David and Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks

How To apply

Step 1: Determine if your project addresses the Fund’s purpose and meets the eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Obtain project and grant approval in writing from the DNR property manager.

Step 3: Complete the application questions below. Cut and paste information into the online grant application form.

Step 4: Submit all information through the online form by March 1. Applicants will be notified around the end of March.

Grant Application Questions

The following questions must be filled out in the online grant application form. You may use these questions to draft answers and then cut and paste answers into the official online form to apply for this grant.

1. Project Title (Limit 80 characters)
2. Friends Group Name
3. Contact Information
4. Check Payable Information (Organization name, contact information)
5. EIN Number
6. Project Timeframe (Start date, end date)
7. List County/Counties Impacted
8. Grant Amount Requested (The total $ amount for the grant request may not exceed $5,000.)
9. Total Match Amount ($)
10. Total Project Cost ($)
11. Grant Eligibility Acknowledgement (Friends Group has reviewed eligibility guidelines)
12. Project Approval Acknowledgement (Friends Group agrees to apply for this grant and has received approval from the DNR property manager)
13. Application Commitment Acknowledgement
    • Friends Group agrees to the terms of the application: To the best of my knowledge, all information provided in this grant application is true and accurate. I understand that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has sole discretion in awarding grants. I understand that the funding will be provided by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. I understand that if I am awarded a grant, the DNR and Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin shall have the right to provide others with the project description. I understand that if I am awarded a grant, I will be required to submit a Project Report within one year of the award date to the DNR to be considered for future funding.
14. Describe How Your Project Aligns With The Purpose Of This Grant Program (250 words)
15. Describe The Intended Impact Of This Project, including goals, objectives and measurable outcomes (250 words).
16. Budget Breakdown: In the sections below, enter budget information for the project.
    • Budget Line 1: List the items to be purchased and the estimated cost.
    • Budget Line 2: List the match sources and amounts. For the match, include cash, volunteer hour value, in-kind donations and third-party support.

Past Projects

Examples of past projects funded by the David and Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks include:

• Friends of Mirror Lake State Park received a grant to create and maintain a new accessible hiking trail, providing a “walk back in time” at Pulpit Rock Trail in Fern Dell at Mirror Lake State Park.
• Friends of Copper Falls State Park received a grant to increase accessibility by adding resting benches and informational signage at a waterfall overlook at Copper Falls State Park, which will allow for easy viewing of the two major waterfalls and cascades.
• Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks received a grant to create a new, accessible trail to Hidden Falls located south of the Kinnickinnic River, threading through previously inaccessible areas of ravines in the park.
• Kettle Moraine Natural History Association received a grant to upgrade the Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail bridge to be wheelchair friendly, create an overlook deck to observe the river, add bench seating to the overlook, and grade trail elevations to increase wheelchair user accessibility.
• Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park received a grant to improve accessibility for the Friends’ Fishing Pond Walkway at Kohler-Andrae State Park by converting the existing trail to a smooth, hard surface that will improve pond access for people using wheelchairs and walkers, so they can enjoy fishing, wildlife watching or just enjoying the scenery.

Grant Expectations And Reporting Instructions

Recognition: Applicants are asked to recognize the Natural Resources Foundation’s contribution in communications. When recognizing this support, please use the full name “Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin” and, when appropriate, use the logo (e.g., print and digital publications, brochures, signage, etc.).

Project Report: As a grant recipient, you are required to complete a project report by the due date specified in your award letter. Fill out the NRF Online Grant Report Form and send two high-quality photographs of the work in .jpg format as attached files to NRFgrants@wisconservation.org. Include a caption and photo credit.

This information is used to quantify the impact and share your story with NRF members, donors and the conservation community. Please contact NRF if you require an extension to your report deadline.

Photos: Please share at least two high-quality photographs of the project when you submit your report. You are also welcome to share photos, videos, thank you notes or other related materials with NRF. Please make sure to include a caption and photo credit.

Grant Promotion

Ribbon Cutting or Project Completion Celebration: Notify DNR and NRF staff about project completion celebrations and events.

Media Coverage: If you receive any media coverage on this project, please share it with the NRF Director of Communications, Shelly Torkelson. We are happy to share with our network, distribute to other media sources, provide a quote for an article, help review a press release or provide other assistance you may need.

Social Media: Please follow and tag us in any related posts, photos or events. You can find NRF on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Guest Blog: NRF is always looking for stories to share on the WisConservation Blog. Consider sending a few photographs and a short write-up about your project to share with NRF audiences.

Sample Promotion: See examples of past grant recipients’ grant promotion on their social media.