The Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation (BDACF) is proud to announce a record-breaking distribution of grants through its Fall 2024 Grant Cycle, supporting Dodge County nonprofit organizations in their missions to uplift and strengthen the community. This cycle saw unprecedented numbers, including the highest amount of grant applications, the most grant dollars requested, and a record-breaking amount of grants awards and values.

BDACF will distribute 46 grants totaling $55,500 to 44 nonprofit agencies throughout Dodge County, enabling them to continue their vital work across various sectors, including social services, education, health, and community development. These grants were made possible through the BDACF Community Fund and were further supported by generous contributions from local donors, proceeds from the 2024 Children’s Radiothon, additional fundraising efforts, and a donation from the National Exchange Bank and Trust Foundation.

The following nonprofits received grant awards:

1. 5-Stones Dodge County – $500 for community outreach, awareness building, and education opportunities.
2. American Association of University Women – $1,000 for the reading program that includes a week-long, community-wide residency by nationally recognized author, photographer, journalist John Noltner.
3. Beaver Dam Do Dads – $1,000 to add Internet access to allow troops to work on badges and projects.
4. Beaver Dam Family Center Ice Arena – $1,000 to enhance the figure skating training equipment and to supply hear for the free introductory hockey program.
5. Beaver Dam Fire & Rescue Cadet Program – $1,000 to purchase materials for training and recruitment, including EMS and fire training supplies and educational materials.
6. Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association – $1,000 for a trolling motor for the BLDIA pontoon workboat.
7. Beaver Dam Loaves & Fishes – $2,000 to support the free weekly hot meal program.
8. Bo William Hartwig Foundation – $2,000 for the purchase of a sign at their new location in Beaver Dam.
9. Bridges of Dodge County – $2,000 for the purchase of a large capacity refrigerator.
10. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee – $1,000 for outreach and case management to help people affected by poverty and crisis.
11. Central Wisconsin Community Action Council/New Beginnings Homeless Shelter – $2,000 for the Crisis Funds Project.
12. Church Health Services – $2,500 to provide substance abuse counseling to students in the Beaver Dam Middle and High School.
13. Community Care Preschool and Child Care – $1,500 for program enhancements, including a toddler climber and refrigerator.
14. Diverse Options – $1,000 to support the expansion of support services and office space.
15. Dodge County Center for the Arts – $1,000 to update the gallery design to enhance artwork presentation and create a modern, professional look.
16. Dodge County Concert Association – $1,000 for the Student Enrichment Program which will allow students and staff to experience world-class entertainment.
17. Dodge County Fair Association – $1,000 toward the purchase of two laptops.
18. Dodge County Historical Society – $1,000 for new archival bookshelf in our public access archival room.
19. Dodge County Humane Society – $1,000 toward the replacement of outdated computers that are critical for animal management, supply ordering, adoption processing, and communication with veterinarians.
20. Dodge County Master Gardener Association – $500 to purchase a small tiller, gas can, oil, and gas for the huber gardening program at the Dodge County Jail.
21. Dodge County Public Health – $500 for the purchase of cribs that are utilized by the kid’s program.
22. Friends of Clausen Park – $1,500 for a new and accessible playground that will be introduced in 2025.
23. Friends of Dodge County Parks – $1,000 to offset local costs for the design and engineering of Gold Star Memorial Trail Phase 2 (Horicon to Wild Goose Trail).
24. Friends of Hutchinson Memorial Library – $1,000 to support multiple projects that are not in the annual budget.
25. Horicon Phoenix Program – $1,000 toward the installation of a playground at Whitty Park.
26. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin – $1,000 to support the lessons taught to students during the 2024-2025 school year.
27. Living Hope Food Pantry – $2,000 for their Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meal distribution.
28. Lost Lake Randolph Historical Society – $1,000 to repair the drywall and ceiling in the bell tower of their building.
29. Marsh Haven Nature Center – $2,000 for printing needs, including a quarterly newsletter and promotional materials.
30. Mayville Open Door – $2,000 for child and youth development programs that focus on strengthening students academically, behaviorally, and socioemotionally.
31. Opportunities, Inc. – $1,500 to establish a recording studio for the GIVE Next Steps program.
32. Path of Hustisford – $1,500 toward the installation of wayfinding elements.
33. People Against a Violent Environment (PAVE) – $2,000 for the installation of sound-absorbing panels in key areas of their facility.
34. Pregnancy Support Center of Dodge County – $1,000 to purchase formula, diapers, wipes, winter clothing, and educational materials for clients.
35. Red Line Club of Beaver Dam – $1,000 for on ice/off ice training aids to support the skill and development of high school hockey players.
36. Rock River Coalition – $1,000 to be used toward the hiring of a watershed engagement coordinator.
37. Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Dodge County/Dodge County Food Pantry – $1,000 for the purchase of six food-grade carts with brakes to transport food from the pantry to client vehicles.
38. St. Katharine Drexel School – $1,000 to purchase lockdown shades for classroom doors.
39. Start Healing Now – $1,000 to purchase 20 overdose aid kits that will be installed throughout Dodge County in high-risk areas.
40. The Arc of Dodge County- $500 to purchase a wheelchair that will be kept in the Arc office for use by the Arc members and Special Olympic athletes and $1,000 for accommodations to allow members to attend a holiday event.
41. The Gathering Source – $2,000 for the weekly pantry program.
42. Unmasked Expressive Therapies – $500 to purchase cabinetry to facilitate effective fiber art.
43. Waupun City of Sculpture – $1,000 toward Waupun Ice Fest.
44. Wisconsin On Stage (DBA Beaver Dam Community Band) – $1,000 to purchase new folders for musicians to store their music and $500 to start a community choir.

“This remarkable milestone reflects both the increasing needs within our region and the steadfast generosity of our supporters,” said Patrick Lutz, advisory board vice president. “Thanks to these contributions, we are able to provide meaningful support to organizations that make a real difference in the lives of Dodge County residents.”

BDACF remains dedicated to fostering local partnerships and addressing critical needs within the community. This record-setting distribution is a testament to the community’s collective commitment to making Dodge County a better place for everyone. The Foundation looks forward to seeing the positive impact these grants will have in the months and years to come.

For more information about the Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation, its grant programs, or to learn how you can contribute, please visit www.beaverdamacf.com.