Gannett launches $2M grant program
A Community Thrives open for applications
Metro Milwaukee area nonprofit and municipal organizations with projects aimed at building communities may now apply to the 2020 A Community Thrives program, a $2.3 million initiative of The Gannett Foundation. The program is sponsored by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s parent company, Gannett Co. Inc.
The nationwide crowdfunding and grant program is entering its fourth year of supporting organizations that address social issues including education, housing, arts and culture, wellness and the environment.
Typically, organizations apply to raise money for a specific project. Accepted organizations will work to raise funds on their own through a crowdfunding campaign and then may be eligible for more than 100 grants.
Organizers say A Community Thrives gives local nonprofits the opportunity to fundraise on a national platform, while grants help further accelerate exceptional projects.
“The Gannett Foundation grants will support our readers’ top communitybuilding ideas to help address local needs and ensure a vibrant, healthy community. We are committed to work in partnership to help our communities connect, act and thrive,” said Maribel Perez Wadsworth, Gannett Media president of news and Gannett Foundation vice president.
More than a dozen grants set to be distributed are considered national grants supporting projects, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Separately, incentives aimed at rewarding highfundraising projects will be offered.
Dozens more regional grants will also be distributed for general operating support, starting at $2,500. These grants are chosen by local leaders across Gannett’s nationwide USA TODAY NETWORK of newsrooms, including the Journal Sentinel.
“There are great organizations providing desperately needed help to our community during this hugely challenging time — and they’re having challenges themselves raising funds in 2020,” said Journal Sentinel Editor George Stanley.
“We hope this effort will help during this time of need.”
Two Milwaukee nonprofits, Penfield Children’s Center and Street Angels Inc., were awarded $20,000 each in 2019 as part A Community Thrives.
Penfield Children’s Center provides early education, family services, and health and wellness care for children living in Milwaukee County. Street Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides meals, shelter and advocacy for the homeless population of Milwaukee County.
A third grant was made in Wisconsin to CREATE Portage County, a nonprofit arts advocacy organization in Stevens Point. The grant was for $5,000. The Stevens Point Journal is also part of the USA TODAY Network.
Since the A Community Thrives initiative last took place in 2019, Gannett has expanded the footprint of the USA TODAY NETWORK after joining GateHouse Media to become the largest U.S. media company by print circulation, serving communities in 47 states. For nonprofits, that means more regions will be offering local grants.
Last year, more than $4.5 million was distributed to nonprofits as a result of the program. Applicants raised more than $2.5 million through their own fundraising efforts, and The Gannett Foundation gave out another $2 million in grants.
Grants this year will be awarded based on the proposed projects’ viability, sustainability, community need and service to historically disadvantaged groups.
Organizations may submit applications through Sept. 11 on the A Community Thrives’ website: acommunity thrives.mightycause.com.