Helping Dunn County residents receive the medical care or services they need.
Byron Olson grew up in Menomonie, WI and worked as a painter and did drywall for many contractors in the area over the years. He married Catherine Moffat November 17, 1961 in Menomonie. Catherine also grew up in Menomonie and worked as a secretary at the University of WI-Stout for many years.
Byron and Catherine wanted to leave a legacy to the community they called home after they passed away. They desired that a portion of their estate be used to establish a fund to benefit the citizens of Dunn County that are in need of supplemental medical care or services. In 2011, the Byron and Catherine Olson Fund was established from a bequest in Byron’s will.
Today, the Byron and Catherine Olson Fund makes grants to individuals and children in emergency need for things such as eyeglasses, dental care, prescriptions, medical care, food, gas, and more. In 2014, funds went to help provide dental care at the Free Clinic of the Greater Menomonie Area. Because of this fund, 20 people in Dunn County received the vital dental care they needed but were unable to afford.  In 2015, funds helped bring the Nurse-Family Partnership Program to Dunn County, empowering first-time mothers living in poverty to become confident parents and strong women by pairing expectant mothers with a registered nurse who provides home visits from early in pregnancy until the child’s second birthday.
Grants are awarded annually to eligible organizations in the community, either through the standard Competitive Community Grants process, or by the Board of Directors identifying organizations capable of making the greatest impact in the specific area.
If you are part of a group or organization that serves individuals in need of health related care or supplies and are seeking financial support for your services, we encourage you to submit a grant through our Community Grant process, or submit a formal Letter of Inquiry about your program or project.
Please contact Samantha Phillipps, Grants & Services Manager at (715) 232-8019 or at grants@cfdunncounty.org for more information.