Make a difference in the Eau Claire area.

Since its founding in 1997, the Eau Claire Community Foundation has facilitated over $2 million in funding to more than 140 community organizations as of June 1, 2010. We have provided critical support for major community initiatives and managed endowment funds for community non-profit organizations.

Here are some examples of how the Eau Claire Community Foundation strengthens our community:

L.E. Phillips Senior Center
The L.E. Phillips Senior Center, located at 1616 Bellinger Street in Eau Claire provides a place for Senior Citizens (all those who are age 55 years or better) who reside in Eau Claire Country to participate in activities that enhance their emotional, physical and social quality of their lives. One aspect of the Senior Center that is a favorite with many members is the Health Maintenance Center. Classes are offered that address nutrition, exercise, and physical rehabilitation. The program offers a comfortable location for participants to exercise, and is furnished with equipment that is designed to meet the needs of the 55 years plus population. This well-used facility is handicap-accessible, and is staffed by volunteers who are there to monitor the activities and to assist those who need help. In addition to structured classes, there are open work out times during the week. Increasing demand for such programs led the Director, Mary Pica-Anderson, to seek a grant from the Eau Claire Community Foundation to add exercise equipment in order to serve more senior citizens. Two grants, one from unrestricted funds and another from the Cable Family Fund, provided funds for the purchase of a treadmill, which can be seen in the accompanying photo.

 

Special Olympics Wisconsin - Indianhead Area
Special Olympics Wisconsin - Indianhead Area is part of a statewide organization that provides year around opportunities for sports training and competition for people with cognitive disabilities. The activities help participants to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy. They share gifts, skills, and friendship with other athletes, their families, and the community. The Indianhead Area office serves counties in the northwestern corner of Wisconsin, from Superior to Trempealeau. Over 1200 athletes participate in the Indianhead Area activities, and over 2500 volunteers make these activities possible. One favored activity is the Track and Aquatics meet, pictured in the accompanying photo of participants. Special Olympics Wisconsin - Indianhead Area was the recipient of a grant from the Eau Claire Community Foundation recommended by a Honoree of the 2009 Children's Legacy Luncheon.

 

Eau Claire County Humane Association
The Eau Claire County Humane Association received a grant in 2009 to renovate the animal shelter to provide a safer and healthier environment for the many animals cared for there. Director Lauren Evans described the needed renovations which included replacing the old cat cages which were rusted and difficult to clean and sanitize, and which had been used since the facility opened in its original location. With a grant from the Eau Claire Community Foundation, the Humane Association purchased cages for two rooms at the facility, as well as supplies. A second grant from ECCF provided funds for cement work on the grounds outside the facility. Pictured here are the new cages for cats recently installed in the facility at 3900 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire.

 

Community Beautification Association, Inc.
The Community Beautification Association (CBA) is a non-profit all volunteer organization dedicated to bringing beauty into our community by developing landscape and floral plantings for the public to enjoy. Volunteers from many different organizations as well as individuals donate their time and effort to plant and maintain the four gardens at the intersection of Highways 12 and 53, shown in the accompanying photo. Grants awarded to CBA in 2008 and 2009 funded the purchase and installation of moisture sensors and irrigation equipment essential to keeping these gardens growing and welcoming community members and visitors all through the spring, summer, and fall. These grants were made possible through Donor Advised funds held at the Eau Claire Community Foundation.

WHO WE HAVE SUPPORTED IN 2010

In 2010, the Eau Claire Community Foundation granted $75,240 to the following non-profit organizations.