Press Release Press Release
To: Area Groups
From: The Forward Endowment
Subject: 2022 Grant Requests Now Open
The FORWARD Endowment, the Manitowoc County trust established to fund projects focused on hunting, fishing, conservation, and related education, has announced that it will begin accepting requests for its 2022 funding cycle. FORWARD stands for Friends Of Resources, Wildlife And Recreational Development. It was founded by The Manitowoc Unit of Manitowoc County Fish & Game. It is now supported by a combination of funding from area sporting clubs and private donations. Manitowoc County Fish and Game Protective Association has been a major supporter of the fund through their Annual Banquet proceeds each year.
The FORWARD Endowment has announced that this is a transition year, as the group is in the process of restructuring the trust format to better meet its founding goals. “The markets and investing practices have changed significantly since we started this in 1993”, said Dean Halverson, Chair of the Gift Committee. “We are working on some updates to the trust to allow for more funding to be available and for the endowment to meet the original goals of its founders to help get important projects done in Manitowoc County.”
FORWARD announced that approximately $4,000 in total funding will be available this giving cycle. They will accept applications for grants through December 31st, 2022. The actual selection of grants will be made at the Gift Committee’s meeting in March of 2023. The date will allow the Gift Committee to have accurate information on the funds available from the trust, which is managed by Associated Bank.
Leede Research will again be coordinating the gifting process and aiding in filling grant request materials. There is a simple application form that asks for details of the requests and organization. Both hard projects and related education programs are eligible for grants. It was noted that while the endowment understands the stress that the pandemic has placed on many organizations, its charter does not allow for the funding of budget short falls or operations. Projects must have public benefit and tie to hunting, fishing and conservation and must be based in Manitowoc County. The group has automated the applications, which are available through the www.mantyfg.org website. Contact emails can be sent to mantyfg071@gmail.com
The FORWARD Endowment has provided over $138,000 in grants awarded to projects and groups in Manitowoc County. These represent completed projects in the community. FORWARD is a 501C3 and donations can make checks payable to The FORWARD Endowment c/o Associated Bank. Only interest incomes from the fund are spent so that the fund will continue to grow and be there for future generations. Memorial or estate planning gifts are possible with the fund. Those making end of the year charitable donations are invited to consider the fund.
For More Information Contact mantyfg071@gmail.com