Basic Needs Giving Partnership Awards New Grants

Basic Needs Giving Partnership awards new grants of nearly $1.25 million to end poverty

APPLETON, WI — October 30, 2023 — The Basic Needs Giving Partnership recently announced their 2023 grant awards with $1.25 million in new grants being awarded to 42 nonprofits. Additionally, $2.46 million in multi-year grant awards is being distributed this year through partnerships with our local Community Foundations to 74 collaborating organizations. This brings total 2023 grantmaking to $3.71 million. These grants support innovative programs helping those in need throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Nonprofits were granted funds for programs specifically addressing the root causes of poverty across the ten-county region in Green Bay, Fox Valley, and Oshkosh.

Grants are focused on nonprofits that reduce poverty by creating economic stability, increasing access to education, building family support and social connection, and improving health and wellness. Funding for the grants is generated by the annual U.S. Venture Open, the nation’s single largest one-day charitable event dedicated to ending poverty. The 2023 event raised $4.82 million for the Basic Needs Giving Partnership and 100% of every dollar donated goes to end poverty. In the 38-year history of the U.S. Venture Open, $55 million has been granted to regional nonprofits.

“We are humbled by the generosity of so many donors who continue to show deep trust and support of the U.S. Venture Open and the Basic Needs Giving Partnership as we continue to partner with and invest in outstanding organizations in our region.” Lynn Coriano, executive director of the Basic Needs Giving Partnership.

“We’re excited for this new round of grants, adding to the incredible history we’ve built over many years,” said Greg Vandenberg, director of giving and community engagement for U.S. Venture. “We are indebted to our partners who have made significant investments and are dedicated to supporting and transforming this regional initiative to address poverty in an innovative manner.”

A grantmaking match of $800,000 from the J. J. Keller Foundation, $250,000 from Oshkosh Corporation, and $200,000 from ThedaCare and the Thrivent Foundation lead this effort.