Community Foundation Of North Central Wisconsin Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.8 million+
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 4-6 weeks
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: North Central Wisconsin (primarily Marathon County and surrounding counties)

Contact Details

Website: https://cfoncw.org
Phone: (715) 845-9555
Email: info@cfoncw.org
Address: 200 Washington Street, Suite 120, Wausau, WI 54403

Pre-Application Support:
Kelly Price, Director of Programs and Donor Relations
Email: kelly@cfoncw.org
Phone: (715) 845-9555

Overview

Founded in 1987, the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin (CFONCW) manages over $80 million in assets and distributes more than $5.8 million annually in grants and scholarships. The foundation's mission is to strengthen the region by connecting the philanthropic generosity of donors with impactful solutions that will last for generations. With a vision for a region where everyone prospers and succeeds, CFONCW supports programs enhancing education, the arts, health and human services, and the preservation of historical, cultural, and natural resources. The organization has earned a perfect 100% score on Charity Navigator, reflecting its commitment to accountability and financial transparency.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants: $1,000 - $100,000 (projects enhancing community quality of life)

• Application deadlines: February 3, May 5, August 4, October 27
• Notification by end of month following submission

Community Arts Grants: Up to $5,000 (reinforcing quality and diversity of arts)

• Application deadline: April 15
• Maximum 50% of total project costs

Beyond Pencils & Crayons Grants: Up to $5,000 (innovative K-12 educational projects)

• Application deadline: September 30
• Must be completed within current school year

Murco Foundation Grants: Variable amounts (education and arts in Wausau/Marathon County)

• Application deadline: First business day of September

Mid Wisconsin Legacy Foundation Grants: Generally under $1,000 (health, community development, education, environment)

• Application deadline: October 15

Boulder Junction Community Foundation Grants: Variable amounts (preserving and enhancing Boulder Junction)

• Application deadlines: April 10 and September 10

Merrill Community Foundation Grants: Variable amounts (enhancing residents' lives in Merrill)

• Application deadlines: April 10 and September 10

Priority Areas

• Education and educational innovation
• Arts and cultural programming
• Health and human services
• Environmental and natural resource preservation
• Community development and civic improvements
• Youth development

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations receiving federal or state funding (may be ineligible)
• Discriminatory organizations
• Organizations that received grants in the past two years (for certain funds)
• For arts grants: More than 50% of total project costs

Governance and Leadership

President/CEO: Tim Parker (since October 2020)

• Former president of Michigan Capital Network
• Background in engineering and entrepreneurship
• "My goal in leading this organization is to build on the achievements of the past 33 years. The Community Foundation will not only maintain its high level of standards in philanthropy but will continue to expand upon our impact in north central Wisconsin."

Board Leadership:

• 17-member board of directors
• Chris Pfender, Board Chair: "Tim possesses the qualifications and expertise to grow the Community Foundation into an even greater, more successful, organization to create a lasting impact on our area."
• Lisa Dodson, Vice Chair (Medical College of Wisconsin)
• David Monk, Treasurer (Financial Design Group)
• Chris Schliepp, Secretary (Baird Private Wealth Management)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online at https://cfoncw.org/grants-scholarships/community-grants/

• Most programs use rolling deadlines throughout the year
• Online application portal for all grant programs
• Required: Organization's non-discrimination policy

Critical Requirement: Applicants must discuss their project ideas with Kelly Price, Director of Programs and Donor Relations, prior to completing an application – especially first-time applicants.

Decision Timeline

• Notification typically within 30 days of deadline
• For Impact Grants: By end of month following submission
• For annual deadline funds: Within 45 days of application deadline

Success Rates

117 awards made in 2023 Specific success rate percentages not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Organizations generally cannot reapply if they received a grant in the past two years (varies by fund) Arts organizations limited to one application annually

Application Success Factors

Based on CFONCW's specific requirements and funded projects:

• Pre-application consultation is mandatory - Contact Kelly Price before applying to ensure alignment
• Innovation is key - The foundation specifically seeks "innovative projects and programs that will enrich lives both now and for generations to come"
• Demonstrate lasting community impact - Recent examples include the Forensic Science Center (justice system relief plus educational opportunities) and Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation clinic (expanding mental health resources)
• Cost-effectiveness matters - Education grants specifically evaluated on being "cost-effective"
• Public benefit required - Arts projects must have a public component (concert, exhibition, performance)
• Match funding expectations - Arts grants limited to 50% of project costs, requiring demonstrated additional support
• Geographic alignment crucial - Projects must directly serve Marathon County or specified communities for specialized funds

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Mandatory pre-application consultation - Schedule call with Kelly Price before starting application, especially for first-time applicants
• $5.8 million available annually across multiple grant programs with varying deadlines - strategic timing can improve chances
• Perfect Charity Navigator score (100%) indicates strong stewardship and established grantmaking processes
• Innovation and lasting impact are explicitly stated funding priorities - frame proposals accordingly
• Non-discrimination policy required - Have this ready before applying
• Multiple application cycles throughout the year provide flexibility for project timing
• Strong preference for collaborative approaches - Arts fund specifically "encourages cooperation"

References

• Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin official website: https://cfoncw.org/ (Accessed February 2026)
• CFONCW Community Grants page: https://cfoncw.org/grants-scholarships/community-grants/ (Accessed February 2026)
• CFONCW Staff page: https://cfoncw.org/about-us/our-team/ (Accessed February 2026)
• "A Note from Tim Parker, President/CEO": https://cfoncw.org/2020/10/29/meettimparker/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Wisconsin Philanthropy Network announcement of Tim Parker appointment (September 2020)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - CFONCW Financial Data: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/391577472 (Accessed February 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/391577472 (Accessed February 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=WAUS002 (Accessed February 2026)