SACF grant application deadline approaching

Nonprofit organizations have until Oct. 1 to apply for 2014 Shawano Area Community Foundation grants.

The foundation, founded in 1990, awarded nearly $35,000 from its Shawano Area Fund to 12 organizations in 2013.

Bonduel Emergency Medical Service used its $5,000 SACF grant toward the purchase of a $30,000 cardiac monitor, which measures cardiac rhythms and transmits them to an emergency room physician prior to the patient’s arrival. Through continuous communication, medical service personnel are able to receive instructions from emergency room personnel to save time and potentially a life.

“We were really excited because we wanted that piece of equipment,” said Bonduel EMS President Rodney Hoppe, who noted it has been used multiple times this year.

“We didn’t use any taxpayer money, so it was pretty awesome,” Hoppe said.

SACF’s funding comes primarily from individual donations and an annual golf outing.

The annual grant program helps multiple organizations with multiple needs in the areas of arts and culture, health, human services, community development, education and environment.

Priority is given to proposals for which a moderate amount of grant money can make a significant impact on an area of need.

“Grant preference is given to one-time projects, not to routine ongoing operating expenses,” said Gail Bartz, chairwoman of the SACF grants committee.

When organizations apply for a grant, they need to provide proof of nonprofit status, organization mission statement, number of board members, a clear objective with a cost estimate, and an estimated date of project completion. Projects also need to directly benefit Shawano County residents.

“Grant applications need to be concise and demonstrate commitment to their request, possibly by showing in-kind contributions,” Bartz said.

Hoppe said filling out the online application at shawanofoundation.org was an efficient and quick process.

“It was fairly simple. It took me about two hours get documents together for the foundation,” Hoppe said. “All I can say is it is a nicely streamlined application process.”

Bartz said the foundation distributes about $30,000 annually, depending on the funds available, to local nonprofits. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000.

Organizations that are not public charities may apply through a fiscal sponsor.

The 2014 recipients will be announced toward the end of December.