The Rural Vitality Grants program, supported by the Fond du Lac Area Foundation and Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation in partnership with Compeer Financial, provides funding to promote economic and community development in rural areas. The grants target communities with populations under 10,000, or micropolitan areas with fewer than 50,000 residents, specifically excluding the cities of Fond du Lac and Beaver Dam due to their population sizes. The grant cycle offers approximately $50,000, with individual grant requests ranging from $500 to $25,000.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits and schools in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. Funding priorities cover a variety of areas essential to rural vitality, such as agriculture, community development (including healthcare and daycare), entrepreneurship, housing expansion, leadership development, rural school education, and workforce development. These areas aim to strengthen the local economy, support essential services, and enhance educational and career opportunities.

Grant applications must be submitted through the Fond du Lac Area Foundation’s online portal. The program does not fund recreational activities, arts and culture projects, scholarships, or endowments. For additional information or questions, applicants can contact the foundation by phone or email.