SFFI: General Operating Grants

The Schlecht Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at transformative support for organizations in Dane County and rural Wisconsin. These grants prioritize capacity building, innovative ideas, and measurable impacts. Eligible applicants must be 501-C3 organizations or have fiscal sponsors, and should not engage in lobbying. The foundation emphasizes meaningful work, character development for youth, and connections to nature for improved community well-being.

We are looking for instigators; people and organizations bringing fresh ideas and approaches to the complex issues facing our communities in Dane County and rural Wisconsin.
Our grantmaking and investments support organizations working on the three focus areas below and fall into four types of support: Capacity Building Grants for building organizational effectiveness and efficiency; Seed Grants for developing new ideas; General Operating Grants for mature organizations with a track record of impact; and Impact Investments that provide special financing to mission-aligned projects. Occasionally, we will make grants at the Board of Directors’ discretion; grants that fall outside of our focus areas and geography.
Meaningful Work
Work gives people a sense of purpose and meaning. Our funding supports organizations dedicated to creating a pathway for people who have a vision and the desire to pursue it.
Forging Character
We support organizations helping our youth, ages 12-24, develop confidence, skills and stick-to-itiveness for a purposeful life.
We provide general operating support for mission-aligned organizations with a track record of measurable impact.

Eligibility

Your organization is a 501-C3 or has a fiscal sponsor. Your organization serves people in Dane County or rural Wisconsin. Your organization is not going to lobby or influence an election.

Ineligibility

We prefer not to fund capital campaigns or endowments.