Rhinelander Community Foundation awards more than $76K in grants

The Rhinelander Area Community Foundation (RCF) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Grant Awards, recognizing local and regional organizations that are making a meaningful impact throughout the Rhinelander area.

This year, 26 grants were awarded, which totaled over $76,000, to qualified local organizations that demonstrated a commitment to serving the Rhinelander community.

The grants were awarded on Wednesday, April 15, during a community celebration held at the Rhinelander Country Club. The event brought together nonprofit leaders, community partners and supporters to celebrate the important work being done across the area.

Funding for the grants was made possible through a combination of the Rhinelander Community Endowment, Community Impact Fund, Non-Profit Support Fund, Rhinelander Cultural Arts Fund, Rhinelander Youth Project Fund, Ron and Elsie Gaber Grants for Greater Good, the Natural Wonder Fund, Bruce and Jean Ann Wendt Endowment, Hodag Schools Foundation Legacy Fund and several donor-advised funds.

“These grants represent an investment in the people, programs and partnerships that strengthen our community,” said Janet Jamison, president of the Rhinelander Community Foundation. “From arts and culture to youth programming, recreation and basic needs, each award supports initiatives that enhance quality of life in the Rhinelander area.”

RCF grants are awarded to qualified 501(c)3 organizations, governmental units, schools, and other eligible entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with RCF’s mission, demonstrated community benefit, collaboration, financial responsibility, and the organization’s ability to successfully carry out the proposed project.

2026 RCF Grant Award Recipients:

Art Start – Listening device ($2,100)

Art Start – Over It: Skateboarding Event – What’s a Hodag ($1,000)

Fort Wilderness – Lost Lake Trails Dipping Platform ($2,500)

Goodwill – Better Together Program ($2,500)

Habitat for Humanity – SawStop with cart and refurbished cargo trailer ($2,400)

Headwaters – Elevated Excursion Program ($3,000)

Hodag 4-Wheelers – Trail Work Made Easy ($1,000)

Junior Achievement – North Central Wisconsin – K–12 Programming ($2,000)

Rhinelander Kiwanis Foundation – Hodag Park Playground Project ($5,000)

Lights of the Northwoods – Holiday Lighting Display ($2,500)

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra – Rhinelander Tour ($6,500)

Northern Arts Council – Northern National Art Competition ($1,000)

Northwoods Veterans Homestead – Tiny Home Prototype ($2,700)

Oneida County 4-H Leaders Association – Youth Summer Theatre ($2,700)

Oneida County Fair Committee – Fair Entertainment ($2,000)

Personal Essentials Pantry – Pantry Essentials for the Rhinelander Area ($1,000)

Rhinelander Area Food Pantry – Healthy Hodag Adventure ($4,993)

Rhinelander District Library – Historic Preservation of Local Newspapers ($4,000)

We Love Ballooning – Generator for Community Balloon Event ($2,000)

Wild Instincts – Upland Game Bird Enclosure ($1,273.87)

WXPR – Local Musician Showcase ($3,000)

YMCA of the Northwoods – Ice Wise Winter Safety Program ($2,500)

School District of Rhinelander:

Cultural Tap ($3,000)

Art Department Kilns ($5,434)

Enclosed Trailer for RHS Band ($6,800, shared with the Rhinelander Community Band)

Partners in Education – College and Career Experiences in Elementary Schools ($3,500)

Additional grants were awarded with fundraising contingencies, including support for NATH and Tri-County Council on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault.  

The Rhinelander Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering charitable giving and, in partnership with donors, enhancing the quality of life in the Rhinelander area today and for future generations. To learn more, visit www.rhinelandercommunityfoundation.com or follow RCF on Facebook and LinkedIn.