Greater Cedarburg Foundation
Background
The Greater Cedarburg Foundation, a geographic affiliate of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, strives to impact and influence the Cedarburg community for today and future generations by supporting nonprofits that preserve the local cultural heritage, enhance artistic endeavors and support educational, social and community-based services in the greater Cedarburg area.
Area served
The Greater Cedarburg Foundation awards grants to organizations located in and/or benefiting the people of the Greater Cedarburg Area. While organizations and projects are not required to be physically present within Cedarburg, a significant demonstrated link to Cedarburg and/or its residents is required.
Who can apply
Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, designated as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service, or occasionally, to select government agencies. Grants will not be made to individuals.
Grantmaking focus
The Greater Cedarburg Foundation supports both programs and capital projects that enhance those attributes which make Cedarburg unique. The Greater Cedarburg Foundation considers a broad range of projects, but places priority on projects which:
- Preserve and enrich Cedarburg’s cultural and historic heritage and structures
- Enhance Cedarburg’s artistic and aesthetic experiences
- Support educational, recreational, and human services benefiting all ages
Grant amount
Grants for a project will generally be limited to one year. If the project is expected to be ongoing, it is assumed that the agency will develop additional funding sources. In exceptional cases, projects may be supported for more than one year, but generally not more than two years.
The Greater Cedarburg Foundation does not provide funds for lobbying or political purposes and generally does not award grants for annual campaigns, operating budgets (exception below), or debt service.
Annually, The Greater Cedarburg Foundation makes available $10,000 for operational support. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 or 10% of the organization’s yearly budget, whichever is less. Organizations may apply for an additional grant, but priority will be given to Project or Capital requests.
Final reports
All organizations receiving grants must file a final report, as explained in the award letter. The final report confirms that the project was completed and explains the degree to which the project’s goals were met. Final reports must be filed for an agency to be eligible for future grants.
Evaluation criteria
The Greater Cedarburg Foundation is managed by a volunteer board comprised of men and women who live in the greater Cedarburg area. Board members have a wide range of experience in business and community service. Grant requests are evaluated by a committee of the board. Decisions are based on the relation of the project to the foundation’s mission, the benefit to the community and funds available.
2025-26 Timeline
Grant Cycle Information Session
Oct 8, 2025, 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
October 13, 2025: Letter of inquiry opens
October 31, 2025: Letter of inquiry closes
November 24, 2025: Letter of inquiry decisions made
November 24, 2025: Application opens
January 3, 2026: Application closes
March 2026: Decisions made