'TO REACH MORE PEOPLE.' The Eau Claire Community Foundation concluded its 2026 Community Grant Cycle on May 27, formally announcing the 46 area nonprofits receiving funding as part of the total $235,000 awarded. One of those recipients is Nick's Dog Treats Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Augusta-based coffee shop and retailer, Nick's Dog Treats & Coffee Brew, pictured. 

The Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) has awarded $235,000 in grant funds to over 40 nonprofit organizations through one of its cornerstone grant programs.

ECCF announced the recipients of its 2026 Community Grant Cycle awards – an annual grant program open to any tax-exempt nonprofits serving the wider Eau Claire area – in a media release on May 27.

46 total organizations across the Eau Claire area in five categories (arts and culture; education; nature and recreation; health and human services; operations) were awarded, including the Augusta-based nonprofit Nick’s Dog Treats Foundation.

“This funding will help us work alongside individuals of all ability levels to make everyday tasks – from maintaining employment to staying informed and engaged in local government – more accessible and achievable,” said Jeanine Nugent, board member and grant writer of Nick’s Dog Treats Foundation.

To achieve that, Nick’s Dog Treats Foundation will collaborate with Nick’s Dog Treats & Coffee Brew (318 E. Lincoln St., Augusta) – a storefront supported by the Foundation – the Augusta School Board, the Augusta City Council and other community partners, Nugent said.

“(These grants) empower local organizations to reach more people, deepen their impact and continue responding to he needs and opportunities they see every day. We are grateful to the donors and fundholders who make this work possible.”

WESLEY ESCONDO

CEO & PRESIDENT, EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Local mother-son duo, Jennifer Hinze and Nick Napolitano (pictured), who has Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, co-founded Nick's Dog Treats in 2018. "We want everyone who walks into our shop to feel welcomed, accepted, and leave in a better mood than they came in with,” Jennifer told Volume One in 2024.

Over $95,000 of the total awarded Community Grant Cycle funds went toward organizations under the health and human services category, including Bolton Refuge House, Chippewa Valley Tool Library, Power Up Eau Claire, Trinity Equestrian Center, Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council and more.

Funds toward operational needs were awarded to local nonprofits including Chippewa Valley Symphony, The Community Table, Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, among others.

Other awardees include the Chippewa Valley Museum, Flying Eagles Ski Club, Bob’s House for Dogs, L.E. Phillips Career Development Center and many more.

“Seeing these grants in action is incredibly rewarding,” said Wesley Escondo, CEO and president of the ECCF. “They empower local organizations to reach more people, deepen their impact and continue responding to he needs and opportunities they see every day. We are grateful to the donors and fundholders who make this work possible.”

Eau Claire Community Foundation staff pictured. (Photo via Facebook)

The 2027 Community Grant Cycle will open up for applications this November. Applicants may apply for one of three grant types through the program: Asset grants, operations grants or program grants.

View the full list of 2026 Community Grant Cycle awardees and learn more about the Eau Claire Community Foundation and its various programs online at www.eccfwi.org.