Community Foundation Awards More Than 141,000 Through Inaugural Healthy Chippewa County Grant Program

Chippewa County, WI — The Community Foundation of Chippewa County (CFCC) is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural Healthy Chippewa County (HCC) grant program, awarding $141,389 to five organizations advancing health and wellness across Chippewa County.

This funding opportunity was supported by new endowment funds established through the transfer of assets from the former HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. The Healthy Chippewa County grant program was established to invest in initiatives that address the County's health needs while working to reduce health disparities. Funding is focused on five priority areas: health needs and reducing health disparities, alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) services, home health and/or hospice, financial assistance to healthcare, and healthcare for women and infants.

"This grant opportunity represents a significant investment in the health of Chippewa County. The inaugural grant cycle demonstrates the Foundation's commitment to supporting collaborative, community driven solutions that improve quality of life and strengthen the health of Chippewa County residents.” shared Jill Herriges, Executive Director, CFCC.

During its first grant cycle, the Foundation received applications from organizations throughout Chippewa County proposing innovative solutions to improve the health and well-being of local residents. Following a competitive review process, the CFCC Board of Directors approved funding for the following projects:
Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative — $35,000 to purchase equipment for its Wound CareCenter, helping improve access to specialized care while addressing health disparities.
 Rogers Memorial Hospital — $20,000 for furniture, fixtures, and equipment supporting the new Chippewa Falls Behavioral Health Hospital, expanding access to AODA and behavioral health services.
 Curtie Cares — $35,579 to provide medical transportation for rural and homebound residents, helping eliminate the financial transportation barriers to healthcare.
 Chippewa County ADRC — $30,810 to expand its Meals on Wheels program, strengthening home health services for older adults and vulnerable residents.
 Aspirus Health — $20,000 toward the purchase of a Panda Warmer for the Chippewa Falls Hospital Emergency Department, enhancing emergency care for women and newborns.

Anne Sadowska, Chief Administrative Officer, Aspirus WI Northwest Division shared. “We are honored to receive support from the Community Foundation of Chippewa County through its inaugural Healthy Chippewa County Grant Cycle. As we prepare to open Aspirus Chippewa Falls Hospital in September, this investment, along with additional support from Aspirus Health Foundation, will help ensure our teams have the tools and technology needed to deliver exceptional care from day one. Thanks to this generosity, access to this advanced equipment will strengthen our Emergency Department’s ability to provide lifesaving care when it’s needed most.”

The Healthy Chippewa County grant program will be an annual opportunity for eligible organizations serving the greater Chippewa County area. Grant funding will support projects that respond to clearly defined health needs, prioritizes programming initiatives that meet current community health needs, while also reducing health disparities. The next Healthy Chippewa County grant cycle is expected to open in spring 2027. Organizations interested in learning more about future funding opportunities are encouraged to visit the Community Foundation of Chippewa County's website.