The Green Lake Basic Needs Fund, administered by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, is designed to support charitable projects and programs that provide essential resources and promote stability for vulnerable residents. The fund focuses on ensuring that individuals and families in Green Lake County and the City of Ripon have access to necessities such as food, shelter, and other critical services. By empowering organizations that address basic needs, the grant seeks to build stronger, more connected communities.

The funding priorities include community care and support initiatives that assist individuals and families facing hardship by providing food assistance, temporary shelter, and financial aid in a dignified manner. Additionally, the grant supports projects that improve health and wellness for vulnerable populations by enhancing access to preventive care, screenings, counseling, and hygiene products. Programs addressing the basic needs of children, such as food, clothing, school supplies, and before- and after-school care, are also eligible for funding.

Another key focus of the grant is building resilience and self-sufficiency among residents. This includes supporting financial literacy training, job readiness programs, resource coordination, volunteer training, and community-led initiatives that strengthen overall community stability. The maximum grant amount available is $5,000 per applicant, ensuring that funds are distributed to multiple programs and initiatives that align with these priorities.

Applications must be submitted online through the Community Foundation’s grant portal before the deadline of March 31, 2025. Following the initial review, applicants may be asked to provide additional supporting documentation, such as a 501(c)(3) determination letter, Board of Directors list, organizational income statement, balance sheet, or the most recent IRS Form 990. Grant decisions will be announced in late April or early May 2025.

The grant does not provide funding for individuals, endowment or capital campaigns, programs promoting religious activities, or political and lobbying efforts. Organizations that have previously applied for similar funding are encouraged to reuse and update past application responses to streamline the application process.

For additional information or application support, applicants can contact Amy Putzer, Director of Programs at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. The foundation's office is located at 230 Ohio Street, Suite 100, Oshkosh, WI 54902, and can be reached by phone at (920) 426-3993 or via email at info@oshkoshareacf.org.