Local Community Foundation Announces 2024 Rural Vitality Grant Recipients

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation (FDLAF) and the Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation (BDACF), in partnership with Compeer Financial, are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Rural Vitality Grant. This annual $50,000 grant cycle is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the economic health of rural communities by supporting projects that enhance agriculture, community development, entrepreneurship, education, housing, workforce development, and leadership.

This year’s grant recipients, selected for their commitment to improving rural communities in Fond du Lac and Dodge Counties, include:

· Fond du Lac Area United Way – $2,500 for mental health screening and early intervention of youth through the Fond du Lac YScreen Program.

· Church Health Services, Inc. – $5,918 to provide free and low-cost mental health services for underserved community members.

· Salute the Troops – $10,000 to support the Vetrepreneur Project, empowering veterans in entrepreneurship.

· Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce – $5,000 for the Leadership Ripon program, fostering leadership development.

· ADVOCAP, Inc. – $5,000 to enhance Head Start programming for early childhood education.

· Horicon Marshmen Foundation Inc. – $5,000 to improve the fitness room at the Horicon School District.

· Dodgeland High School – $16,582 to acquire new equipment that enhances educational experiences for students.

The Rural Vitality Grant is designed to assist communities with populations under 10,000 and rural micropolitan areas with populations under 50,000. Eligible projects focus on capacity building, program expansion, infrastructure improvements, and other community enhancements that demonstrate broad community support.

“We are thrilled to support these outstanding organizations in their efforts to strengthen our rural communities,” said FDLAF Executive Director Greg Giles. “Their projects align with our mission to enhance the quality of life in Fond du Lac and Dodge Counties, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of their initiatives.”

The Rural Vitality Grant exemplifies Compeer Financials’ commitment to leading the way in pursuing a collaborative approach to rural vitality. Their vision centers around active, strong rural communities capable of supporting thriving economies, and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation and Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation are thankful to administer the process. For more information about future funding opportunities, visit www.fdlareafoundation.com.