BETTER TOGETHER. The Women's Giving Circle of Dunn County recently awarded a total $22,000 to 10 area nonprofit organizations. (Submitted photo from the Oct. 14 gala)

While the impact of one may seem little, the Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) of Dunn County has compounded the reach of individual community members to give back in a significant way. For Dunn County organizations, the group’s compounded impact translated to a total $22,000 in awarded grant funding this year.

The Dunn County WGC celebrated its annual Fall Grants Gala on Oct. 14 at Jake’s Supper Club (E5690 County Rd D, Menomonie), announcing those awardees which work to improve the lives of local disadvantaged women and families. This fall’s grant winners include:

• Arbor Place, Inc. – $2,500: Furnishing bedrooms for women and children in recovery.
• The Bridge to Hope – $4,000: Support for survivors including help accessing essential resources, guidance, and services to rebuild their lives.
• Colfax Public Library – $1,000: Toward the "Story Time Play & Learn" program for kids.
• Dunn County Human Services Birth to 3 – $2,000: Toward the Dunn County Playgroup, an early intervention program for infants and toddlers with development delays or special needs.
• Hoof Beat Therapeutic Healing Center – $1,000: Toward new saddles and helmets for its disabled riders.
• Mabel Tainter Theater – $2,000: Funding fourth graders' attendance of an April 2026 performance.
• Menomonie Police Department – $3,500: Toward the "Cops 4 Kids" and "Shop with a Cop" programming.
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace – $2,500: Providing beds for children who otherwise don't have one. To date, 281 beds have been provided locally.
• Stepping Stones of Dunn County – $2,400: Restocking feminine hygiene products.
• Wisconsin Foster Closet – $1,100: Providing essential socks and underwear to children and young adults in the foster care system.

The awardees were determined by a panel of five individuals, including representatives from UW-Stout, the School District of the Menomonie Area, Stepping Stones of Dunn County, and others, according to a recent media release. 

As of Spring 2025, about 100 individuals were WGC members. Each member – open to those ages 18-plus – makes an annual contribution of $250, half of which is put toward each year’s grant pool. Becoming a member is a simple application process which can be completed at cfdunncounty.org/wgc.

Learn more about the Women's Giving Circle of Dunn County online at cfdunncounty.org/wgc and keep up with the group on Facebook.