Menasha Corporation Foundation – Community Grants

Grants Supporting Communities Where Menasha Operates

Organization: Menasha Corporation Foundation
Support Type: Community grants (programmatic and operating support)
Geographic Focus: North America (priority: Wisconsin and communities where Menasha Corporation operates across multiple U.S. states and regions)

About the Funder

Founded in 1953, the Menasha Corporation Foundation continues a legacy of philanthropy rooted in the vision of founder Elisha D. Smith. The Foundation provides grants to strengthen communities, with a strong emphasis on locations where Menasha Corporation has employees and operations.

With a broad operational footprint across the U.S. (including Wisconsin, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, California, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, and beyond), the Foundation prioritizes place-based giving tied to its business presence. 

What This Program Supports

The Foundation funds nonprofit organizations working in four core areas:

• Community Betterment
• Educated Society
• Environmental Sustainability
• Safe and Healthy Citizens

Programs should demonstrate clear, measurable impact within the communities they serve.

Eligible Support Types

• Programmatic funding for community initiatives
• General operating support (preferred)
• Select capital or project-based funding

Eligibility & Preferences

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) or 170(c) tax-exempt status

Preference is given to:

• Organizations located in Wisconsin, especially the Fox Cities region
• Communities where Menasha Corporation operates (multi-state footprint)
• Programs not primarily funded by public tax dollars
• Organizations with active Menasha employee involvement
• Projects with broad, non-denominational community benefit

Ineligible or Limited Requests

The Foundation is less likely to fund:

• Projects primarily funded by public tax dollars
• Requests lacking clear alignment with focus areas
• Programs without strong community impact

Funding Amounts

• Not specified
• Varies based on scope and alignment

Timeline & Review

📅 Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
📅 Board Meetings: March, June, September, December

Application / Request Process

Applicants must submit their grant request in advance of the corresponding board cycle. Strong applications will:

• Align clearly with one of the four funding priorities
• Demonstrate measurable local impact
• Highlight any Menasha employee involvement
• Specify whether funding is for operating or programmatic support

Apply / Learn More

➡️ https://www.menashacorporation.com/foundation/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:

• Are located in Wisconsin or Menasha operating communities across the U.S.
• Focus on community development, education, sustainability, or health
• Have strong local engagement and measurable outcomes
• Can demonstrate a connection to Menasha employees or locations

The Menasha Corporation Foundation is especially valuable for nonprofits seeking flexible funding tied to corporate footprint and employee engagement.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Competitive (quarterly cycles)
Typical Lead Time: Apply 1–2 months before deadline
Best Suited For: Established nonprofits in Menasha operating regions with strong community ties

New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.