Whitewater recently celebrated a $6 million, 4,000 square foot expansion of the public library, and the Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has supported the expansion as a conduit for donations as well as via grants for special projects.
“The Whitewater Community Foundation [WCF] is here to help with projects like this that help improve the quality of life in Whitewater,” said Kat Mawhinney, Co-President of the WCF.
The WCF serves as the conduit for donations for several groups like the Whitewater Public Library that are doing community projects but don’t have a 501(c) (3). A conduit/fiscal sponsorship agreement between a partnering organization and the WCF means that the foundation agrees to establish an account at First Citizens State Bank, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to receive and manage donated funds for the partner organization’s project. Because the funds would be coming to the WCF, the donations are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt. The partner organization can then request funds from the account to pay for expenses related to the project only. A designee of the partner organization would be the person to request and receive the funds for payments with appropriate documentation (receipts, invoices, etc.).
In addition to assisting local organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects, the WCF continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and awards Community Action Grants (CAG) to local organizations twice a year.
The Whitewater Public Library has benefited from two recent Community Action Grants. One was used to purchase a second AWE Literacy Station for the children’s department. The literacy station contains pre-loaded educational games for children ages 2-12. The station does not require an Internet connection, ensuring that children can navigate the computer on their own without concern that they will stumble upon something they should not.
“The literacy station is a big hit. Children were asking for it as soon as the library doors reopened. Siblings no longer must fight over one computer, for which staff and parent ears are grateful. We thank the Whitewater Community Foundation wholeheartedly for this opportunity,” said Deana Rolfsmeyer, Youth Services Librarian.
Another grant was to purchase items for the library’s new Sensory Go-Bags. These bags provide children with sensory materials to help with social-emotional regulation. Two bags will be available – one for checkout and one for in-library use. Each bag includes the following items:
- Weighted calming interactive book
- Noise-reducing earmuffs
- Gel-bead sensory shapes
- Pop and play sensory dimpl
- Soft and textured sensory shapes
- See-inside rainsticks
- Weighted sensory butterfly lap blanket
“The Sensory Go-Bags are a great addition to our collection and strengthen our mission of fostering a welcoming and inclusive library for all,” said Sarah French, Assistant Director.
Library Director Diane Jaroch said, “We are so thankful for the grants we have received. The items we have purchased have enriched the lives of the children who use the library.’
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants or contact CAG Chair Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information. Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs. The next deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2026.
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 provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
