The Milwaukee Irish Fest Foundation was formed in 1993 to advance the charitable and educational purposes for which Irish Festivals, Inc. was originally formed.
Grants are made to projects or for purposes consistent with the Foundation’s priorities, and only to non-profit organizations which meet federal and state requirements for tax-exempt status. Grants may not be made to individuals. The Foundation does not commit to multiple-year projects, although applications for ongoing support or new projects may be reviewed and granted on an annual basis.
Since its creation in 1994, the Irish Fest Foundation has granted over $500,000 to non-profit entities in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada and throughout the United States. Grants have reflected the priorities of the Foundation, with special grants given for catastrophic events, such as 9/11, tsunamis, and hurricanes.
The Milwaukee Irish Fest Foundation awards grants based on earnings from its investments. The three areas of priority are cultural, educational, and civic/community:
In 2012, a designated fund was established in memory of Chuck Ward, a key figure in the Irish Fest family. Funds donated to the Chuck Ward Fund are separated, and the earnings will, in time, be used for community and civic purposes in the Greater Milwaukee area.
The Board of Directors of the Foundation acknowledges and thanks Irish Festivals, Inc. for its continuing support, which allows the Foundation to support projects and organizations in the Milwaukee area and beyond to further their perpetuation of Irish culture, music, education, and charitable services.
Please refer to Grant Guidelines for instructions to apply for grants.
Want to apply for a Milwaukee Irish Fest Foundation Grant? Our Grant Guidelines describe the information you'll need to submit!
Civic/Community St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care St. Francis Children’s Center – autism program Windsor Women’s Center, Belfast Hope House of Milwaukee – Youth education Emerald Isle Immigration Center: Hurricane Sandy relief
Educational Ulster Project Milwaukee – fostering peace in Northern Ireland Wisconsin Historical Foundation – “Irish in Wisconsin” book North American Folk Alliance – workshop Wisconsin Scottish – Adaptive Clinic/Conference Milwaukee Film Festival – Irish film
Cultural Willie Clancy Summer School –Irish traditional music festival Milwaukee Irish Arts - Theater festivals Milw Co Historical Society – Jeremiah Curtin House restoration Celtic Cultural Center Madison – Irish language weekend Catskills Irish Arts Week Milwaukee Hurling Club – Boston youth games