Dunn, Pepin counties nonprofits eligible for special United Way grants

Nonprofit agencies in Dunn and Pepin counties this fall are eligible for a special one-time grant of up to $2,500, the United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys has announced.

“We want to connect with as many nonprofit agencies as we can to help them with additional funding,” said Sarah Weiske, Director of Development of the newly combined United Way organization. “We want to demonstrate our commitment to reinvesting in the Dunn and Pepin communities.”

Nonprofits have until Oct. 18 to apply for the Community Impact Grants, and grantees will be notified by Nov. 20. Grants will be given to “organizations whose work aligns with our goal of measurably increasing individual and family well-being so that every person in Western Wisconsin leads a healthy, thriving and secure life,” the organization said in its application information.

More information and the application link are available at https://www.uwvalleys.org/communityimpactg.../redcedarvalley

Weiske said it’s unclear how many grants will be given out because, "we are just learning about the needs in the community.

“We want to support as many worthy projects as possible in these two counties,” Weiske said. “Community Impact Grants are a good way to have an immediate impact in the community.”

Moving forward, Weiske added, all six counties in the group’s area will apply during the annual grant cycle each spring.

In July, United Way St. Croix Valley merged with Dunn County United Way to form United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys, encompassing the counties of Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix.

Nonprofits in Dunn and Pepin Counties also can participate in the return of the United Way Day of Caring on Oct. 10, officials said. For details about the inaugural Day of Caring, including how to become a sponsor, register a team, or submit a project, visit https://www.uwvalleys.org/dayofcaring