Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Now Accepting Educator Wish Grant Applications

Fort Atkinson, WI – The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Educator Wish Grant program now through September 30^th.

Formerly known as the “Classroom Teacher Wish Grants,” this unique funding opportunity was rebranded in 2025 as “Educator Wish Grants” to more accurately reflect the scope of work provided by so many in support of local education. The program seeks to provide local educators with small grants to aid the learning needs and environments of the students they serve. The intent is to provide financial assistance, beyond what tax dollars and school budgets can support.

“Since launching this funding opportunity in 2019, our foundation has proudly provided $30,222 to 80 local educators in support of their classrooms and educational experiences for the students they serve,” states Jim Schulenburg, Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Board Chairman.

Applicants must be educators at the public schools in the School District of Fort Atkinson, or certified teachers at private schools within the school district that are accredited by the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA) organizations or the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).

Educators can be classroom teachers, librarians, interventionists, counselors, or other school staff members who work directly with students on their learning and growth within the school environment.

“Last year, our board saw an opportunity to open this grant program beyond classroom teachers, recognizing that as the needs of our schools and students evolve, so should our grant structures,” Schulenburg added. “This year, because of our organization’s growth and continued thorough discussion within our board, we recognized another opportunity to better meet the needs of our educators and have increased the maximum grant amount from $500 to $750. We look forward to seeing the requests submitted this year.”

Grant applications are limited to requests for specific equipment, materials, supplies, activities, or programs to assist educators in their ability to serve students’ needs and provide them with impactful experiences. All grant applications must be approved by the applicant’s principal, and all grant awards, including how much total grant funding is provided, are determined at the discretion of the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Previously awarded Educator Wish Grants have supported projects ranging from book bins & carts to flexible seating, video equipment, writing tablets, social & emotional learning tools, field trips, and much more. In 2020, the grant program was temporarily suspended with all funds ($4,000) used to provide PPE equipment to the School District of Fort Atkinson to accommodate safety measures related to COVID-19.

“The Educator Wish Grants allow our foundation to play a small role in supporting the critical work of those delivering services for the educational, social and emotional growth and development of kids in our community,” adds Megan Hartwick, Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Executive Director. “We are so thankful for all those who have invested in this fund, allowing our board the ability to increase funding available for these impactful grants.”

The Educator Wish Grant Fund is an endowed, designated fund held at the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation and is fully supported by donations. Contributions to the fund can be made via the foundation’s website at www.fortfoundation.org and clicking on the “Donate” button. Check donations can also be mailed to the foundation at 244 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, noting “Educator Wish Grant” in the memo.

The application process for the Educator Wish Grants is open now through September 30^th. Interested applicants can contact Hartwick at facf@fortfoundation.org. All grant awards will be announced at the end of October, following a committee review and formal approval from the FACF Board of Directors. 

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About Fort Atkinson Community Foundation 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.”