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Sonnentag Foundation Ltd / Sonnentag American Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.7M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
1mo

Sonnentag Foundation Ltd / Sonnentag American Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $730,910 (2024) - $1,178,234 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 110 grants (2024), 164 awards (2019)
  • Average Grant: ~$6,645 (based on 2024 data)
  • Decision Time: 4-6 weeks
  • Geographic Focus: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, and Central Florida (communities where County Materials Corporation operates)
  • Total Assets: $38 million

Contact Details

Sonnentag American Foundation, Inc.

Overview

The Sonnentag Foundation Ltd (EIN 39-1597420) operates as the Sonnentag American Foundation, a private family foundation that has been tax-exempt since March 1988. The foundation provides philanthropy on behalf of County Materials Corporation and affiliated companies in communities where the organization operates. Founded by the Sonnentag family of Marathon, Wisconsin—whose patriarch Merlin Sonnentag founded Sonnentag Concrete and Gravel in 1946—the foundation's mission is to "support programs and projects that empower and inspire people and help build stronger communities."

With approximately $38 million in assets and distributing over $730,000-$1.2 million annually, the foundation focuses its giving on four strategic service areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. The foundation's geographic reach spans communities across Wisconsin (33 County Materials locations), Illinois (3 locations), Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, and Central Florida, supporting more than 60 charitable organizations in these regions.

Since 2007, County Materials Corporation has hosted an annual Charity Golf Outing to raise funds for the foundation, raising over $3.9 million to date, with 100% of proceeds distributed to charities. Recent golf outings have raised between $476,000-$512,000 annually.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Sonnentag American Foundation operates a rolling grant application process for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. While specific grant ranges are not published, 2024 data shows 110 grants totaling $730,910, suggesting an average grant size of approximately $6,645. The foundation also awards scholarships to high school students in addition to organizational grants.

Organizations in communities where County Materials Corporation has facilities receive priority consideration. The foundation particularly emphasizes support for underserved youth and programs demonstrating pathways to self-sufficiency and independence.

Priority Areas

1. Hunger & Homelessness Support

  • Regional construction and landscape projects serving the broader community
  • Community support programs addressing food insecurity and housing instability

2. Service Members & Veterans Support

  • Outreach programs for veterans
  • Vocational skills training for military personnel
  • Support services for active duty, veterans, reservists, and National Guard families

3. Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services

  • Support services for women experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault
  • Crisis intervention and counseling programs

4. Mentoring & Skills Building Programs targeting children, youth, and adults, including:

  • Career and workforce readiness
  • Financial literacy and entrepreneurship
  • Leadership development and academic support
  • Recreation opportunities and life skills training
  • STEM education
  • Youth mentorship programs
  • Adaptive sports and recreational camps for individuals with disabilities
  • Programs emphasizing self-sufficiency and independence

Funded Organizations Include:

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters (13 chapters across the Midwest)
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of America
  • Can Play Sports
  • Easter Seals Wisconsin
  • Operation Fresh Start
  • Mentor Richland County
  • Exceptional Equestrians
  • STEM Scouts
  • Heart Haven Outreach
  • Little Lakes Memories

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly does not consider requests for:

  • Capital campaigns
  • Health-related causes and benefits
  • Healthcare programs
  • Political organizations or candidates
  • For-profit business financial needs

Governance and Leadership

The Sonnentag American Foundation is governed by the Sonnentag family, with key principal Tim Sonnentag leading County Materials Corporation, the company that supports the foundation's work. John and Carolyn Sonnentag have been major philanthropic figures in Wisconsin, having committed over $70 million to UW-Eau Claire for construction of the County Materials Complex.

The foundation operates as a private family foundation on behalf of County Materials Corporation, which employs more than 1,500 people across 40 locations in six states. The foundation's governance structure ensures that 100% of charitable contributions go directly to supported organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Sonnentag American Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis through their online Community & Charitable Donation Request Form available at https://sonnentagamericanfoundation.org/grant-request/

Required Supporting Materials:

  1. Cover Letter detailing:

    • Organization background and 501(c)(3) status
    • Detailed project or activity description
    • Completion timeline
    • Current fundraising status
    • Number of beneficiaries served
    • Expected community impact

  2. For Product/Merchandise Requests (construction materials, landscape products):

    • Construction plans with dimensions
    • Product specifications (style, color, quantity)
    • Quotations from County Materials Corporation or County Prestress representatives

Submission Methods:

The foundation emphasizes including all required documentation to ensure "timely and equitable" evaluation of requests.

Decision Timeline

The foundation requests that applicants "allow up to 4-6 weeks for response time, depending on the nature of the request." This relatively quick turnaround time makes the foundation accessible for organizations with time-sensitive needs.

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not published, the foundation awarded 110 grants in 2024 and 164 awards in 2019, demonstrating consistent grant-making activity. The foundation distributes between $730,000-$1.2 million annually across 60+ organizations, suggesting they maintain relationships with multiple grantees while remaining open to new applicants.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish specific restrictions on reapplication. Given their support of 60+ organizations and the rolling application process, successful grantees appear able to apply for ongoing support. Organizations should align their requests with the foundation's four key service areas and demonstrate community impact in regions where County Materials operates.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment is Critical

The foundation explicitly "targets support to organizations in cities where County Materials Corporation and the family of companies has facilities." With 33 locations in Wisconsin and additional facilities in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, and Central Florida, organizations should clearly demonstrate they serve communities where County Materials operates. Review the company's location page to confirm your community qualifies.

Emphasize Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency

The foundation's mission centers on programs that "empower and inspire people." They specifically seek organizations that help individuals achieve "self-sufficiency and independence." Applications should articulate clear pathways showing how programs build capacity, develop skills, and enable participants to improve their circumstances independently.

Focus on Underserved Populations

The foundation explicitly states that "resources are especially vital for underserved youth" and supports "individuals of all abilities and supporting their families." Applications should identify specific underserved populations and explain how the program addresses barriers these groups face.

Demonstrate Community Impact

The cover letter must include "number of beneficiaries" and "community impact." Successful applications should provide concrete metrics showing reach, outcomes, and how the program strengthens the broader community. The foundation values programs that serve the "broader community," not just narrow constituencies.

Align with One of Four Service Areas

Every request is evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's four key areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Members & Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building. Applications should explicitly connect their work to one or more of these priorities and use the foundation's language when describing programs.

Consider Product Donations

Unique to this foundation is the option to request County Materials products (concrete construction and landscape products) for community projects. Organizations planning construction or landscape improvements should include detailed specifications and quotations from County Materials representatives. This in-kind support may be easier to secure than cash grants for capital projects, despite the foundation's general exclusion of capital campaigns.

Leverage the Golf Outing Connection

County Materials raises funds through an annual charity golf outing, with 100% of proceeds supporting the Sonnentag Foundation. Organizations might explore sponsorship or partnership opportunities related to this event, which has raised over $3.9 million since 2007.

Complete Documentation

The foundation emphasizes that complete documentation ensures "timely and equitable" evaluation. Missing materials may delay review beyond the 4-6 week timeline. Ensure all required elements are included in the initial submission.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Confirm your organization serves a community where County Materials Corporation operates before applying. Check their locations at hub.countymaterials.com/locations.

  • Frame programs around empowerment: Use language emphasizing self-sufficiency, independence, skill-building, and community strengthening rather than service delivery or direct aid.

  • Align explicitly with one of four service areas: Hunger & Homelessness, Veterans Support, Sexual Abuse/Domestic Assault Services, or Mentoring & Skills Building. Don't stretch to fit—the foundation is clear about these priorities.

  • Small grants, quick decisions: With an average grant around $6,645 and 4-6 week response time, this foundation works well for modest, time-sensitive needs rather than major initiatives.

  • Consider product donations for construction projects: While capital campaigns are excluded, requesting County Materials products for community construction or landscape projects may be viable. Include detailed specifications.

  • Demonstrate impact on underserved populations: Explicitly identify which underserved groups you serve and how your program addresses their specific needs.

  • Complete applications move faster: The foundation emphasizes that complete documentation ensures timely review. Missing materials cause delays, so submit everything upfront.

References

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