The Forward Endowment

Press Release   Press Release 

Subject:           2018 Grant Requests 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 2018 funding cycle which began immediately.  FORWARD stands for Friends Of Resources, Wildlife And Recreational Development.  It was founded 24 years ago 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 has been a major supporter of the fund and provides a percentage of their Annual Banquet proceeds each year.

The FORWARD Endowment will accept applications for grants through December 28^th, 2018.  The actual selection of grants will be made at the Gift Committee’s meeting in February of 2019.  The February date will allow the Gift Committee to have accurate information on the funds available from the trust, which is managed by Associated Bank.  Early projections indicate the fund should have approximately $7,000 available for community projects.

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 related projects.  It also asks for background information on the organization and how the project will benefit the public.  Both hard projects and related education programs are eligible for grants.  The group has revised the application and review process to allow for the increasing number of requests that have been received in recent years.  It should be noted that 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 [email protected]

The FORWARD Endowment has provided over $115,000 in grants awarded to projects and groups in Manitowoc County.  These represent completed projects in the community.  The endowment is funded through support of area sporting clubs, private individuals and business.  There are also donations made as memorials to people in the community.  The group is a 501C3 and donations can make checks payable to The FORWARD Endowment c/o Associated Bank.  Michael Wicks is the contact person at the bank.  Only interest incomes from the fund are spent so that the fund will continue to grow and be there for future generations. Estate planning gifts are also available.  Those making end of the year charitable donations are invited to consider the fund.

For More Information Contact [email protected]