Contribution Guidelines

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Makes a Difference

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is a private charitable foundation supporting the communities served by our local utility, Minnesota Energy Resources. We believe in the strength of these communities and the potential they hold.

Contributions are made by Minnesota Energy Resources on behalf of Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, a private foundation supported by Minnesota Energy Resources and other affiliates of Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.

Our Funding Focus

In making charitable contributions, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation gives priority to organizations that:

• Operate within the area served by Minnesota Energy Resources
• Are judged effective by the community
• Increase public awareness of important issues
• Promote volunteerism
• Cooperate, rather than compete, with similar organizations, and strive to minimize duplication of services
• Hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status

What We Generally Are Not Able to Fund

• Individuals
• Churches and other religious organizations
• Political organizations
• Organizations that discriminate for any reason, including race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, national origin or sexual orientation
• National and international organizations that operate outside the area Wisconsin Public Service serves and whose funds are not used locally
• Post-secondary scholarships other than those provided through our scholarship program
• Free natural gas or electric service, moving of poles or utility-related construction
• Public and private schools K-12

Categories of Giving

• Arts & Culture: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation recognizes that a strong arts and culture presence adds to the richness and overall quality of life within a community. Past gifts have gone to groups, facilities and institutions with broad public exposure, including theater, dance, music, drama and museums. We support projects that promote diversity and make the arts accessible to all people.
• Community & Neighborhood Development: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation realizes that local communities are strengthened through volunteering and people giving back to their community. We support non-profit organizations dedicated to community improvement and well-being, including downtown revitalization and economic growth.
• Education: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation believes life-long learning and education are critical to the well-being of our communities and their economies. We support programs that enhance and complement our companies' educational programs and philosophies, including educational opportunities for minorities and women. We support programs that demonstrate a partnership between the business and educational communities, career planning, pre-employment preparations, youth mentoring, and community service. In addition, through our very own scholarship program, we offer a variety of college and technical school scholarships for students in our service area who are high schools seniors, continuing college students, returning adults or minority/female students.
• Human Services & Health: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation recognizes and supports non-profit organizations dedicated to the physical and emotional well-being of all people within our society -- helping to meet people's basic needs is critical to ensuring for a healthy community. We support United Way by making company contributions, facilitating employee and retiree gifts, and providing voluntary leadership. We support social service programs that serve low-income, senior and handicapped individuals. In addition, we support programs designed to preserve physical and mental health, emphasizing wellness and prevention.
• Environment: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation is committed to environmental stewardship, by helping to protect and encourage the wise use of natural resources. We support the betterment of fish and wildlife, water and air quality, forests, energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling.

Special Programs

• Matching Gifts Program: Our Matching Gifts program encourages employees and retirees of Minnesota Energy Resources to actively support nonprofit organizations funded by Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. Contributions they make to qualifying organizations in the arts and culture, community and civic affairs, health and human services, and the environment are eligible for matching funds from the foundation.
• Dollars for Doers: Dollars for Doers encourages Minnesota Energy Resources employees and retirees to become involved in their communities. Those who volunteer 20 or more hours to a qualifying organization within the calendar year can have Wisconsin Public Service Foundation donate $100 to the organization for which they volunteer. The program focuses on organizations in the Minnesota Energy Resources territory and that assist with arts and culture, community and civic affairs, health and human services, and the environment. Contributions to educational institutions are not eligible for the Dollars for Doers program.

How to Apply

If your contribution request meets our guidelines, please complete an application form. Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Decisions on applications are generally made within four months of submission, depending on the request. Every application submitted in writing will receive a response.

Please send your application to:

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation
Attn: Dave Perron
2665 145th Street West Box 455
Rosemount, MN 55068

Questions?

Call 651-322-8920 or e-mail program coordinator.