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Contribution Guidelines
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Makes a Difference
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is a private charitable foundation supporting the
communities served by our local utility, Wisconsin Public Service. We believe in the
strength of these communities and the potential they hold.
For more than 40 years, we've provided financial assistance to local charities and
organizations. In addition, our community-minded employees have donated countless hours to
help their neighbors and neighborhoods.
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation actively makes a difference in people's lives, and
we look forward to creating new partnerships where we can. Please review our contribution
guidelines, described here, to see how the foundation may be able to help your charity or
organization.
Our Funding Focus
In making charitable contributions, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation gives priority
to organizations that:
- Operate within the area served by Wisconsin Public Service
- Are judged effective by the community
- Increase public awareness of important issues
- Promote volunteerism
- Cooperate, rather than compete, with similar organizations, and strive to minimize
duplication of services
- Hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
What We Generally Are Not Able to Fund
- Individuals
- Churches and other religious organizations
- Political organizations
- Organizations that discriminate for any reason, including race, color, religion,
creed, age, gender, national origin or sexual orientation
- National and international organizations that operate outside the area Wisconsin
Public Service serves and whose funds are not used locally
- Post-secondary scholarships other than those provided through our scholarship
program
- Free natural gas or electric service, moving of poles or utility-related
construction
- Public and private schools K-12
Categories of Giving
- Arts & Culture: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation recognizes that a
strong arts and culture presence adds to the richness and overall quality of life within
a community. Past gifts have gone to groups, facilities and institutions with broad
public exposure, including theater, dance, music, drama and museums. We support projects
that promote diversity and make the arts accessible to all people.
- Community & Neighborhood Development: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation
realizes that local communities are strengthened through volunteering and people giving
back to their community. We support non-profit organizations dedicated to community
improvement and well-being, including downtown revitalization and economic
growth.
- Education: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation believes
life-long learning and education are critical to the well-being of our communities and
their economies. We support programs that enhance and complement our companies'
educational programs and philosophies, including educational opportunities for minorities
and women. We support programs that demonstrate a partnership between the business and
educational communities, career planning, pre-employment preparations, youth mentoring,
and community service. In addition, through our very own scholarship program, we offer
a variety of college and technical school scholarships for students in our service area
who are high schools seniors, continuing college students, returning adults or
minority/female students.
- Human Services & Health: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation recognizes
and supports non-profit organizations dedicated to the physical and emotional well-being
of all people within our society — helping to meet people's basic needs is critical to
ensuring for a healthy community. We support United Way by making company contributions,
facilitating employee and retiree gifts, and providing voluntary leadership. We support
social service programs that serve low-income, senior and handicapped individuals. In
addition, we support programs designed to preserve physical and mental health,
emphasizing wellness and prevention.
- Environment: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is committed to environmental
stewardship, by helping to protect and encourage the wise use of natural resources. We
support the betterment of fish and wildlife, water and air quality, forests, energy
efficiency, renewable energy and recycling.
Special Programs
- Matching Gifts Program: Our
Matching Gifts program encourages employees and retirees of Wisconsin Public Service to
actively support nonprofit organizations funded by Wisconsin Public Service Foundation.
Contributions they make to qualifying organizations in the arts and culture, community
and civic affairs, health and human services, and the environment are eligible for
matching funds from the foundation.
- Dollars for Doers: Dollars
for Doers encourages Wisconsin Public Service employees and retirees to become involved
in their communities. Those who volunteer 20 or more hours to a qualifying organization
within the calendar year can have Wisconsin Public Service Foundation donate $100 to the
organization for which they volunteer. The program focuses on organizations in the
Wisconsin Public Service territory and that assist with arts and culture, community and
civic affairs, health and human services, and the environment. Contributions to
educational institutions are not eligible for the Dollars for Doers program.
How to Apply
If your contribution request meets our guidelines, please complete an
application form. Applications are accepted and
reviewed on an ongoing basis. Decisions on applications are generally made within four
months of submission, depending on the request. Every application submitted in writing
will receive a response.
Please send your application to:
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation - A2
700 North Adams Street
P.O. Box 19001
Green Bay, WI 54307-9001
Questions?
Call 920-433-1433 or e-mail kmlemke@wisconsinpublicservice.com.
