Chamber Foundation
The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (“the Foundation”) is the 501(c)(3) charitable branch of the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce established to support the charitable, educational, and literary goals of the Chamber.
CHAMBER FOUNDATION GRANTS
Grants may be awarded annually to agencies, organizations or programs to support projects that meet one or more of the Foundation’s objectives in the Oconomowoc area community.
- Applications will be reviewed quarterly by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The application cycles are as follows:
- January 1 – March 31
- April 1 – June 30
- July 1 – September 31
- October 1 – December 31
For more information about how to request funding through the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and to apply, please click “View Application Here.”
NOTE: Our grant application does not have a “save and come back” feature. Please complete the application in one session as you won’t be able to return to it later. We are providing a list of questions that you can use to prepare your answers prior to working through the application. To preview click this link: Foundation Grant Application Questions Preview.
FOUNDATION OBJECTIVES
The Foundation’s funds and activities support the charitable, educational, and literary goals described below.
Charitable:
The charitable objectives of the Foundation shall focus on the advancement of education and/or science in the greater Oconomowoc area; the erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or works; and the lessening of the burdens of local government.
Literary & Arts:
The literary objectives of the Foundation shall focus on promoting literacy and appreciation of the arts in the greater Oconomowoc community.
Educational:
The educational objectives of the Foundation shall focus on developing and supporting partnerships between local educational institutions and the surrounding business community in order to supplement the educational experience of local students, enhance their workforce preparedness, and provide instruction to the public on subjects useful and beneficial to the Oconomowoc community.
Pictured:
Tim Knepprath
Wellspring Construction Group
President, OACC Foundation
Glenn Hanon
President, Oconomowoc Rotary Foundation
Dave Sutton
Bank Five Nine
Treasurer, OACC Foundation
Charitable:
Examples of recent charitable activities include support for the following community projects:
- Wizard of Oz Plaza Statues and Emerald City Mural – To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the World Premiere showing of the Wizard of Oz in Downtown Oconomowoc efforts are being coordinated to establish a plaza with statues of the characters. These will serve as a destination attraction and provide photo and promotional opportunities once established.
- Parades – grants to the Oconomowoc Parade Committee to support the Independence Day, Halloween and Christmas parades organized by the Oconomowoc Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis clubs.
- Oconomowoc Rotary Foundation Splash Pad – Contributed to the fundraising efforts of the Oconomowoc Rotary Foundation for a splash pad in Roosevelt Park. This new water park will be a safe, “zero-depth” water play area that will allow families of all capabilities to enjoy water fun without the need for a lifeguard.
Pictured:
Vintage postcard mural located on the west wall of Sherper’s in downtown Oconomowoc
Literary & Arts:
Examples of recent literary and arts activities include support for the following projects:
- Oconomowoc Public Library – partner with the Oconomowoc Public Library to assist with funding for:
- Summer Kickoff, a mini-music festival to encourage reading during the summer months
- Coding Club, a collaboration with OHS CooneyTech Robotics to educate youth in coding for robotics
- Teen After Hours, a “Food Frenzy” event using STEM skills and food items for a fun interactive activity for the teen age group
- Downtown Mural Initiative – support for a vintage postcard mural proposed for the west wall of Sherpers.
Pictured:
Tim Knepprath
Wellspring Construction Group
President, OACC Foundation
Jason Curtis
Principal, Oconomowoc High School
Kyla Stefan
School to Career Coordinator, Oconomowoc High School
Dave Sutton
Bank Five Nine
Treasurer, OACC Foundation
Educational:
Examples of recent educational activities include support for the following projects:
- DECA Inc (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) – funds to support a student’s expenses to attend the international competition in Orlando, Florida. DECA encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions.
- WI Business World – funding for OHS students to attend WI Business World. This is a program of WMC Foundation aimed at providing high school students with economic and financial literacy education, while teaching the importance of free-market enterprise.
- OHS Camp Impact – funding to support Camp Impact for OHS Center for Advanced Professional Studies (AP Digital Communications); students participate in a program to prepare them with skill development in working as a team, professional etiquette, and time management.
- WISE Personal Finance Certifications – Contribute funding to a certification program that prepares students to be life ready with knowledge about personal financial topics. The WISE Personal Finance certification demonstrates to colleges and employers that students have the knowledge and skills to be financially savvy.
FUNDING
The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. Monetary investments to support our objectives are always welcome, tax-deductible and will be put to outstanding use. Please contact us at 262-567-2666 to learn more or make an investment in a stronger Oconomowoc.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The principal and business offices of the Foundation are located in the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce offices, 175 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc 53066. Contact us at 262-567-2666 or via email to director@oconomowoc.org.