What is a “Field of Interest Fund” and what does it mean to you?
Field of Interest Fund: “A fund held by a community foundation that is used for a specific charitable purpose such as education or health research?”
What it means to your grant application: The Eau Claire Community Foundation holds several field of interest funds which are listed below. As you apply to the Eau Claire Community Foundation for a grant they are helpful to be aware of. In many cases grant requests that match a field of interest fund purpose will be given extra consideration. So, it is important to know what funds ECCF has.
Field of Interest Funds held at the Eau Claire Community Foundation
Access Eau Claire: This fund designed is to aid nonprofit organizations who want to make their facilities, programs and activities accessible to people with disabilities in Eau Claire County. Physical, electronic, attitudinal, and communication accessibilities will be considered, as well as outreach to people with disabilities.
Examples of initiatives this fund will grant to include:
- Providing programming that is inclusive, welcoming and relevant for kids with developmental delays.
- Funding to buy a collection of books specially designed for memory-challenged adults
- Interpreter services for a deaf person to participate in youth and/or adult activities.
- Transcription of a script into braille so a blind actor could be in a play.
- Paying for evaluation and upgrade of a nonprofit’s website to be more accessible.
- Providing transportation for people with mobility issues.
- Presentations on disability issues.
- Provision of an aide so a person with a disability can take wellness classes.
Aubre’s Fund: This fund is intended for programs and asset purchases/improvements which enhance the quality of life for children and companion animals in the Greater Eau Claire Area.
Children’s Legacy Endowment Fund: This fund is intended for non-profits that provide programs benefitting children.
Daniel and Mary Ann Ogan Educational Fund: This fund grants to educational programs in Eau Claire.
Jim and Kathy Pinter Mental Health Fund: This fund grants to to support non-profit organizations dealing with adult and youth mental health issues, including education, prevention, research, and treatment.
Junior League of Eau Claire: This fund grants to projects promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Michael Lund Memorial Fund: This fund focuses on granting to programs that provide youth physical and mental health services.
Nellie and John I. Kaiser Memorial Fund: This fund is used to support grants for projects and programs that enhance children's literacy.
John and Jane Lokken Fund: This Fund supports arts and culture, recreation or administrative expenses.
Public Gardens Fund: This fund supports: 1) landscaping with WI native trees, shrubs, and perennials; 2) planting flower gardens of all kinds; and 3) maintaining or enhancing existing plantings in non-profit and publicly owned gardens and parks.
Siker Educational Fund: This fund supports educational programs and initiatives in community schools.