Nonprofits in the Rhinelander Community are invited to apply for Youth Philanthropy Project grants.

Rhinelander, WI - The Rhinelander Community Foundation is proud to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2026 Youth Philanthropy Project.  Nonprofit organizations serving the Rhinelander Community are encouraged to apply for grant funding of up to $2500 to be used within one year of grant receipt.

About the Rhinelander Youth Philanthropy Project

The Rhinelander Youth Philanthropy Project is a program funded by the Rhinelander Community Foundation in cooperation with the Rhinelander High School Leadership Development classes, with the goal of having students experience community philanthropy first hand.  Rhinelander High School offers two levels of Leadership Development, the first level focusing on developing critical personal traits for leaders, and the second level centers on the individual’s role in team leadership.  

The partnership aims to develop leadership, critical thinking and collaboration skills among high school students in our community.  By learning about philanthropy and nonprofits first-hand, students gain the tools to strengthen their hometown and foster lifelong civic engagement.

Who May Apply

The Foundation welcomes grant requests from organized groups throughout the Rhinelander area, including:

• Charitable organizations classified as 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code; or
• Local units of state or national charitable organizations; or
• Schools, governmental units and religious institutions providing programs benefitting the public at large.

Eligible Projects and Program Priorities

In general, the Foundation does not fund:

• Costs not directly associated with or necessary for the implementation of the project.
• Administrative expenses not related directly to the project or debt retirement.
• Expenses incurred prior to the approved start date of the grant or after the grant’s approved end date.
• Grants to individuals or loans of any type.
• Projects associated with political candidates or groups.
• Projects for sectarian or religious purposes.
• Projects submitted by current RCF Board members.
• Projects from organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin or physical disability.
• Projects more appropriately funded by State, County or Local taxes.
• Projects outside of the Rhinelander area, as defined above

GRANT APPLICATION

*Projects & Programs: We define a project as a one-time, limited activity that is not ongoing. However, the project may support the ongoing operations of the organization. Examples include: equipment; seminars; concerts; or, onetime events such as theater productions or concerts.

A program consists of activities, generally ongoing and part of the core activities of the organization. Examples include the provision of food, personal essentials, training, or other ongoing events that provide support to the community.

The Community Foundation does not fund general administrative expenses such as administrative salaries, rent, or overhead.

Throughout this form, when we refer to projects, it includes both projects and programs. 

How to Apply

Nonprofits interested in applying can fill out the application online (link to online application) and submit it. Or download the PDF and submit it via email to RCFYPP@sdrschools.org by April 1, 2026.

Followup and Outcomes

Upon receipt of an award, a representative of the project will be invited to an award presentation with members of the RHS Leadership class and RCF Members.  After the completion of the project, a representative will be invited back to share the results.  

About the Rhinelander Community Foundation

VISION

The Rhinelander Community Foundation envisions the Rhinelander area realizing its full potential through philanthropy.

MISSION

The mission of the Rhinelander Community Foundation is to facilitate charitable giving and, together with our donors, enhance the quality of living in the Rhinelander community now and for future generations.

Contact:

Steve Geiger, Leadership Development Teacher

rcfypp@sdrschools.org