Over $40,000 was awarded to 11 local nonprofit organizations during the Community Foundation of Dunn County’s 2022 Annual Luncheon on Thursday, April 28 at the Off Broadway Banquet Center in Menomonie. The Foundation was excited to host their Annual Luncheon event in-person for the first time since 2019; over 130 community members were in attendance. Attendees enjoyed a catered lunch, learned how the Foundation Board directs charitable dollars to programs and projects that are adding energy and vitality to our community, and were introduced to the Foundation’s brand new education initiative, Partnership for Public Schools, a collaborative effort to address the needs of area school districts.

Representatives from the Boyceville Community School District, the Colfax School District, Elk Mound Area School District and the School District of the Menomonie Area were invited to share with the community some of their current special programming made possible by the Foundation.

Guest Speakers

Grant Awards (February 2022 competitive grant cycle)

During the grant award portion of the Luncheon, $41,388 was distributed to the following organizations to support programs, activities and operations: 

  • Boyceville Community EducationBulldog Adventure Canoes
  • Chippewa Valley Council, Boy Scouts of AmericaFurnace/Air Conditioner Replacement
  • Dunn County Historical SocietyDeep Roots Outdoor Classroom
  • Literacy Chippewa ValleyCareer Training for Inmates Program
  • Menomonie Area Free ClinicBehavioral Health Outpatient Services Program
  • Menomonie Theater GuildExterior Improvements to the Guild Building
  • The Neighbors of Dunn CountyNew Bus Project
  • Shirley Doane Senior CenterWasher/Dryer Replacement
  • Stepping Stones of Dunn CountyFood Access Program
  • The Town of Rock Creek Park CommissionPickleball Court Project
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release, Inc.New 50-Foot Flight Enclosure

About Partnership for Public Schools

The Foundation currently manages over 140 charitable funds totaling $8.2 million in assets, typically distributing over $700,000 each year in charitable grants and scholarships. The area of Education and Youth makes up 31 percent of these assets, or just over $2.5 million. Our Partnership for Public Schools would create new – and build upon existing – endowed funds that would benefit our school districts. Through charitable donations from community members and businesses, the Foundation will be able to help schools meet their greatest needs, support educator creativity and grow endowment funds to enable future giving. The Foundation’s fund options for schools include endowments, a Student Success Fund, Teacher Mini Grants and Academic Scholarships. Schools that choose to partner with the Foundation will become engaged in a regional effort to enrich and improve the lives of Dunn County children, teachers and community members. 

2022 Annual Luncheon Photo Gallery