A trusted public charity connecting donors, nonprofits, and communities across seven Wisconsin counties.
Since opening its doors at 600 Chestnut St in Baraboo, the Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin has been the quiet engine behind thousands of acts of local generosity. Donors across Adams, Columbia, Iowa, Juneau, Richland, Sauk, and Vernon counties turn to CFSCW when they want their giving to do more than write a check. This is a place where a family's charitable intent gets shaped into a lasting fund, managed locally by people who know the land, the towns, and the causes that matter most here.
What sets CFSCW apart from national giving vehicles is exactly that local knowledge. The staff understands that a grant to a rural food pantry in Richland County carries different weight than one to an arts organization in Baraboo. That geographic fluency, combined with professional fund management and deep nonprofit relationships, means every dollar stewarded here works harder than it would almost anywhere else.
CFSCW is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt public charity, which means donors receive the same tax advantages they would through any recognized charitable channel, but with the added benefit of a team that is genuinely invested in the region's future. The foundation is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and welcomes anyone ready to explore how thoughtful philanthropy can leave a real mark on south central Wisconsin.
Charitable fund and endowment establishment is at the core of what CFSCW does. Whether you want to honor a loved one, support a specific cause, or build a giving legacy your family can add to for generations, the foundation's staff walks you through every step. Funds are managed locally, not handed off to a distant institution, so donors stay connected to the impact their contributions create.
Beyond individual giving, CFSCW runs a community grant program that channels resources directly to area nonprofits working on the ground in all seven counties. Organizations tackling food insecurity, youth development, arts access, conservation, and more have received support through this program. The foundation also leads philanthropy education efforts, helping donors at every level understand charitable strategies, tax considerations, and how to align their giving with their values.
For nonprofits, CFSCW is a knowledgeable partner that understands the particular challenges of serving rural and small-city communities. The foundation's grantmaking reaches selected community projects and causes that align with its mission of building a stronger, more connected south central Wisconsin.
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CFSCW serves a seven-county region: Adams, Columbia, Iowa, Juneau, Richland, Sauk, and Vernon counties in Wisconsin.
Yes. Establishing charitable funds and endowments for individuals and families is one of the foundation's core services. Staff can guide you through the process of creating a fund that reflects your values and giving goals.
CFSCW operates a community grant program that provides funding to area nonprofits and selected community projects across the seven-county service area. Nonprofit organizations can explore grant opportunities through the foundation's website at cfscw.org.
Yes. The Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt public charity, so contributions made through the foundation qualify for the same charitable tax treatment as donations to other recognized charitable organizations.
CFSCW offers philanthropy education and donor guidance as part of its services. Whether you are new to charitable giving or looking to build a more structured approach, the foundation's staff can help you think through your options.
The foundation is located at 600 Chestnut St, Baraboo, WI 53913. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Funds established through CFSCW are managed locally by the foundation's professional staff. This local management model means your fund is overseen by people who understand the region and remain accessible to you throughout the life of your fund.
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