for companion animals that have been displaced or are in danger of being displaced by unfortunate circumstances
• The Open Hand Fund: Addresses human needs in Manitowoc County
• Raleigh and Agnes Sorge Charitable Fund: Supports conservation (land, wildlife, environment), education, and music education
• Love Your Neighbor Fund: Community support
• Anonymous Fund: Various charitable purposes

The Lakeshore Fund Supports innovative, sustainable, and measurable projects or programs in Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties across multiple areas (see Priority Areas below).

Other Fund Types

• Donor-Advised Funds: Distributions issued based on client recommendations
• Designated Funds: Annual distributions to specific named beneficiaries
• Field of Interest Funds: Competitive grants in specific focus areas
• Unrestricted Funds: Competitive grants addressing broad community needs

Application Method: Online application during annual window (February 1-March 15); competitive process with board approval

Note: Grant amounts vary from year to year and are disclosed annually on the foundation's website by February 1. Typically one grant is awarded from each client fund annually.

Priority Areas

The foundation supports projects across a broad range of community needs:

• Animal Welfare
• Arts and Culture
• Economic Development
• Education
• Environment and Conservation
• Health
• Human Needs
• Public Safety
• Recreation
• Religious Organizations
• Scholarships
• Senior Services
• Youth Programs

What They Don't Fund

Grants cannot:

• Benefit an individual directly
• Fulfill a personal obligation
• Support political campaigns or candidates
• Support private non-operating foundations

Governance and Leadership

The Lakeshore Community Foundation is guided by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors consisting of 9 members who are responsible for shaping the overall strategy, setting policies, managing financial resources, and awarding grants that contribute to community growth.

Staff Leadership Team:

• Rachel E. Wiegert: Chief Executive Officer
• Jon Swanson: Director of Finance
• Lisa Ebelt: Operations Administrator
• Tara Gorte: Administrative Assistant

The foundation was created in 2009 by Tom Bare and has grown substantially over its history, adding 8 new funds in 2023 alone.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility: Qualified charitable organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation can make grants to qualified organizations anywhere throughout the United States, though priority is given to organizations serving Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties.

Application Window: February 1 - March 15 annually

Application Steps:

1. Review available grant opportunities and fund purposes on the foundation's website (disclosed by February 1 each year)
2. Ensure your organization aligns with the purpose of one or more client funds
3. Submit a complete application during the application window
4. Foundation staff verifies application completeness and conducts due diligence review
5. Grants Committee reviews and evaluates applications
6. Grants Committee recommends recipients to the Board of Directors
7. Board of Directors makes final approval

Note: Field of Interest and Unrestricted Fund grants are generally made during the first half of the calendar year through this competitive process.

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: March 15
• Decision Communication: Approximately 6 weeks after the application deadline
• Notification Date: June 1 (for annual competitive grants)
• Post-Award Requirements: Grant recipients must accept grant terms in writing and may be subject to site visits, interviews, and reporting requirements on grant use

Success Rates

With 227 grants awarded in 2023 and typically one grant awarded per fund annually, the foundation operates a competitive process. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, but applicants should note that each fund awards selectively based on alignment with specific fund purposes and the quality of proposed programming.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations should contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation does not provide extensive public guidance on what makes applications stand out, the following factors are evident from their stated priorities and processes:

Alignment with Fund Purpose: Applications must align closely with the specific purpose of the fund to which you're applying. Review each fund's mission carefully before applying.

Service to Target Counties: Projects serving Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties receive priority, though the foundation can legally support organizations throughout the United States.

Innovation and Sustainability: The Lakeshore Fund specifically seeks "innovative, sustainable and measurable projects or programs," suggesting the foundation values forward-thinking approaches with lasting impact.

Measurable Outcomes: The foundation's emphasis on "measurable" programs indicates applicants should be prepared to demonstrate clear outcomes and impact metrics.

Complete Applications: Applications undergo a completeness check before review. Ensure all required materials are submitted by the March 15 deadline.

501(c)(3) Status: Organizations must be qualified charitable organizations as defined by the IRS and pass the foundation's due diligence review.

Focus on Low-Income and Disadvantaged Populations: Several funds specifically target support for vulnerable populations, particularly children and families in need.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Time your application carefully: The annual application window is brief (February 1-March 15). Grant amounts for the year are disclosed by February 1, so review these early.

• Match your project to specific funds: With 98 different funds and varying purposes, identify which fund(s) best align with your mission and project before applying. One grant per fund is typically awarded annually.

• Emphasize measurability: Frame your proposal around concrete, measurable outcomes that demonstrate community impact.

• Highlight innovation and sustainability: The foundation values creative approaches that will have lasting effects beyond the grant period.

• Geographic focus matters: While grants can be made nationally, organizations serving Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties have a clear advantage.

• Plan for reporting: Be prepared to accept grant terms in writing and potentially participate in site visits and outcome reporting.

• Build relationships year-round: Though applications are competitive and annual, engaging with the foundation throughout the year may provide insight into priorities and strengthen future applications.

References

• Lakeshore Community Foundation official website: https://lakeshorecommunityfoundation.org (Accessed January 2026)
• Apply for a Grant page: https://lakeshorecommunityfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant-2/ (Accessed January 2026)
• About Us page: https://lakeshorecommunityfoundation.org/about-us/ (Accessed January 2026)
• FAQ page: https://lakeshorecommunityfoundation.org/faqs/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Lakeshore Fund page: https://lakeshorecommunityfoundation.org/lf-page/ (Accessed January 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/27-0978059 (Accessed January 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/270978059 (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/270978059 (Accessed January 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=LAKE386 (Accessed January 2026)