F K Bemis Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $458,779 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed after November 1 deadline for following year awards
• Grant Range: Average $8,500 per grant
• Geographic Focus: Sheboygan County, Wisconsin (primary)

Contact Details

• Phone: (920) 467-4621
• Fax: (920) 467-8573
• Address: 300 Mill Street, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085-1807
• Website: None available
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The F K Bemis Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1955 with deep roots in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. With assets of $9.5 million and annual giving of approximately $460,000, the foundation distributes 46-49 grants annually averaging $8,500 each. The foundation's endowment originates from Bemis Manufacturing Company, a family-owned business founded in 1901 that has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Sheboygan Falls. Led by President Erin Bemis and Vice President Wendy Bemis, the foundation continues the Bemis family's multi-generational commitment to supporting education, community development, and human services primarily in Sheboygan County.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides three types of support:

• Building Funds: Capital projects and construction (amount varies)
• Operating Support: General operating expenses (amount varies)
• Scholarships: Educational scholarships (amount varies)

Applications are accepted on an annual basis with a November 1 deadline.

Priority Areas

• Education (including scholarships and educational institutions)
• Community and Economic Development
• Human Services
• Arts and Culture
• Children and Youth Services
• Gardens and Hospices

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated in available public documents.

Governance and Leadership

Current Officers (2024):

• President: Erin Bemis
• Vice President: Wendy Bemis

Historical Leadership: Peter F. Bemis (1947-2013) served as President of both the F.K. Bemis Family Foundation and Bemis Manufacturing Company until his death. He was also a longtime board member of Lakeland University.

The foundation operates with no paid staff, and all officers serve without compensation. Decision-making appears to rest entirely with family members.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by November 1 annually for consideration in the following year's grant cycle. The foundation does not maintain a public website or publish application forms online. Organizations must contact the foundation directly at (920) 467-4621 to request application materials.

Required information includes:

• Purpose of request
• Organization's Tax ID number (EIN)
• Additional information as specified by the foundation

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: November 1 annually
• Award Timing: Grants are distributed during the year following application submission
• Notification Method: Not publicly specified

Success Rates

The foundation awards 46-49 grants annually from an undisclosed number of applications. Success rate percentage is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Organizations should inquire directly with the foundation about reapplication guidelines.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and history:

• Geographic alignment is critical: The vast majority of grants go to Sheboygan County organizations. The foundation has supported the revitalization of Sheboygan Falls downtown and continues this local focus.

• Demonstrate community impact: The Bemis family's century-long presence in Sheboygan Falls means they deeply understand local needs. Applications should clearly articulate local community benefit.

• Consider existing relationships: As a family foundation without staff, board members likely rely on their knowledge of local organizations. Past recipients like Lakeland University have long-standing relationships with the Bemis family.

• Align with foundation values: Education, community development, and human services receive consistent support, reflecting the Bemis Manufacturing Company's commitment to workforce development and community vitality.

• Request appropriate amounts: With an average grant of $8,500 and 46-49 grants annually, the foundation appears to favor spreading support across many organizations rather than making large, concentrated gifts.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• November 1 deadline is firm - Plan well in advance as awards are made for the following year
• Direct contact is essential - Without a website, calling (920) 467-4621 is the only way to obtain application materials
• Local focus is paramount - Organizations outside Sheboygan County face significantly reduced chances unless they have compelling regional connections
• Family foundation dynamics matter - Build relationships and understand that decisions are made by family members familiar with the local community
• Moderate grant sizes - Set realistic expectations around the $8,500 average grant amount
• Multiple support types available - Consider whether building funds, operating support, or scholarships best fit your needs
• Long-term commitment valued - The foundation's connection to Bemis Manufacturing's 120+ year history suggests they value organizations with staying power

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - F K Bemis Family Foundation Form 990-PF data (Accessed February 9, 2026)
• Cause IQ - FK Bemis Family Foundation profile (Accessed February 9, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory Online - Fk Bemis Family Foundation Inc profile (Accessed February 9, 2026)
• GrantStation - F.K. Bemis Family Foundation profile (Accessed February 9, 2026)
• Grantmakers.io - F K Bemis Family Foundation profile (Accessed February 9, 2026)
• Instrumentl - F K Bemis Family Foundation 990 Report (Accessed February 9, 2026)
• Legacy.com - Peter Bemis Obituary, Sheboygan Press, October 2013
• Lakeland University - Bemis Family Foundation grant announcement, December 2020