Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Packers Foundation announced this week that it has awarded a total of $1.75 million in impact grants to ten nonprofit organizations serving Brown, Dane, and Milwaukee counties.

This record total amount, the highest awarded at one time for the Impact Grant Program since its inception in 2013, aims to provide significant funds to organizations dedicated to serving their communities daily. The grants were celebrated at a luncheon on Wednesday with representatives from each organization.

Grants of varying amounts were awarded to five organizations in Brown County, two in Dane County, two in Milwaukee County, and one serving both Brown and Milwaukee counties. Some grants are matching grants, requiring recipient organizations to raise an equivalent amount to secure the donation.

"The Packers Foundation is pleased to award a record amount in impact grants to 10 organizations doing critically important work in their communities," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "From education, mentoring and community building programs to providing care and support for our most vulnerable neighbors, the grant recipients will create direct and lasting impacts throughout the state of Wisconsin."

In Brown County:

- Brown County United Way received a $125,000 matching grant for programming at the City East Center in Green Bay.

- Cornerstone Community Center Inc. received a $200,000 matching grant for facility updates and expansions.

- Encompass Early Education and Care, Inc., received a $250,000 matching grant for expanding childcare opportunities.

- Friends of Pals Youth & Families Inc. received a $250,000 matching grant for enhancing their Family Center facility.

- The National Railroad Museum received a $200,000 matching grant for the Fox River Expansion Project.

In Dane County:

- Agrace Hospice Care Foundation received a $125,000 grant for expanding Dementia and Alzheimer's services.

- The Nature Conservancy's Wisconsin Chapter received a $150,000 matching grant for the East River Collaborative project.

In Milwaukee County:

- College Possible received a $125,000 matching grant for growing their college-readiness strategy program.

- MENTOR Greater Milwaukee received a $75,000 matching grant for enhancing mentorship through community building.

In Brown and Milwaukee counties:

- Marian University Inc. received a $250,000 matching grant for the Dr. George E. Koonce Scholars Program supporting first-generation low-income students.

Since 2013, the Packers Foundation has disbursed $11.15 million through impact grants focusing on various needs including education, homelessness, and health and wellbeing of children and families. Established in 1986, the Foundation has distributed more than $24 million for charitable purposes. It is part of Green Bay Packers Give Back initiative which includes appearances by players and staff as well as monetary donations contributing over $11 million last year.