Murco Foundation Grants

The Murco Foundation Grants program, administered through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, supports nonprofit organizations that serve the greater Wausau area and Marathon County, Wisconsin. Established in 1992, the Murco Foundation Fund was created to enhance educational and artistic endeavors within the local community. The Foundation’s board of directors reviews grant applications annually, aiming to enrich the region through strategic financial support of impactful projects in these focus areas. The Murco Foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate alignment with its core mission of advancing education and the arts. While the typical grant size ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, the board is open to considering larger funding amounts, especially those directed towards capital campaigns, as potential multi-year grants. This flexibility reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting projects that promise long-term benefits to the community. Applicants must represent nonprofit organizations, preferably with 501(c)(3) status, and their work must directly serve the Marathon County or greater Wausau area. The Foundation does not typically fund annual campaigns, operating expenses, debt retirement, endowments, individual support, lobbying activities, or sectarian causes. Acknowledgment of grant awards must be made to the Murco Foundation Fund to ensure proper recognition of the funding source. The grant submission process is managed through the Community Foundation’s online application system. Prospective applicants can access the grant portal and select the Murco Foundation application to begin the process. All completed applications must be submitted by the first business day of September. Following submission, the Foundation will notify applicants of funding decisions within 45 days. There are no pre-application requirements or gating steps such as letters of intent or concept papers. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact a representative of the Murco Foundation or the Community Foundation office for guidance prior to submitting an application. Questions may be directed to David Gisselman via email or to Sue Nelson at the Community Foundation office. The grant cycle operates on a rolling basis as applications are accepted throughout the year despite a deadline date stated as the 'first business day in September.' Awards are announced within approximately six weeks after the submission deadline, allowing for timely planning and project implementation for grantees.

Contacting a board member before applying is encouraged; fund prefers clear educational/artistic alignment and local impact.