BACC Foundation offers first round of grants

George Althoff
Executive Director

The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which was formed by the Chamber last year, is launching its first-ever grant program, open to area nonprofits and quasi-governmental organizations. The Foundation’s purpose is to carry out the charitable and educational objectives as described below:

• Charitable – The charitable objectives of the Foundation shall focus on the advancement of education and/or the arts in the Baraboo area; the erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or works; and the lessening of burdens on local government.
• Educational – The educational objectives of the Foundation shall focus on developing and supporting partnerships between local educational institutions and the surrounding business community in order to supplement the educational experience of local students, enhance their workforce preparedness, and provide instruction to the public on subjects useful and beneficial to the Baraboo area business community.
  If your organization qualifies as a charitable, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code guidelines, or is a governmental or quasi-governmental entity; and your organization is located in the Baraboo area; and your organization has a request that is specific to the Foundation’s purpose, you may apply for a grant by completing the grant application that can be found by clicking here. Download the application and save it to your computer before filling it out.
  Funding for the grants was raised through voluntary donations from more than 340 Chamber members. To those members, we extend our deep appreciation.
  Applicants may apply for up to $1,000 in funding. Application deadline is Aug. 1 and the announcement of recipients will be made no later than Oct. 1. The determination of grant recipients will be made by the Foundation’s three-person Board of Directors, comprised of Dan Lewison, TRICOR LLC, President; Nicole Marklein, Cross, Jenks, Mercer & Maffei, Vice President and Treasurer; and Teddie Szydlowski, Community First Bank, Secretary. In addition to my duties as Executive Director of the Chamber, I serve in the same capacity for the Foundation.

Registration is open for Chamber Golf Classic
In less than three months, it will be time to hit the links when the Chamber hosts its annual Golf Classic at Baraboo Country Club. The event is set for Tuesday, June 24, with a shotgun start at 11 a.m., followed by dinner at Fore Seasons Restaurant.
This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it would not be possible without the support of dozens of our members. Two of our top-level sponsors have already committed – presenting sponsor Baraboo State Bank and buffet sponsor Sysco Foods. Thank you to both!
Other opportunities to support the event include:

Play in the outing. If you’re interested in playing in the outing, I encourage you to sign up soon because the field fills up fast. The cost is $125 for non-members of the Baraboo Country Club and $100 for club members. Dinner-only tickets are available for $45. You can find the registration link here.

Big-ticket sponsorships. We’re still on the hunt for a beverage sponsor and a cart sponsor. These sponsorships come with a multitude of benefits. If you are interested, please contact me at director@
baraboochamber.com.

Hole sponsorships – Gold Hole sponsorships are $750, which includes golf and dinner and four and signage on a hole. Silver Hole sponsorships are $250 and include signage on a hole.

Silent auction and raffle prize donations. Each year, we have a silent auction that includes 10-12 items valued at $150 or more. The prizes range from golf foursomes at area courses to a couple of tons of gravel to pieces of furniture. In addition, golfers can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win any of the dozens of prizes valued at $25 or more. If you’re interested in donating an item for the silent auction or raffle drawing, please contact me at director@baraboochamber.com or 608-356-8333.

Swag bag items. Each golfer will receive a swag bag, compliments of Baraboo State Bank. This is a great way to promote your business to the 150 or so golfers who will be participating. Small items such as golf tees, golf balls, salted snacks, chip clips, coupons, etc., would be appropriate.