Community Foundation Action Grants Awarded To Three Local Organizations

Posted on: January 14, 2026

The Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has presented the fall 2025 grants, which include $2,065 for the Whitewater Art Alliance, $500 for the Whitewater Public Library, and $1,000 for the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission.

“We were thrilled to distribute funds to several organizations doing work to benefit the Whitewater community. Making a difference in the lives of our residents is our key purpose,” said Virginia Coburn, Chair of the Community Action Grant committee for the Whitewater Community Foundation.

Following is more information about each grant:

Whitewater Arts Alliance was granted $2,065 to purchase additional Pro Art Panels to increase the number of display exhibits and to replace an outdated laptop that will be used to produce marketing materials, distribute communications, store electronic files, and serve as the primary organizational and record keeping tool for the WAA. The goal is to expand its programming and improve its efficiency.

Kim Adams (Whitewater Arts Alliance Gallery Director), Dwight Watson (Whitewater Arts Alliance Board), Kat Mawhinney (WCF Co-President), Ginny Coburn (WCF Community Action Grants Chair), Jeff McDonald (Whitewater Arts Alliance President), and seated is Kristen Burton (Whitewater Arts Alliance Treasurer). Photo by Jay Craggs.

Whitewater Public Library was granted $500 to create two Sensory Go-Bags, one to be used onsite and the other available for check out. The bags would contain the following items for children to use: noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, sunglasses, fidgets, weighted calming books. Sensory-inclusive spaces and programs benefit all children by providing outlets for social-emotional wellbeing and regulation. The library can provide essential resources to children in the Whitewater community who would benefit from sensory-inclusive spaces and programs, including children with autism or sensory-processing disorder.

Ginny Coburn (WCF Community Action Grants Chair), Deana Rolfsmeyer (Whitewater Public Library), Sarah French (Whitewater Public Library), and Kat Mawhinney (WCF Co-President). Photo by Jay Craggs.

Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission was granted $1,000 to create additional educational signage in the Arboretum at Starin Park to include informational, instructive signage and additional tree identification tags.

Twice a year, the WCF offers Community Action Grants for projects that the community and board of directors believe are worthwhile and beneficial to various segments of the population. Grant proposals are due on April 30th and October 31st of each year.

“The Foundation remains committed to funding projects that foster community engagement. We encourage more local organizations to apply for our upcoming grants and continue making a positive impact,” said Coburn.

Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should contact info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org. Details about the Community Action Grants can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/

The next grant requests are due April 30, 2026.

The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.

More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook.

The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”

Editor’s Note: The above was submitted by the Whitewater Community Foundation.