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Ted And Grace Bachhuber Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.6M
Grant Range
$1K - $1.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2.6 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $49 million
  • Grant Range: $785 - $1,009,110
  • Median Grant: $25,000
  • Number of Grants: 18 grants awarded in 2024
  • Geographic Focus: Mayville, Wisconsin area

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
Ted and Grace Bachhuber Foundation
PO Box 228
Mayville, WI 53050

Phone: (920) 979-5543

EIN: 39-1415821

Overview

The Ted and Grace Bachhuber Foundation was established in 1983 as a private independent foundation to honor the legacy of Ted and Grace Bachhuber. Ted Bachhuber co-founded the Mayville Engineering Company with his uncle Leo in 1945, with Grace serving as Ted's unofficial business partner. With total assets of $49 million, the foundation distributes approximately $2.6 million annually to support programs and organizations that improve the quality of life in the Mayville, Wisconsin area. The foundation's grants reflect the board's intention to assist the Mayville community through financial promotion of educational, charitable, and other worthwhile projects that offer opportunities for enriched life to a substantial number of people or provide members of the community with skills, knowledge, and assistance to accomplish positive social goals. Major legacy projects include donating the Ted and Grace Bachhuber Aquatic and Fitness Center (TAG Center) in 2002, funding a $2 million expansion to the TAG Center, and contributing $1.2 million toward a new public library that bears their name.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation awards grants on a rolling basis with no standardized application form. Grant amounts vary significantly based on project scope:

  • Major Capital Projects: $1,000,000+ (library construction, community facility expansions)
  • Scholarships: $7,000 per student over two years for engineering, business, or technology degrees (administered through Mayville Public School System, requires 2.5 GPA or higher)
  • Community Programs: $785 - $100,000+ (typical median grant of $25,000)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on projects that:

  • Improve quality of life in the Mayville area
  • Provide educational opportunities and enrichment
  • Offer substantial community benefit
  • Provide skills, knowledge, and assistance for positive social goals
  • Support charitable initiatives with lasting impact
  • Build or expand community infrastructure

What They Don't Fund

  • Political organizations or campaigns
  • Individual grants (except through designated scholarship program)
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status classified as 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
  • Projects outside the Mayville, Wisconsin area

Governance and Leadership

Board Members

  • Marcia K. Krieser - President
  • JoAnn Bachhuber - Vice President
  • Brett E. Helmbrecht - Treasurer
  • John A. St. Peter - Secretary
  • Four additional directors

The board maintains strong connections to the Mayville community and the Bachhuber family legacy in local engineering and manufacturing.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation does not have a standardized grant application form. According to their guidelines: "THE FOUNDATION DOES NOT HAVE A FORM TO BE FILLED OUT BY A GRANT APPLICANT."

Instead, organizations must submit a written request to the foundation's mailing address that includes:

  1. Narrative Proposal: A detailed description of the program plan including:

    • Activities to be carried out
    • Objectives to be achieved
    • Plan for continuing the project after foundation support ends

  2. Itemized Budget: Showing total project cost, the amount requested from the foundation, and sources, amounts, and nature of resources contributed by the applicant and other supporters

  3. Other Funding Sources: A list of any other grant-making agencies to which the application has been submitted

  4. Tax Documentation: Copy of the IRS ruling granting federal tax exemption under 501(c)(3), with classification as 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)

  5. Governance Information: List of the members of the governing board

Decision Timeline

The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no published decision timeline. Given they awarded 18 grants in 2024, 21 grants in 2022, and 22 grants in 2021, the foundation reviews applications throughout the year as they are received.

Success Rates

With approximately 18-22 grants awarded annually and total distributions of $2.6 million, the foundation maintains a selective grantmaking approach. The wide range of grant sizes ($785 to over $1 million) suggests both small community grants and transformational capital projects are considered.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Organizations are encouraged to submit detailed proposals as needs arise.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's focus and history, successful applications likely demonstrate:

  1. Clear Community Impact: The foundation prioritizes projects that "offer opportunities for enriched life to a substantial number of people." Applications should clearly articulate how the project will benefit the Mayville community at scale.

  2. Sustainability Planning: The application requirements specifically request "the plan for continuing the project after the termination of foundation support," indicating the foundation values projects with long-term viability rather than ongoing dependencies.

  3. Educational and Skills Focus: The foundation's scholarship program targets engineering, business, and technology degrees, reflecting Ted Bachhuber's background in manufacturing and engineering. Projects that provide community members with "skills, knowledge and assistance to accomplish positive social goals" align with stated priorities.

  4. Geographic Commitment: All funding is directed to the Mayville area. Organizations must demonstrate clear connections to and impact within this specific geographic region.

  5. Detailed Financial Planning: The requirement for itemized budgets showing total project costs and other funding sources suggests the foundation appreciates thorough financial planning and collaborative funding approaches.

  6. Transformational Potential: Major grants like the $1.2 million library donation and $2 million TAG Center expansion demonstrate willingness to fund significant capital projects that transform community infrastructure and opportunities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Application Form: Prepare a comprehensive written proposal addressing all required elements rather than filling out a standardized form
  • Local Focus Only: This foundation exclusively supports Mayville, Wisconsin area projects—do not apply unless your project has clear geographic alignment
  • Wide Grant Range: Be realistic in your request—the foundation funds everything from small community programs (under $1,000) to major capital projects (over $1 million)
  • Sustainability Matters: Clearly articulate how your project will continue after foundation funding ends
  • Show Broad Community Benefit: Emphasize how your project will benefit "a substantial number of people" in Mayville
  • Educational Alignment: Projects that build skills, knowledge, and capacity in the community align with foundation priorities
  • Rolling Basis: Applications are accepted throughout the year with no fixed deadlines—submit when your project is ready and well-planned

References

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