Press Release Press Release
To: Area Media
From: The Forward Endowment
Subject: 2024 Grant Requests – Final Call
The FORWARD Endowment, the Manitowoc County trust established to fund projects focused on hunting, fishing, conservation, and related education, is making a LAST CALL for its 2024 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. That will again occur this year.
The FORWARD Endowment has announced that it has completed the redesign of the trust to a new unitrust format that gives the group more flexibility in funding projects that are important to the community. The new format will allow it to fund larger projects, if deemed appropriate to the overall goals of the trust and needs of the community. With the new format there are fewer limits on related spending so no specific amount available will be announced. Organizations are encouraged to bring strong community projects to the table. Projects will be evaluated based on project quality, community needs and funding review. ALL REQUESTS must be submitted by 12/31/24 to be considered.
The actual selection of grants will be made at the Gift Committee’s meeting in March of 2025. The date will allow the Gift Committee to have accurate information on the funds available from the trust, which is managed by Associated Bank. Investment performance does impact the funding available.
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. 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.com website. Contact emails can be sent to [email protected]
The FORWARD Endowment has provided over $148,000 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. Those making end of the year charitable donations are invited to consider the fund.
For More Information Contact [email protected]