Introduction
The information and guidelines presented here will furnish you, the grantseeker, with the information necessary to apply for a grant from Menasha Corporation Foundation. The Foundation operates without discrimination as to age, race, religion, sex, or national origin in the consideration of grant requests. The Foundation Board of Directors evaluates appeals and ensures fair consideration of all requests.
 
Mission
To lead and guide Menasha Corporation’s philanthropic activities with special consideration given to communities in which it operates, thereby fulfilling the vision of the corporation’s founder, Elisha D. Smith.
 
What is Menasha Corporation Foundation?
Founded in 1953, Menasha Corporation Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization that is funded each year by a percentage of Menasha Corporation’s pretax earnings.
 
Who is eligible to receive a grant from the Foundation?
Non-profit organizations with a tax exempt status under Section 170(c) or 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are eligible for grants from Menasha Corporation Foundation.
 
What projects and programs does the Foundation support?
The Foundation provides support for projects and programs in the following areas:
             - educational endeavors
             - health & welfare programs
             - cultural organizations
             - environmental concerns
             - civic projects
 
What criteria is used to determine grants?
The Foundation makes grant decisions based on information provided by organizations relative to the grant guidelines below.  In addition, the Foundation will:

• favor projects that are not funded by public tax dollars;
• give preference to communities in which Menasha Corporation maintains businesses and the state of Wisconsin - this is in light of the Corporation’s emphasis on decentralization, and the Foundation’s deep roots in the Fox Cities and Wisconsin;
• consider requests from religious organizations and institutions only when the resulting impact of the project is nondenominational
• favor supporting the operating needs/programs of qualified organizations. Capital campaign projects are generally not supported.

An organization in which a Menasha Corporation employee volunteers or is involved also is especially important in grant decisions.
 
Grant Guidelines
So that we may evaluate your appeal, please submit the following information on no more than four typewritten pages. In addition, please submit a copy of your most recent audited financial statement and proof of your federal non-profit tax exempt status under Section 170(c) or 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
IMPORTANT:  In order for us to fully evaluate your request please answer every question and number your responses accordingly.

1. A brief history of your organization, its mission and goals.
2. List of all present directors, their business affiliation, and senior staff people.
3. The exact purpose of the project or grant, including how successful completion will solve a community problem, or at least strongly influence the solution.
4. What is the expected outcome from this project?
5. What method will you use to determine the project’s effectiveness?
6. What differentiates your organization from other organizations similar to yours, what sets you apart?
7. What is the approximate number and description of the group of people to be helped by your project?
8. Describe how the group of people served by your project become aware of your services. How do you spread awareness of your organization?
9. Amount requested?
10. Total project budget?
11. Percentage of organizational budget devoted to administration.
12. Percentage of organizational budget devoted to fund-raising.
13. List other sources of support promised or committed for this project.
14. List other sources and amount(s) for which you are seeking support for this project.
15. Is your organization a member of the United Way?  If yes, what percentage of your annual budget do you receive from the United Way?
16. Names of Menasha Corporation employees, stockholders or directors who are volunteers for your organization.
17. How did you hear about Menasha Corporation Foundation?

Board Meetings and Deadlines
Board meetings are held four times a year in March, June, September, and December. Grant requests must be received on or before the 1st of the month prior to these Board meetings (February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1). Grant request can either be mailed or sent electronically uses the contact information listed below.
             E-mail:               angie.burns@menasha.com
 
             Mail:                  Menasha Corporation Foundation
                                        Attn: Angie Burns
                                        1645 Bergstrom Road
                                        PO Box 367
                                        Neenah, WI  54957-0367

Evaluations
Any grants awarded for over $1,000 may be subject to evaluation upon completion of the project or nine months from the award date, whichever comes first.