Shorewood Foundation Grant Guidelines

Shorewood Foundation Grant Guidelines 

The Shorewood Foundation, Inc., invites village residents and friends to provide financial support for efforts to nurture and sustain high-quality institutions, facilities, programs and projects that enhance the quality of life in our community. Foundation-supported initiatives are intended to: 

  1. Preserve and maintain village history and charm 

  2. Support civic pride, community spirit, health and wellness 

  3. Protect and preserve cherished green spaces and parks 

Policies & Principles 

Proposed programs/projects more likely to receive funding will: 

  • Be devoted to charitable, educational or civic purposes benefiting Shorewood residents and/or those who work in the village.

  • Address a demonstrated public need. 

  • Be feasible and have well defined goals.

  • Enjoy strong community support. 

  • Have the potential to make a lasting impact on the Shorewood community. 

  • Be supported by realistic and sound financial projections. 

Proposed programs/projects are less likely to be funded if they: 

  • Include funding for municipal personnel/salary expenses. 

  • Are normally supported by village taxpayers as budgetary items. 

  • Have been considered and rejected by the Shorewood Village Board, Shorewood schools or other civic groups/organizations. 

  • Are of a long-term nature and lack a well-articulated path toward eventual self-support.

Proposed programs/projects will not be funded if they: 

  • Promote a religion or involve participation in a religious activity. Grants may be made to faith-based organizations for non-religious purposes that provide social services for the benefit of the Shorewood community at large.

  • Involve partisan political activities or promote candidates for public office.

  • Are proposed by a commercial/for-profit entity to support a for-profit endeavor. 

  • Are for the purpose of fundraising or endowment building. 

  • Are for the benefit of a community other than Shorewood.

Grant applications requesting higher funding levels will be subject to a more rigorous review process.

All funded programs/projects are expected to acknowledge the Foundation’s support. Funded organizations will be asked to include such acknowledgment - in announcements, marketing materials and elsewhere -stating: “This (activity/event/organization) is supported by a grant from the Shorewood Foundation, Inc.” 

Grant Application Procedure and Calendar

Please visit the Shorewood Foundation website to apply for a grant. Grant proposals should be submitted by the 15th day of even-numbered months (February, April, June, etc.) for consideration at the next Foundation board meeting (third Tuesday of odd-numbered months (January, March, May, etc.).