2026 Chamber Scholarship Application (Deadline April 1, 2026)
Word Document – PLEASE NOTE IF USING THIS OPTION TO GO TO “FILE- SAVE A COPY” AND USE THE COPY TO COMPLETE THE FORM, OTHERWISE YOUR INFORMATION WILL BE LEFT IN THE DOCUMENT.
ThedaCare Family of Foundations External Grant application here:
https://thedacarefamilyoffoundations.wizehive.app/program/thedacare-external-grant/info?cycleId=1CQJ2ZMyhSVxLPecRgZ3ei
First State Bank Accepts Scholarship Applications
New London, WI – First State Bank continues its longstanding commitment to support local high school students through its scholarship program, offering ten $1,000 scholarships to graduates pursuing post‑secondary education. Applications are now being accepted through an online scholarship application form at bankfirststate.com/scholarships and must be submitted by Monday, April 6.
Eligible applicants must either attend a high school in a community where First State Bank has a location or have an established banking relationship—either personally or through a parent or guardian—as of December 31, 2025. Applicants must also plan to enroll full‑time at an accredited college, university, or technical school for the academic term immediately following their high school graduation.
“Education opens doors, and we believe every student should have the opportunity to pursue their goals,” said Gretchen Steinbecker, vice president of marketing. “Our scholarship program is designed to help remove barriers and uplift local high school graduates as they embark on their academic and professional pathways.”
First State Bank is a community bank with offices in New London, Auburndale, Clintonville, Manawa, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Waupaca, and Wisconsin Rapids. For more information visit bankfirststate.com or call (800) 994-2500.
Business Loan/Grant Loan – Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation
The Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) has introduced a new loan/grant program aimed at supporting the improvement of businesses, and older commercial buildings in Waupaca County downtown’s. This initiative fosters economic growth, community development, and cultural preservation by providing financial aid to businesses located in an older commercial building.
After getting approved for an RLF loan (max is $100,000), business owners that own their older commercial buildings can apply for an additional grant (up to $50,000 or equal to approved RLF loan amount) for eligible building improvement projects. The program serves as an additional way to reduce the burden of building maintenance for business owners that own older commercial property and seek to start or enhance their businesses. Please contact us to discuss your project and verify grant funds are still available.
USDA Rural Development Loans
WHEDA More Like Home Repair & Renew Loan
If your home was built before 1984, there’s a good chance it may need repairs. That’s why Wisconsin’s governing body has committed $50 million to help revive our communities.
With the More Like Home™ Repair and Renew Loan, homeowners will get the repairs needed to renew their living spaces for years to come. Here, our support is more than just monetary—it’s a commitment to helping your house feel more like home. Find a lender and start today.
https://morelikehomeloan.wheda.com/
WHEDA Vacancy-to-Vitality Loan Program
This new funding source allows a developer to apply for subordinate financing that covers the construction costs associated with converting a Vacant or Underutilized commercial building into Workforce Housing or Senior Housing. Both rental and for-sale homes are eligible under the Program if they meet the affordability requirements outlined in the term sheet. Funding will be provided by WHEDA through a low-interest loan that is subordinate to other funding sources, as described in the Act. Please refer to the term sheet for origination fees, loan structuring fees,
and application fees. For more information click here: https://www.wheda.com/developers-and-property-managers/competitive-loan-financing/vacancy-to-vitality
Small Business Development Center – UW Stevens Point
In partnership with the SBDC – UW-Stevens Point, the Chamber strives to provide members with educational opportunities to ensure a successful business! Click the link for more information on opportunities through SBDC – https://www3.uwsp.edu/conted/Pages/SBDC.aspx.
Free Adult Literacy Programs and Volunteer Opportunities with Fox Valley Literacy
Fox Valley Literacy provides free tutoring, classes, and online learning resources for adults in Outagamie, Waupaca, northern Winnebago and northern Calumet counties. They are also looking for volunteers to include adult tutors, childcare, transportation, & office help. No teaching experience is required.
Services offered:
- Reading and writing
- English language
- Math
- HSED/GED prep
- College prep
- Computer & Digital Skills
- US Citizenship
- Hmong languate
- Financial skills
- Workforce skills
- Career prep
920-234-8041 – call or text