Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Donations to Food Pantry Fund Exceed $50,000 Match Opportunity

Fort Atkinson, WI – December 2, 2025 – The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation is honored to announce that donation support for the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry Fund has exceeded to the $50,000 match opportunity offered in the month of November. 

“While not surprised, our Board of Directors is humbled by the investments made by almost 100 donors in support of our designated Food Pantry Fund,” states Lisa Caras, Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Board Chairman. “We feel so blessed to be in a position to have offered a full 100% match on all donations up to $50,000 to help grow the pantry’s endowment and provide timely, needed support for such a critical service.”

A total of $52,800 was raised through 95 donations received in November. The $50,000 match from the foundation resulted in a final investment of $102,800 into the designated, endowed Food Pantry Fund.

“In a world of uncertainty, it is so uplifting to know that in our town, a simply ask for support brings out a whole community,” states Gary Thom, Treasurer of the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry. “All donations, large and small, added up to reach this goal.”

The match was offered by the FACF Board of Directors in response to the stall in SNAP benefits for children, individuals, and families facing food insecurity.

“We recognize that given the capacity and resources of our organization, it will sometimes be critical to offer responsive grant support and donor incentives to help address immediate needs in our community,” Caras adds. “We believe an investment in basic services and needs for our all those who call Fort Atkinson home, will always be a sound one.”

The foundation board also approved eliminating all administrative fees associated with any donations to the fund during the match period.

“While a fee structure is vital to the long-term sustainability of our foundation, our board also acknowledges that at times it is appropriate to temporarily suspend guidelines to generate higher-level support,” notes Caras.

The Fort Atkinson Food Pantry serves individuals and families living within the School District of Fort Atkinson’s boundaries every Monday & Thursday from 3:00-5:30pm. Their organization also supports a critical Smartie Pack Program, that provides a backpack of weekend food for local students. Questions about their work, services, or how to support them further, can be directed to info@fortatkinsonfoodpantry.org or 920.563.6992.

“We will be starting 2026 on very solid ground,” Thom adds.

While the match opportunity has ended, donations can be made in support of the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry Fund anytime via the foundation’s website at www.fortfoundation.org and clicking on the “Donate” button and selecting the “Food Pantry Fund.” Check donations can also be mailed to the foundation at 244 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, noting “Food Pantry Fund” in the memo.

Questions about the match or general donations can be directed to Megan Hartwick, FACF Executive Director at facf@fortfoundation.org or 920.563.3210.

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The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation was established in 1973 with a gift of $25,000 from Mary Hoard, who wanted to benefit “a future Fort Atkinson.” Inspired by the thoughtful gift, community-minded citizens set up the foundation to be able to accept donations to enhance the quality of life in Fort Atkinson. Run by a volunteer, five-member Board of Directors and full-time Executive Director, the foundation now manages over $42 million in assets across 90 funds and distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in scholarships and local grant funding. All funding supports the organization’s mission of “A Better Fort Atkinson.”