Civic Grant Commission meeting materials

CITY OF SOUTH MILWAUKEE CIVIC GRANTS COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE Wednesday June 10, 2026 5:00 p.m. City Administration Building Committee Room 2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee 53172. 1. Call to order/Roll Call. 2. Approval of May 21, 2026 meeting minutes. 3. Consideration of 2026 Bucyrus Civic Grant applications (recommendation to Common Council). 4. Consideration of revisions to the Bucyrus Civic Grant Program (recommendation to Common Council. 5. Adjourn. Posted June 5, 2026 PLEASE NOTE: Upon reasonable notice, a good faith effort will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through sign language, interpreters or other auxiliary aid at no cost to the individual to participate in public meetings. Due to the difficulty in finding interpreters, requests should be made as far in advance as possible, preferably a minimum of 48 hours. For additional information or to request this service, contact the South Milwaukee City Clerk at 414-762-2222 or write to ADA Coordinator, City Hall, 2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee Wisconsin 53171. The City of South Milwaukee is TDD equipped and can be accessed by calling 414-765-8060. CITY OF SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 1 CIVIC GRANTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES May 21, 2026 1. Call to order/Roll Call. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. Members present: Dave Kieck, Melissa Ellis, Aleta Schilling, Ericka Lang. Ald David Bartoshevich arrived at 6:20 p.m., left at 6:30 p.m. and arrived at 6:42 p.m. 2. Approval of March 19, 2026 meeting minutes. Schilling motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Ellis. Vote unanimous. 3. Presentations by civic grant applicants. The commission received six applications. Lang explained to each applicant that the commission is not voting on any applications until after discussing the grant program with the common council, per there request. APPLICATION SOUTH MILWAUKEE STREET DEPARTMENT. City Engineer Genevieve Stollenwerk applied for the grant to assist with creating a city-wide proactive tree planting program, requesting $60,000. The funds would be used for professional services to inventory all street trees, update online mapping application, train staff and develop a long-term plan to systematically plant street trees. The city does not have a city-wide program and documentation of a city-wide program was not located. An inventory was completed over a decade ago in response to the Emerald Ash Borer disease that resulted in removal of thousands of street trees. Stollenwerk added that given the enormity of need, capital borrowing is warranted. Kieck inquired about assistance through college forestry programs and collaborating with adjacent communities that have established forestry departments. Commissioners noted eligibility given the city intends to fund the project. Stollenwerk noted the city’s budget includes tree supply, but not phase one that creates a program. Commissioners agreed the program meets some eligibility requirements and agreed the recent information that capital funding is involved, disqualifies the application. APPLICATION POLICE DEPARTMENT. Captain Dan Fournier was present, requesting $3,500 to create a Ring Doorbell Program, using the funds to purchase the doorbells. The purpose is to improve community safety. Videos have become far more reliable than witnesses. The criteria would limit incomes and possibly in areas that show above average calls, if there is a large demand. The funds would not go toward subscriptions. Police could offer to install and show how to use. Currently, police flag existing addresses if a doorbell camera exists. Schilling and Kieck suggested they request additional funds as purchasing additional doorbells in following years would not be eligible. Commissioners agreed the doorbell initiative meets eligibility criteria: as an innovative program addressing an unmet community need and encourages collaboration that strengthens community systems. APPLICATION GROWING SOUTH MILWAUKEE ART WORKS. Darlene Piszczek and Leah Minue presented. Art Works requests $15,000. CITY OF SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 2 They request $10,000 for a short-term professional contract to hire a professional grant writer to train the five-member Art Works board on writing grants and provide resources. A consultant in the area has agreed to provide training. Piszczek added that professional grant writing services are very costly, closer to six figures. The $5,000 request is for a short-term contract for marketing services that create a mural tour with QR codes, telling the artist’s story. Commissioners agreed that both items meet eligibility. Both build capacity of Art Works. The mural tour offers an art experience and the grant training provides skills to the board to effect change. APPLICATION FRIENDS OF SOUTH MILWAUKEE LIBRARY (Friends). Friends president Monica Rodriguez presented their request for $6,000 to create a Household Tool Lending Library. The funds would be used for purchasing tools, storage equipment and associated supplies. The library has a small area for the Library of Things, that has crochet hoods, Nintendo games, and other items the community can check out. Friends completed a survey of likely items they would want to use and spoke with other libraries that already have these programs. Friends are confident that a tool library will attract community members to the library that don’t currently use it. Ellis inquired about volunteer training, regarding injuries and maintenance. Rodriguez said many people have already expressed interest in assisting with the maintenance of the equipment and training where needed. People would sign a liability form as part of checking out tools. Commissioners agreed the tool lending program meets eligibility criteria. It addresses an unmet need, encourages collaboration and partnerships, and builds skills. APPLICATION HUMAN CONCERNS. Human Concerns Board President Dan Rozel presented. They are requesting $15,000 to hire a marketing professional for a limited term to develop and execute campaigns to promote the nonprofit and improve fundraising. About half the annual revenue comes from the local community. A marketing person would help engage more people in the community and in the media. Human Concerns mails out a letter once a year to fundraise and share their mission and activities and infrequently post on social media. Last year they updated their brochure. They have about 30 volunteers and are opened to the public 15 hours a week, but operate 40 hours a week. Lang inquired about past funding through the Bucyrus-Erie company. Rozel stated that the company provided funds annually through an employee-match program. The Bucyrus Foundation matched what employees contributed. Commissioners agreed this meets eligibility, helping improve operations and organizations impact. APPLICATION BUCYRUS MUSEUM. A representative from the museum was not in attendance. They applied for a laptop and Microsoft Home Office license to display archived information on Bucyrus employees and numerous other print publications that have been scanned in. The grant request is $1,880. Commissioners agreed this is a new service and amenity for museum-goers. Lang commented that the commission will identify deliverables to include in all agreements. Suggested deliverables were mentioned during each presentation. CITY OF SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 3 4. Update on previous grant recipient projects. Lang reviewed the status of six approved grant awards from the 2025-2026 cycle. Friends of South Milwaukee Library, South Milwaukee Historical Society and the South Milwaukee Celebrations Committee completed their projects and submitted financial reports. Human Concerns provided expenditure documents for most of the funds. Further information was requested and the remaining funds will be spent by the end of May. MARM Education and Conservation Center spent the majority of the grant and requested an extension to July 31 st to complete the solar portion of the Self-Contained Urban Growing Unit/container. Leah Minue of Growing South Milwaukee provided an update on the community garden shed and requested an extension to June 30th. The concrete pad was recently poured and volunteers are set to install the shed. 5. Discussion of the Bucyrus Civic Grant Pr ogram criteria and eligibility requirements. Summary of commissioner comments regarding program eligible and ineligible requirement.  Most of the past awarded grants are for projects and not a new or improved programs.  Program allows local government to apply. It was questioned if a project or program would happen even if a grant was awarded and suggest removing local government as an eligible organization.  Fixed assets are eligible and most storage equipment is considered a fixed asset. Commissioners previously determined replacing storage equipment is not the intent of the program as it is most often a general operating expense. Commissioners defer to the council to determine if storage should be eligible.  Hiring professional services should remain an eligible expense as nonprofit budgets limit paid staff.  The program should not limit how often an or ganization applies. South Milwaukee has a small number of nonprofits.  Professional services are essential to improv e and grow services. Nonprofits do not have the knowledge and expertise of all aspects for growing and improving operations. Limited-term services should not drive the general fund.  Application process. The city received a comment from a nonprofit to improve the application process. Commissioners suggest eliminating the initial Letter of Interest phase and merge with application. 6. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m. Recorded by, Ericka Lang, economic development manager June 10, 2026 CIVIC COMMISSION PACKET MATERIALS: A. 2026 applicant list B. 2023-2025 grant award list C. 2021 letter from Bucyrus Foundation about future use of Bucyrus Foundation Funds D. Summary civic commissioner comments about program E. South Milwaukee Bucyrus Civic Grant Program and comments F. Summary of other civic/community foundation grant programs G. Golden Civic Foundation grant program flyer H. Bogualusa Grant Program I. Clean copy of Bucyrus Civic Grant Program South Milwaukee 2026 Bucyrus Civic Grant Applications Presentations at Civic Commission meeting May 21, 2026 Organization Request Amount Description $10,000 Contract for professional grant writer to train board and provide resources for future grants $5,000 Contract for professional marketing and mural experience services to create mural tour program $15,000 Bucyrus Museum $1,880 Create digital display for archived former Bucyrus employees and numerous print publications: $1600 Lenovoa ThinkPad laptop & $180 Microsoft Home office license $6,000 Create a Household Tool Lending Library: acquire tools and storage set up $3,500 Create a Ring Doorbell Camera Program and purchase 50 Ring cameras $60,000 Professional contract to inventory existing street trees in order to create and implement a new city-wide tree planting program, including staff training $15,000 Professional limited contract for marketing professional to develop and execute campaigns to promote and fundraise. Total $101,380 South Milwaukee Street Department Human Concerns Art Works South Milwaukee Friends of the Library South Milwaukee Police Department A Link to May 21, 2026 Civic Commission meeting packet South Milwaukee Bucyrus Civic Grant Awards Report & 2026 Applications 4/30/2026 Annual grant budget $50,000. Minimum grant $1,000, Maximum grant $25,000 Organization Grant Description 2023 - - 8 applications, totaling $83,800 Friends of the South Milwaukee Library $16,300 New multi-use lab and learning space; New children's play area South Milwaukee Police Department $5,000 New K9 unit Friends of Grant Park $1,600 New trail entry kiosk signs at Seven Bridges South Milwaukee Lions Foundation $6,000 New and upgraded electrical service at Lionsfest event s pace Bucyrus Museum $1,825 New large format scanner for historical collections South Milwaukee Historical Society $4,500 Create a new website and new Ancestry subscription Warm Up South Milwaukee- Fire Nonprofit $14,775 New senior extinguisher program $50,000 2024 - - 5 applications, totaling $48,950 Friends of the South Milwaukee Library $13,195 New childrens lounge area: 3 children tablets; 3 child computer stations; children furniture [$13,600 approved. South Milwaukee Historical Society $1,000 Dedicated laptop and printer for public access to Ancestry.com Warm Up South Milwaukee- Fire Nonprofit $11,400 $9000 New defibrillator distribution program (3 devices); $2400 Winter coat drive Lakeview Elementary Art Works, under Growing South Milwaukee $20,000 New downtown mural at 907 Milwaukee. [$22,000 approved. $2,000 returned] Friends of Mill Pond $2000 returned for approved educational kiosk $45,595 2025 - - 7 applications, totaling $82,600 Human Concerns $6,985 Professional grant writer contract Friends of the South Milwaukee Library $2,100 Purchase video player & games for young adults/children Growing South Milwaukee $8,000 New storage shed (not replacement) and rainwater collection and solar for communit y gardens at 1308 MARM Farm Education & Conservation Center $25,000 Purchase 40-ft container urban growing unit for hydroponic farming with solar panels, rainwater system, education South Milwaukee Historical Society $6,950 New printer/scanner; large format flatbed scanner; large file storage, (None replacement) City fo South Milwaukee Celebrations Committee $4,500 Professional services contract to manage and market new music event "South Milwaukee Jazz & Gos pel Fest" at $53,535 *carried over unspent funds from 2024 B “What’s Next?” A Legacy Investment in South Milwaukee for the Bucyrus Foundation August, 2021 Situation In recent years, the Bucyrus Foundation has been a valued benefactor for South Milwaukee, delivering significant projects and initiatives that have brought positive change and delivered real results for the city. They include: ● $25,000 in community grants to help local nonprofits; ● $200,000 to toward funding downtown redevelopment in the city, including $75,000 for the city’s economic development director position, and $50,000 for the Bucyrus Downtown Revitalization Grant; and ● $2 million toward construction of the recently opened Bucyrus Club events center and museum, and the city’s new downtown public space, coming in 2022. But the foundation can, and wants to, do more. As former Bucyrus CEO Tim Sullivan said shortly after the announcement of the Bucyrus Club and downtown space … “What’s next?” What’s next is thinking even bigger. What’s next is mobilizing Bucyrus Foundation support to address a number of the city’s biggest challenges -- and opportunities -- to deliver real, longstanding and lasting impact. What’s next is cementing the Bucyrus legacy in South Milwaukee for generations with generational-level investment in what makes South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee -- the people, places and institutions that at the same time define our proud past and present, and even more promising future. What’s Next The Bucyrus Foundation has committed to making a $10 million, 10-year investment in the City of South Milwaukee, the South Milwaukee School District, and other local organizations, with contributions addressing a variety of community needs. What It Will Fund The Bucyrus Foundation has agreed to focus its investment in the following areas, with specific spending to be determined. Downtown South Milwaukee C There is real redevelopment progress in downtown South MIlwaukee for the first time in decades. From public-private partnerships like the new Bucyrus Club, which is finding significant early success and the downtown public space; to the the quickening redevelopment of the former Bucyrus campus; to the increasing number of sustainable new businesses choosing to call South Milwaukee home; to private investment in significant renovation and expansion efforts, as with DB Tax, MilitaryConnection Collectibles, and Moran’s Pub; to public projects like Milwaukee Avenue streetscaping; to the growing popularity of longstanding and new downtown events … the momentum downtown is undeniable. But a lot of work remains, and it will take years of focused attention and investment to truly deliver the downtown many envision. And even then the work can never stop. What’s missing -- and what the foundation contribution will seek to at least partially fund -- is what has been at the core of sustainable redevelopment efforts in many city centers across the state and country: An organization devoted solely to the work of redevelopment of the city center. Business improvement districts, downtown neighborhood associations, redevelopment LLCs and other public-private partnerships, more government-led efforts -- there are lots of ways to do this, and lots of names given to these organizations, but the good ones all do the same thing: They give a collective voice and vehicle for action to downtown property and business owners and other stakeholders as they work together to lift up their city center, while also delivering funding to bring that commitment to life through investing in maintenance, improvement, and promotion of their commercial district. This can be done through building rehabilitation projects, property acquisition, Main Street improvements, public space ownership and improvements, public art, events, marketing, and in many other ways. There is no significantly organized group today, and attempts at forming one have failed, despite the city’s efforts to study it in detail, in partnership with local business owners and other downtown champions. (See the final report here.) The Bucyrus Foundation can be the founder of such an organization through a significant gift, and then help shape that organization’s mission and vision, while remaining a guiding force in its work over time. It would also help fund people to help make this happen -- an executive director, staff and potentially consultants to develop, lead, and manage a downtown organization. South Milwaukee School District The Bucyrus Foundation can also create a lasting impact and ensure its lasting legacy with support for the South Milwaukee School District, which continues to face funding challenges. Areas identified by the district in need of investment include … ● Athletics facilities. For years, the school district has been studying replacing the Spaltholz Field (football/track and field stadium) grass field with artificial turf, to address safety, drainage and long-term maintenance concerns. The project will likely cost more than $1 million, and could benefit from a “lead gift” from the foundation, potentially in exchange for naming rights. ● Manufacturing/STEM education. There is a significant opportunity for Bucyrus to help grow future generations of engineers and other skilled manufacturing workers, who prior to 2011 might have chosen to work at the company. The school district would like to partner with the foundation to expand its existing offerings and consider new programs to educate and train students for these careers, including preparing more girls and young adults of color for the workforce. This could be done through scholarships; partnerships with local colleges; the purchase of new classroom equipment like mills, lathes and CNC machines, and an investment in teachers and staff to guide the program, Public Spaces and Greenspaces The Bucyrus Foundation contribution will also go to public spaces and greenspaces, including city- and school district-owned entities, county parks and the Oak Creek watershed -- publicly owned lands that have too often been the source of disinvestment over years, due to competing budget priorities. ● City parks, public spaces and greenspaces in need of investment include the South Milwaukee War Memorial and Heritage Park at the corner of 10th and Milwaukee. The 11th and Madison public space, funded in part by the foundation grant, will also need sustaining funding after its 2022 opening, as well as a plan to manage and activate space once it is complete. Outside of downtown, the city has several greenspaces in need of investment, including the Mary Nelson Arboretum and a shoreline park under development south of the wastewater plant. The foundation contribution can support these efforts. ● The Oak Creek Watershed is in dire need of millions of dollars of investment, and will be ready to receive that investment upon completion of the ongoing watershed restoration plan at the end of 2021. The plan will yield recommendations on water quality; recreational access and use; habitat conditions; and targeted stormwater drainage and flooding issues, with many of those needs likely coming in South Milwaukee. The future of the Mill Pond may be decided through this process, and the Bucyrus Foundation is in a position to kickstart that effort and fund select improvements, helping the City of South Milwaukee join with other governmental (MMSD, county, state and federal) and private partners to accelerate work that will likely take years to accomplish. ● Almost a third of South Milwaukee land is Milwaukee County parkland . The Oak Creek Watershed is a big part of that. Grant Park -- such an important part of South Milwaukee’s identity and its top visitor attraction -- needs significant investment that simply isn’t coming from Milwaukee County, as it deals with continued budget challenges. Almost every aspect of the county’s oldest and second-largest park can use additional funding for improvements, now and for the long term, and a substantial gift from the Bucyrus Foundation can help deliver lasting improvements to key attractions in the park. Also, Grobschmidt Pool needs significant investment -- and likely a complete rethinking -- if it will ever reopen again. There is an opportunity for the foundation to help deliver a “next-generation use” of this resource. South Milwaukee Nonprofits Bucyrus, its leadership and its employees had a long history of supporting nonprofits that diminished significantly when Caterpillar acquired the company. The foundation has an opportunity now to give new life to that commitment with significant regular contributions to the nonprofits and other organizations that make South MIlwaukee uniquely, South Milwaukee: South Milwaukee Human Concerns, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, South Milwaukee Lions, South Milwaukee Little League, event organizers, veterans, various city-led efforts and initiatives, etc. Need has grown during the pandemic, and will continue after it. The foundation is in a unique position to help many of these organizations, and many more not on this list, through a formalized, long-term grant program. How It Will Work The foundation will make a $1 million contribution to support the listed focus areas each year for 10 years. The South Milwaukee School District will receive $2 million of the funds, with funding oversight of those monies provided by the South Milwaukee School Board. The remaining $8 million will be administered through the City of South Milwaukee, with funds held in a separate account. A specific spending plan and model for oversight, authority and approval of city grant expenditures will be developed and presented for consideration at future meetings of the Common Council. Key Considerations As specified by the Bucyrus Foundation … ● Naming rights. Entities receiving significant grant funds -- especially for capital projects or large programs -- should include a version of the “Bucyrus” name on the physical structure, program, etc. In addition to naming, entities should also seek to tell the Bucyrus story in some fashion as part of the investment. ● Leverage . Where possible, the grant funds should be the “first money in,” and be leveraged to obtain additional funding. ○ For example, the $1.5 million foundation grant for the Bucyrus Club leveraged an additional $3.5 million in investment from the city and state. Similarly, the foundation’s $500,000 contribution toward the downtown public space is leveraging another $1.5 million in city funds for phase one. ● New money. The grant funds should be additive, funding new projects or initiatives, or help existing or already planned projects be bigger or more impactful. Funds should not replace existing or planned funding for initiatives. ● Bucyrus Club and Museum. This contribution does not include additional funds for the Bucyrus Club and Museum. Museum organizers are making a separate request for sustaining funds to the foundation. ● Reporting . The City of South Milwaukee -- or its designee -- will provide quarterly and annual reporting to the foundation on grant expenditures and impact in the community to the common council and foundation board. 5/26/2026 South Milwaukee Bucyrus Civic Grant Program Civic Commission Program Review Comments a. PR OGRAM IMPROVEMENT/EXPANSION ELIGIBLITY. Commissioners agreed t his criterion is deemed f undamental of the program. Any eligible request should improve or expand the organization in so me w ay. Most of the past awarded grants are for projects and not new or improved programs. b. LO CAL GOVERNMENT. Local government may apply. Commissioners question if a project or progra m w ould happen even if a grant was awarded and suggest removing local government as an eligibl e or ganization unless have an affiliated nonprofit. Other civic foundation grant programs allow governments to apply if affiliated with a 501(c)(3). c. ST ORAGE – FIXED ASSETS. Fixed assets are eligible and most storage equipment is considered a f ixed asset. Commissioners previously determined replacing storage equipment is not the intent of th e pr ogram as it is most often a general operating expense. General operating expenses are not eligible. Commissioners defer to the council to determine if storage should be eligible. d. P ROFESSIONAL SERVICES. Professional services are essential to improve and grow services. Nonprofit limited staff do not have the knowledge and expertise of all operational aspects. Limited- term s ervices should not drive the general fund. DIRECT SUPPORT OF INDIVIDUALS is ineligible. C ommissioners require a consultant to have an active legal entity structure; however, past awards for professional services did not contract with individuals that had one. At the May 21, 2026 civic commission meeting, commissioners agreed a legal entity status is not necessary as all hires wer e lim ited term. e. F REQUENCY. Commissioners agreed the program should not limit how often an organization applies, partially as South Milwaukee has a small number of nonprofits. It is uncommon for civic/community grant programs to limit an organization to apply each cycle. Staff found one grant program that restricted repeated applications because the annual funding was low and the applicant pool is large, across several counties. f. A RTS AND CULTURAL AMENITIES. This is an allowed category. The majority of commissioners concluded that a nonprofit may not repeatedly apply for a mural after an initial award. Same as for an ev ent: an inaugural public event is eligible, but not after year one. g. I NELIGIBLE: (1) GENERAL FUND DRIVES, (2) BUILDING OR CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS, AND (3) GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES. Commissioners seek agreed-upon definitions. They agreed s ome fund drives may be eligible if for a specific improvement and completed within the grant period. Building and capital campaigns for nonprofits are interpreted as large system replacement and buildi ng mai ntenance projects. A different definition applies to local government. For general expenses, IT and s torage equipment could be in this category. Many awarded grants have been for new computers, scanners/copiers, that improved operational efficiency or public access. h. A PPLICATION PROCESS & REPORTING. The city received a comment from a nonprofit to improve t he app lication process. Commissioners suggest eliminating the Letter of Interest phase and immediately accept applications after the first of the year. Commissioners want to see enhanced reporting requirements. Each grant recipient signs a template agreement. Future agreements will detail required deliverables with the financial report after the work/project is completed and funds spent. D South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 5-26-2026 1 SOUT H MILWAUKEE BUCYRUS CIVIC GRANT PROGRAM, ADOPTED 2023 PROGRAM REVIEW Purpose: Projects must demonstrate how they benefit the community. Grants may address:  a community need,  improving community support,  solving a problem, or  enriching the people of South Milwaukee educational, health, or cultural experience. Programs that address:  the workforce skills gap,  support economic empowerment initiatives,  foster effective public private partnerships, or  boost neighborhood revitalization programs. Evaluation The Grants Commission judges the merits of each application and amount of funding based on the criteria, available funds, past experience and history and other tangible and intangible criteria. It is reserved as the sole decision-maker regarding grant awards. Funding priorities 1. Civic development 2. Arts and Culture 3. Health and Human Services 4. Education 5. Public benefit/community improvement 6. Environment COMMENT – many civic grant programs have narrowed priorities, such as for education or health. Review Bucyrus Foundation 2021 letter and discuss priorities. Review Criteria 1. Degree to which the proposed activity is appropriate for funding: scale Low to High 2. Impact the activity will have on the community 3. How many people will be served 4. Stability of the program 5. Quality of the services offered E South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 5-26-2026 2 Must be classified as a 501(c)(3) (operating one or more years) by the Internal Revenue Service or be a local government agency. Applicant organizations must operate within or directly serve the City of South Milwaukee and funds must be used for the benefit of the community. COMMENTS COMMISSION suggest removing local government as an eligible organization. Other civic grant programs typically allow local governments to apply that hold a nonprofit status. South Milwaukee examples: Community Night Out and Shop with a Cop. Grant Awards and Application for local government: 1. Fire Department – received grants for (1) new AED program, (2) new Warm Up South Milwaukee winter coat donations, a (3) new fire extinguisher program for seniors 2. Police Department – received grants for new K9 program. Applied for 2026 grant for new Ring Doorbell program 3. Streets Department- 20260applied for tree inventory for new city-wide street tree program (separate from Adopt-A-Tree) Eligible Grant Items a) Existing program improvements or program expansion to reach a unique audience. COMMENT COMMISSION see this criterion as fundamental, that any project or item must improve or expand the organization in some way. COMMISSION supports hiring professional services as an eligible expense as nonprofit budgets limit paid staff.  Examples hiring professional services to improve operations, grow volunteers, attract investment, process improvements: 1. Marketing/branding/communications 2. Create and update website 3. Grant writing services 4. New technologies, software, including implementation b) New innovative programs that address an unmet community need. COMMENT  Example Awards: 1. MARM SGUGU: New community urban farm and education. 2025 grant 2. Friends of the Library: New community tech lab for IT supplies. 2023 grant 3. Art Works: public art mural. 2024 grant c) New fixed assets to improve organizations capacity to serve the community with consideration given to other system improvements. FIXED ASSET DEFINITION: 1. It is tangible and has physical substance (storage, fixtures, furniture) 2. It is used in operations rather than held for resale. South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 5-26-2026 3 3. It is long -term in nature, typically lasting multiple years. COMMENT COMMISSION agreed some fixed assets should be eligible and previously determined replacing storage equipment is not the intent of the program, as it is most often a general operating expense. Commissioners defer to the council to determine if storage should be eligible.  Previous requests from Human Concerns, Bucyrus Museum, and SM Historical Society were deemed ineligible. In 2025 the commission approved one specific storage bin for preserving large documents and images for the Historical Society. They did not have any storage equipment for these sized documents. Program states General Operating Expenses are not eligible  General operating expenses for equipment is described as equipment that is small and routine. If equipment is large and capital in nature, then it is not a general expense. d) Capacity building efforts that benefit existing nonprofit organizations. COMMENT  Examples: 1. Board development, training and succession planning 2. Develop volunteer attraction campaign e) Vibrant art and cultural amenities and other activities that offer experiences for residents and visitors. COMMENT COMMISSION noted a mural shifts community identity and helps transform the downtown and agreed a unique and initial performances may be eligible, or creating a new outdoor performance program. Commissioners did not have consensus if a second mural is eligible.  Examples Awards: 1. Art Works awarded a grant for a mural on 907 Milwaukee. 2. Celebrations Committee awarded a grant in 2025 for Jazz in July event f) Programs that encourage collaborative partnerships that employ comprehensive strategies to strengthen community systems. COMMENT  Examples: 1. Health departments, clinics, and a nonprofit that address a health disparity 2. Library, youth organization and maybe workforce agency that co-deliver tutoring, job- readiness workshops 3. Various wraparound services for mental health, housing, and safety g) Programs that empower individuals or groups of people with the skills they need to effect change. COMMENT  Examples: Training for new program, required skills, leadership South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 5-26-2026 4 h) Organization’s planning needs related directly to how they might achieve their mission through strategic planning, merger conversations, and similar efforts. COMMENT  Examples: Develop diverse revenue strategies to strengthen donor stewardship processes and improve financial planning tools i) Community initiatives that advance solutions to community’s greatest challenges using innovative strategies and a collaborative spirit j) New projects that sustain a healthy local community and provide opportunities for outdoor entertainment and recreation. COMMENT  This could be part of a Capital Improvement Program, so not eligible  Example Award: 1. MARM Farms SCUGU. 2025 grant Ineligible Grant Items Grants will not be considered for: a) Organizations which discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious affiliation, or presence of a disability. b) Organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation or to participate in a political campaign. c) Faith-based organizations that do not serve persons outside of their membership, include proselytizing in programs, or condition receipt of services on belief in a particular faith. d) Sport organizations or booster clubs’ that are part of the School District e) South Milwaukee School District (H as dedicated annual Bucyrus Foundation funding) f) Direct support of individuals. COMMENT  COMMISSION TO DISCUSS 1. Only limited professional contracted work as eligible 2. In 2023 Commission noted that internships are not eligible, whether working on eligible project or not.  Example Awards: 1. 2025 Human Concerns approved grant for a grant writer. Hired individuals 2. 2026 Human Concerns application states they would hire a recent college graduate to do. Proof of legal entity/name should be required g) General fund drives COMMENT  COMMISSION TO DISCUSS South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 5-26-2026 5 1. Commission discussed fund drives for a specific improvement and differentiating from maintenance. If grant does not cover 100% of project, could approve if completed within grant year.  Commission denied funds for Human Concerns annual fundraising event  SMFD Warm Up nonprofit winter coat driv e is a new program for the nonprofit and awarded a grant. h) Building or capital campaigns COMMENT COMMISSION seeks definition A capital campaign (or building campaign) is a structured initiative to raise or allocate funds for major, non-recurring capital projects such as buildings, roads, utilities, and other long-life public assets. These projects typically:  Cost above a defined threshold (often $25,000+)  Have a useful life of 5+ years  Involve construction, acquisition, or major renovation- roads, stormwater, public building renovations, equipment, park improvements  Are eligible for long-term financing  Are included in a city’s capital budget or multi-year CIP COMMENT  Commission discussed: 1. differentiating between improving a building and maintenance. 2. Defining building and capital campaigns. i) General operating expenses SEE COMMENT UNDER ELIGIBLE j) Preschools, day care centers, nursing homes, etc. k) Tickets, raffles, golf outings or sponsorships COMMENT  Commission denied First Responders Children’s Foundation for sponsoring a South Milwaukee individual l) Conduit organizations COMMENT  Some foundations are conduit organizations, but most are not m) Organizations with an “active” grant. COMMENT  Commission asks applicant. No other investigation is done n) Projects that have been completed South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 5-26-2026 6 SCHEDULE & SUBMISSIONS Letters of interest and applications may be submitted digitally via email (Microsoft Word or PDF), dropped off at the City Administration building, or mailed. Letters of Interest and Application narratives (2b) must be typed. Each submission is due by 4:00 p.m. on the deadline date. Application review is approximately 30 days. Annual Letter of Interest due March 1 st Annual Application Deadline due: April 30 th COMMENT  Complaint that the application process and reporting is too tedious. AWARDED GRANTS & REPORTING The grant recipients will be required to sign a grant agreement and a post-grant report is required for each grant received. A post-grant report includes a financial statement, itemizing expenditures in order for the organization to remain in good standing and be eligible for future grant awards. Report due dates are based on the project timeline, established prior to grant disbursement. Projects must be completed within 12 months of approval and may not start until after the grant is awarded. Recipients may request an extension. Any unspent grant dollars require payback or may be eligible to use in the following grant cycle should the organization apply and be approved. COMMENT Some grant awards are for new programs and affiliated equipment. The financial reports do not contain documentation of a written new program or affiliated expenses.  Proof of expenditures may be sales receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, canceled checks.  Example Awards: 1. SMFD new Senior Extinguisher Program. Grant paid for extinguishers 2. SMFD new Warm Up winter coat program. Grant paid for coats. 3. SMFD new defibrillator program. Grant paid for AEDs Organizations receiving grants must allow the City of South Milwaukee and the Bucyrus Foundation to use the name of the recipient organization in our publicity. Recipients are encouraged to recognize the City of South Milwaukee and Bucyrus Foundation in their media outlets. 6/ 2026 1 OTHER CIVIC/COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PROGRAM CRITERIA A. Mercer County Civic Foundation: For nonprofit, tax-exempt A llows grants for: • health and human services, • education, • the arts, • environmental issues, and • community enhancement Does not allow for: • capital campaigns or multi-year commitments. B. G olden Civic Foundation Allowed: • c ivic development- providing improved amenities for communities, eg, property improvements, acquisition, • ar ts and culture- eg public art, theater, music, dance • social services- eg facilities, amenities and services for healthy living • education- eg post-secondary education, training, employment • environment- projects that sustain a healthy local community and provide opportunities for outdoor entertainment and recreation, like gardens, parks and land preservation • community improvement/public benefit- empower individuals or groups with skills needed to effect change, eg strategic and organizational planning C. C ivic Foundation Civic Credit Union North Carolina • For government/schools/hospitals that hold nonprofit status; nonprofits; private foundati ons • Up to $25,000 may be awarded each quarter. Focus on areas of: • health care, • housing, • human services and • hunger. M ust complete a class, seminar, workshop or consultation with a local community college or other for a professional development course of choice. Ineligible: o Received past grant F 6/2026 2 D. Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley – 3 counties in New York • Unrestricted support • Tax-exempt organizations (including faith-based organizations) • Nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status or an established fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Review Criteria: • Organization/Program Feasibility: Clearly demonstrates an ability to accomplish their mission, is viable in the long term, and secures other sources of financial and in-kind support • Community Need/Opportunity: Fosters trust and collaborative civic participation in addressing a vital community need and collectively improves community conditions • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Develops and maintains community connections for the underserved and economically diverse; Incorporates diverse cultures, philosophies & experiences across their organization/programming Supports a broad variety of organizations and programming, including effective and innovative programs in the areas of: • human services (food security, mental house, housing), • arts and culture, • education and youth, • health, • the environment and civic affairs. • Funding will have a focus on benefiting people who are from historically marginalized and under-funded communities or populations based on their race, ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, health status, abilities or geographic location. Examples of specific support such as: • Planning and/or the direct implementation of the program • Technology, equipment, or material costs • Strategic planning, staff/board development and/or succession planning • Management systems (financial, HR) • Marketing and communications • Investments to increase organizational capacity E. Community Foundation of South Puget Sound – 3 counties • Awards every 2 years • $1500 - $7500 typical grants • Unrestricted grants • Nonprofit priorities: o Impact of the existing nonprofit o Accountability of serving the community o Community partnerships o equity GRANT PROGRAM OVERVIEW In alignment with the Golden Civic Foundation's vision, a thriving community is d efined by a collection of people and ideas that come together in a resounding chorus of purpose, pride, and spirit. We believe that a vital voice in that chorus is that of the non-profits serving the people of Golden in a variety of ways. Therefore, the Golden Civic Foundation intends to support our great community organizations to carry out their missions by providing the "For the Good of Golden" Grant Program. "For the Good of Golden" C ommunity Grant Program 2 0 2 2 G R A N T P R O G R A M O V E R V I E W At the core of the Golden Civic Foundation i s our mission to invest in the economic and cultural vitality of the Golden community. We do this by mobilizing resources, gathering and sharing critical information and making meaningful connections to keep the special character of our Golden community. Since 1970, the Golden Civic Foundation 's Community Grant Program has provided more than $6.5 million to Golden's cultural, social service, clubs, schools and civic organizations. In 2021, the Golden Civic Foundation invested $243,732 in grants into the Golden community via four main areas: Community Grants, Special Grants, COVID-19 Community Relief Grants and Critical Needs Support. The grants, which were awarded from April 2020 through April 2021, were provided to 40 different Golden-based non-profit organizations that provide social, civic, cultural and education-based services to Golden residents. THE GOLDEN CIVIC F OUNDATION CONTACT If you have questions about our grant p rogram, please contact: Heather Schneider Executive Director Heather@GoldenCivicFoundation.org FUNDING PRIORITIES “Brick and mortar” type projects that provide impro ved amenities for our community such as improvements to a property (like a school track complex) or land, or property acquisition and re-purposing for the community’s benefit (like our old high school's new use as the American Mountaineering Center). 1 C IVIC DEVELOPMENT 2 3 4 5 6 Vibrant art and cultural amenities and experiences t o promote cultural enrichment and help drive the local economy (examples include: public art, theater, music, dance, etc.). Infrastructure to give residents of all ages equitable access to opportunities for healthy living (such as social service facilities, amenities and services). SOCIAL SERVICES Projects that benefit Golden students with high qual ity learning and development, meaningful opportunities to pursue post-secondary education, career training, and pathways to gainful employment and fulfilling lives. EDUCATION Projects that sustain a healthy local community and provide opportunities for outdoor entertainment and recreation (things like gardens, parks and land preservation). ENVIRONMENT To provide "For the Good of Golden" at large and emp ower individuals or groups of people with the skills they need to effect change (strategic and organizational planning). PUBLIC BENEFIT / COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT Although all innovative ideas that meet emerging nee ds or opportunities of the Golden community will be considered, the following are the Golden Civic Foundation’s funding priority areas: ARTS & CULTURE www.GoldenCivicFoundation.org | P.O. Box 153 8, Golden, CO 80402 | 303.279.9169 www.GoldenCivicFoundation.org/Grants G GRANT OPPORTUNITIES The Golden community is, and always has been, one that helps a neigh bor. Our Helping Hands Grants (previously known as our "Special Grants") are intended to help with unexpected expenses that impact an organization's ability to meet their mission, manage an unbudgeted, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergency, or take advantage of an unanticipated opportunity that will enhance their work in the community of Golden. Helping Hands Grant awards range from $500 to $30,000 per award. ELIGIBILITY R EQUIREMENTS In order to be eligible, an applicant organization must be classified as a 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service or be a local government agency or public school. Applicant organizations must operate within the City of Golden and funds must be used for the benefit of Golden citizens. The Golden Civic Foundation will not consider grants to organizations which discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious affiliation, or presence of a disability. Additionally, no grants will be made to an organization whose primary purpose is to influence legislation or to participate in a political campaign. WE DO NOT FUND Direct support of individuals Endowments Churches, church projects, or religious organizations Sport organizations or booster clubs Debt retirement or operational deficits General operating expenses Production of films or other media-related projects Preschools, day care centers, nursing homes, etc. Political issues or efforts Tickets, raffles, golf outings or sponsorships G RANT PROCESS It is intended that the applications that best meet the established grant criteria will be given preference for funding. However, the Golden Civic Foundation will judge the merits of each application and the amount of funding, if any, based on not only the selection criteria, but also available funds, current Golden Civic Foundation objectives, past experience and history, and other tangible and intangible criteria. The Golden Civic Foundation reserves as the sole decision-maker regarding grant funding. Organizations receiving grants must allow the Golden Civic Foundation to use the name of the recipient organization in our publicity. Organizations receiving grants are encouraged to recognize the Golden Civic Foundation on their website and in printed materials. As part of the application, the Golden Civic Foundation requires a photograph and description of how the organization utilized previous grant funding (if applicable) within six months of the grant payout. Helping Hands Grants The Golden Civic Foundation’s Community Impact Grants fund measurable s trategies to make a positive impact on the quality of life and create a better future for residents in our community. An organization can only apply once a year for only one of the following grants: Community Impact Grants Collaborative Grant: G rants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 that "think" collectively and "act" collaboratively in addressing a community need, improving community support, solving a problem, or enriching the people of Golden's educational, health, or cultural experience. Organizational Improvement Grant: G rants up to $7,500 that focus on an organization's planning needs related directly to how they might achieve their mission through strategic planning, merger conversations, and similar efforts. Support Grant: Previously known as our “Community Grant Program,” these grants range from $500 to $5,000 and help fund community initiatives that advance solutions to our community’s greatest challenges using innovative strategies and a collaborative spirit. Applications will be accepted throughout the year and based on the availa ble remaining funding. An organization that receives a Helping Hands Grant can only apply every other year. The following list provides an overview of funding opportunities supported by t he “For the Good of Golden” Grant Program. Before applying, please review the detailed descriptions and application information for each of these grant programs that can be found on our website. DUE DATE / FREQUENCY: Applications will be available on our website starting January 7, 2022 and will be due o n March 1, 2022. Grants will be funded by April 2022. Organizations can apply every grant cycle. DUE DATE / FREQUENCY: The Golden Civic Foundation invites the Golden community to annua lly submit a “wish list” of ideas for long-lasting projects that may be selected as the Paddle Raise beneficiary at the Foundation’s Annual Fall Gala & Auction. Preferred ideas will be for one-time projects that most likely will not be addressed by local, City of Golden tax funds and that will improve the quality of life for a broad base of the Golden community. Updated information on this funding opportunity can be found on our website at: www.GoldenCivicFoundation.org/B-I-G-Grants/. Big Ideas in Golden (B.I.G.) Ideas will be accepted up until July 2022. DUE DATE / FREQUENCY: Fu nd for Bogalusa Information for Grant Applicants Purpose O ne of the purposes of the Fund is to meet the changing human service and economic development needs and opportunities of the Bogalusa area. Deadlines for grant proposals are February 1 and July 1 of each year. The Fund For Bogalusa recommends grants based on identified community opportunities and the relative merit of proposals received in each cycle. The maximum award available is $5,000. G uidelines Th e Fund for Bogalusa was established as a way to enter into partnerships with nonprofit organizations that are committed to and actively involved in building their community through economic development and human services. The Fund believes that communities are strengthened when people see themselves as resources and find successful ways of marshalling their talents and those of local organizations to solve problems. The Fund for Bogalusa is interested in funding charitable organizations that can demonstrate that they have planned their projects with respect to the community’s greatest opportunities. Funds Grant applicants should keep in mind that priority is given to projects that: • B uild on the strengths and assets of individuals, organizations and institutions; • In volve all relevant people in developing the proposed activities and performing the work for which funding is requested; and • Ad dress underlying causes, rather than treat symptoms, by seeking to change policies or institutional arrangements in order to strengthen the community. R estrictions: Funding will not be awarded for disposable items or ongoing, recurring budgetary items. H Areas of Interest The Fund provides grants in the following areas of interest: A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The Fund supports programs designed to improve the economic strength of the Bogalusa community and of individuals in the community. B. HUMAN SERVICES: Human problems are varied and complex; they affect every segment of the community. The Fund’s overriding concern, in this area, is to promote community responsibility for the unfulfilled human needs existing in the Bogalusa area and to enable individuals and communities to address those needs. Eligibility The Fund for Bogalusa welcomes grant requests. In order to be eligible for a grant from the Fund for Bogalusa, the requesting organization must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and the program or project to be funded must be located in the Bogalusa area. Proposal Checklist A. PROPOSAL SUMMARY: Every application must include a typed summary which provides the following information, in the following order: * Organization name * Chief executive officer * Brief summary of the project * Amount of grant request * Project director * Address * Phone number * Area of interest * Mission statement * Service area B. NARRATIVE SECTION: The application should be concise and should include the following information. (Three pages maximum.) 1. A detailed description of the project, including strategies, measurable objectives and a timetable. 2. A description of the challenge to be addressed by the project. 3. A summary of the compelling reason for the project. 4. The amount requested from the Foundation. 5. A plan for continuing the project once the Foundation’s funding ends. 6. A plan for evaluating the project. 7. A concise history of the organization with an overview of current programs and activities. C. ATTACHMENTS: Attachments should include the following information: 1. A copy of the Internal Revenue Service notice stating that the organization is tax-exempt. Or a copy of the organization’s fiscal agent’s 501(c)(3) letter along with a letter from that organization stating its willingness to serve as fiscal agent. 2. A statement from the organization’s board of directors authorizing the request and agreeing to implement the project if funded. 3. A list of the organization’s board members including the board members’ principal occupations, a description of the term of office and the rotation schedule for the board. 4. The names and qualifications of persons responsible for carrying out the program. 5. A detailed project budget and budget narrative, including income sources and expenditures, as well as a list of proposed funders. 6. Financial statements, including the organization’s operating budget for the last completed and current fiscal year. 7. Supporting material, such as reports, brochures and news articles. Grantmaking Schedule Grant requests should be received by 5:00 pm on the deadline date. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, requests are due on the weekday immediately preceding that weekend or holiday. The deadlines are as follows: Deadline Dates: February 1, July 1 Notification Dates: May 1, November 1 Reporting Requirement If a grant is awarded, the Foundation requires that the funded organization submit both fiscal accounting and narrative reports on the use of its grants and the impact that the grant may have had on the community it serves. Reporting guidelines will be established in the letter of award. Proposal Submissions and Further Information For more information about these grant guidelines and the grant guidelines of other funds administered by the Northshore Community Foundation, please call 985-893-8757. Applicants should submit their completed proposal to: The Fund for Bogalusa Northshore Community Foundation 807 North Columbia Street Covington, Louisiana 70433 Revised January 16, 2024 SOUTH MILWAUKEE BUCYRUS CIVIC GRANT PROGRAM BAC KGROUND The Bucyrus Steam Shovel & Dredge Co called South Milwaukee home for 118 years until 2011 when the company was acquired by Caterpillar Global mining. In September 2021 the Bucyrus Foundation (established in the 1970s) announced a $10 million contribution to institutions and infrastructure for the City of South Milwaukee (City), stretched over a 10-year period. These funds are allocated between the City and South Milwaukee School District and a portion of these funds are designated for local nonprofits. CIVIC GRANT PROGRAM PURPOSE The purpose of the Bucyrus Civic Grant Program is to benefit the community, allocating funds to South Milwaukee’s nonprofit organizations. This grant program was initiated in January, 2023. Projects must demonstrate how they benefit the community. Grants may address a community need, improving community support, solving a problem, or enriching the people of South Milwaukee educational, health, or cultural experience. Grants may be for programs that address the workforce skills gap, support economic empowerment initiatives, foster effective public private partnerships, or boost neighborhood revitalization programs. Funding priorities 1. Civic development 2. Arts and Culture 3. Health and Human Services 4. Education 5. Public benefit/community improvement 6. Environment GRA NT FUNDING The Bucyrus Foundation will fund eligible projects that are not less than $1,000 and up to $25,000. All grant awards are subject to annual funding. Each grant awarded will be evaluated and a post-grant report is required for each grant received. ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible, an applicant organization must be classified as a 501(c)(3) (operating one or more years) by the Internal Revenue Service or be a local government agency. Applicant organizations must operate within or directly serve the City of South Milwaukee and funds must be used for the benefit of the community. I.    South Milwaukee, Wisconsin Civic Grant Program 2    Eligible Grant Items a) Existing program improvements or program expansion to reach a unique audience. b) New innovative programs that address an unmet community need. c) New fixed assets to improve organizations capacity to serve the community with consideration given to other system improvements. d) Capacity building efforts that benefit existing nonprofit organizations. e) Vibrant art and cultural amenities and other activities that offer experiences for residents and visitors. f) Programs that encourage collaborative partnerships that employ comprehensive strategies to strengthen community systems. g) Programs that empower individuals or groups of people with the skills they need to effect change. h) Organization’s planning needs related directly to how they might achieve their mission through strategic planning, merger conversations, and similar efforts. i) Community initiatives that advance solutions to community’s greatest challenges using innovative strategies and a collaborative spirit j) New projects that sustain a healthy local community and provide opportunities for outdoor entertainment and recreation. Ineligible Grant Items Grants will not be considered for: a) Organizations which discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious affiliation, or presence of a disability. b) Organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation or to participate in a political campaign. c) Faith-based organizations that do not serve persons outside of their membership, include proselytizing in programs, or condition receipt of services on belief in a particular faith. d) Sport organizations or booster clubs’ that are part of the School District e) South Milwaukee School District (H as dedicated annual Bucyrus Foundation funding) f) Direct support of individuals g) General fund drives h) Building or capital campaigns i) General operating expenses j) Preschools, day care centers, nursing homes, etc. k) Tickets, raffles, golf outings or sponsorships l) Conduit organizations m) Organizations with an “active” grant. n) Projects that have been completed GRANT PROCESS 1) Step 1 Preliminary Letter of Interest. Submit a letter of interest and request eligibility to apply for a project. The letter should be a brief, typed, one page summary which outlines the    South Milwaukee, Wisconsin Civic Grant Program 3    project, identifies who will benefit, and provides a preliminary budget. The City will notify those organizations that they preliminarily qualify as candidates for a grant and will be invited to complete and submit a formal application to the City Grants Committee on behalf of the Bucyrus Foundation. Applications are not made available until March each year. Submit letters of interest to: elang@smwi.org If further information is needed, the nonprofit will be given 14 days to revise and resubmit. 2) Step 2 Application Checklist: Grant applications may be found at www.smwi.org. a) Every application must provide the following information:  Organization name  Organization president  Brief summary of the project (separate from detailed narrative 2b)  Amount of grant request  Project lead person  Address  Phone number  Email b) Provide a narrative, no more than three pages, answering:  Detailed description of the project  What is the need for and significance of this project?  What will be the key methods and activities to operate this project?  What will be the key one or two outcomes and how they will be evaluated?  A budget that identifies the costs of the project and income sources c) Attachments:  A copy of the IRS letter of tax exemption (501c3)  Most recent audit or Federal 990  One-page statement of the organizations mission, main programs and history Review Criteria 1. Degree to which the proposed activity is appropriate for funding: scale Low to High 2. Impact the activity will have on the community 3. How many people will be served 4. Stability of the program 5. Quality of the services offered It is intended that the applications that best meet the established grant criteria will be given preference for funding. However, the Grants Committee will judge the merits of each application and the amount of funding, if any, based on not only the selection criteria, but also available annual allocated funds, past experience and history, and other tangible and intangible criteria. The Grants Committee is reserved as the sole decision-maker regarding grant awards.    South Milwaukee, Wisconsin Civic Grant Program 4    SCHEDULE & SUBMISSIONS Letters of interest and applications may be submitted digitally via email (Microsoft Word or PDF), dropped off at the City Administration building, or mailed. Letters of Interest and Application narratives (2b) must be typed. Each submission is due by 4:00 p.m. on the deadline date. Application review is approximately 30 days. Annual Letter of Interest due March 1 st Annual Application Deadline due: April 30 th Applicants should submit their completed proposal to: Mail or Drop Off: City of South Milwaukee Economic Development Department 2424 15 th Avenue City of South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Email:elang@smwi.org, including application and required attachments. For more information about the grant, call 414-762-2222 ext 135 AWARDED GRANTS & REPORTING The grant recipients will be required to sign a grant agreement and a post-grant report is required for each grant received. A post-grant report includes a financial statement, itemizing expenditures in order for the organization to remain in good standing and be eligible for future grant awards. Report due dates are based on the project timeline, established prior to grant disbursement. Projects must be completed within 12 months of approval and may not start until after the grant is awarded. Recipients may request an extension. Any unspent grant dollars require payback or may be eligible to use in the following grant cycle should the organization apply and be approved. Organizations receiving grants must allow the City of South Milwaukee and the Bucyrus Foundation to use the name of the recipient organization in our publicity. Recipients are encouraged to recognize the City of South Milwaukee and Bucyrus Foundation in their media outlets.