Resident-led Grants are for community members looking to start a project for the good of South Wood County.
They provide up to $2,500 for resident-led projects that bring people together to move a good idea into action.
A ‘project team’ that includes at least three unrelated individuals, who agree to work together on an idea, even if they’ve never worked together before.
*Evaluate the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need before getting started.
*Please allow 4-5 weeks for a response to your application.
Need help? Contact Us.
Organization grants are only intended for tax-exempt organizations that serve the south Wood County area. This funding is intended to address an unforeseen situation that has created an emergency need, a situation where a small grant could make a big difference for an organization, or on a one-time basis to support the expansion of a current program or opportunity.
Incourage accepts applications from local tax-exempt organizations in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service, and:
*Please allow 2-4 weeks for a response to your application.
Need help? Contact Us.
“A Smile From Lacey Fund” was established in loving memory of Lacey Laskowski by her family and friends. The fund will provide financial assistance to assist South Wood County families with children who are in need as a result of immediate medical issues related to cancer, major diseases, or major accidents that require extended medical care.
Families with children who are in need as a result of immediate medical issues related to cancer, major diseases, or major accidents that require extended medical care.
Referrals to the fund may be made by local agencies including but not limited to Wood County Department of Social Services, Riverview Hospital, and UW-Cancer Center Riverview. Requests for grants should include name and residence of the individual in need, a brief description of circumstances leading to the financial emergency, and amount of the request
To be eligible, the child receiving medical care/treatment must reside in the greater south Wood County area as defined by Incourage’s geographic service area. Incourage serves six local communities in south Wood County and one in northern Adams County: Nekoosa, Pittsville, Port Edwards, Rome, Rudolph, Vesper, and Wisconsin Rapids which includes Biron, Grand Rapids, and surrounding townships.
Funding Limitations: One-time grants from the Smile From Lacey Fund are limited to a maximum of $500 per family. Additional requests may be considered. Funding may be used for expenses related to gas, lodging and food incurred by the family of a child who is experiencing immediate medical issues as defined above.
Financial assistance may be available to individuals and families who reside in South Wood County and are temporarily in need as a result of immediate medical problems, fire or natural disasters, and other personal emergencies. It is not the intent of any grant funding to help people who manage money poorly and are, thus, chronically dependent.
Individuals and families who reside in South Wood County and are temporarily in need as a result of immediate medical problems, fire or natural disasters, and other personal emergencies. It is not the intent of the fund to help people who manage money poorly and are, thus, chronically dependent.
Requests for grants should include name and residence of the individual or family in need, a brief description of circumstances leading to the financial emergency, and amount of the request.
To be eligible, the individual or family receiving financial assistance must reside in the greater south Wood County area as defined by Incourage’s geographic service area. Incourage serves six local communities in south Wood County and one in northern Adams County: Nekoosa, Pittsville, Port Edwards, Rome, Rudolph, Vesper, and Wisconsin Rapids which includes Biron, Grand Rapids, and surrounding townships.
Funding Limitations:
One-time grants are limited to a maximum of $500 per family. Additional requests may be considered. It is not the intent of any grant funding to help people who manage money poorly and are, thus, chronically dependent.
To apply for one of these grants, please fill out the application.
Need help? Contact Us.
We’d love to know how a grant made a difference for you. Pictures and storytelling are encouraged.
Unrestricted gifts make these grants possible!
Thanks to the Helen Mead Zoo Fund, free events are held at our local zoo each year. David Stokes has been a staple for the last couple years, bringing songs, stories, and live animals to the zoo. We’ve also had the privilege of learning about Monarch butterflies, reptiles, raptors and more through the various programs.
Elmo came to Wisconsin Rapids! Cathy Meils and Richard Termine, photographer and puppeteer, brought an authentic Elmo to the Cultural Center to meet people in our community. This event was part of a week-long ARTIGras exhibit that featured in 2015.
Thanks to a local resident idea, a unique event featuring live reindeer was held during the 2022 holiday. Although it was a freezing cold night, and schools had been closed that day, residents headed to The Ridges to meet Santa and his reindeer, sip hot cocoa and cider, play games, sing carols and enjoy the company of each other during the busy season.
Through an Incourage grant and the collaborative effort of staff, Edgewater Haven Auxiliary, Wood County Master Gardeners, and students at Lincoln High School Agriculture class, a lawn area with one simple tree became a beautiful wheelchair accessible Serenity Garden, offering an alternative therapy option for residents. Gardening improves the quality of life and alleviates anxiety for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
