Menasha Corporation Foundation – Community Grants (Fall 2026 Cycle)
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 (Fall Cycle): August 1, 2026 (for June Board review)
📅 Additional Deadlines: November 1, February 1
📅 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.
