Tough economic times are upon us all. Nonprofits are feeling the loss of philanthropic resources while requests for services provided by these groups are on the rise exponentially. Foundations have lost, perhaps, as much as or more than 30% of their assets. Corporate giving programs are hurting too. And each of us is wondering when will this crisis start to turn around?
Good news is that we are all in this together. Our new president has repeatedly called for us to volunteer more and to be committed to service at the community level. He is stressing that each one of us is critical to the well being of us all. Recent attendance at a Family Foundation conference in Indianapolis found that most funders will keep funding at their 2008 level for the next two years if possible. We all feel the need to make a sacrifice to keep our communities vibrant.
The Charles D Jacobus Family Foundation will keep funding level as it has in past years. We will reinstate the Healthy Children’s Initiative (click on the 2009 Program Guidelines box above for details). Grants requests for that initiative can either be for a program or for general operating support. Organizations must be Milwaukee based and operated. Organizations with smaller budgets are encouraged. Our focus will continue to be how we can most effectively meet the needs of Milwaukee’s children and their families.
What you should know before you continue:
- We fund programs located and based in Milwaukee County.
- Our focus is to encourage the healthy - physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially - development of children.
- We will only consider a request for funding of $7500 or more if we have had a site visit to your program or organization this year.
- We do not award scholarships or fund individuals.
The following requests will not be considered:
- Funding to benefit individual, religious or political activities
- Fund-raising or travel
- Legislative or lobbying activities
- Tuition or scholarships
- Staff seminars
- Benefits (sponsoring tables, buying auction items, etc.), competitions, parades or camps
We look forward to working with you!