The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation Foundation announced the creation of the Community Enhancement Fund – Random Lake with a $1 million anonymous donation.
The Community Enhancement Fund program was created in early 2023 to raise charitable contributions to support community development initiatives from nonprofit organizations, local municipalities, and private residents. The funds are not for business development efforts, but for community development projects designed to create venues that will attract and retain residents while contributing to the quality of life and growth of the local economy.
The anonymous donor approached the SCEDCF as a trusted public-private partnership after hearing of the program to support community growth, beautification and placemaking efforts in Random Lake.
“The SCEDCF is excited to partner in creating the Community Enhancement Fund for Random Lake,” said Don Hammond, board chair of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation. “We look forward to funding projects that enhance the vibrancy and livability of Random Lake.”
Through separate donations in 2023, the SCEDCF was able to fund the implementation of a master plan for the village of Random Lake. The village of Random Lake interviewed several firms and selected GRAEF to provide master planning services with the final presentation expected to be given to the village board in May. Over the next nine months, GRAEF e conduct community listening sessions and community visioning meetings with elected officials, village staff, property owners, and citizens.
Village President Michael San Felippo said, “Through these amazing donations, the village and its residents have a prime opportunity to create a unified vision for our community growth and amenities. In addition, the Community Enhancement Fund can potentially be a source of funding to start implementing community projects that would otherwise be placed on the shelf due to local budget constraints.
The Community Enhancement Fund – Random Lake will seek proposals starting in May 2024 that improve the vibrancy and livability of the community while making a long-term, tangible difference in meeting specific community needs or goals consistent with the master plan. The proposals should demonstrate a potential for community impact and have clear and detailed planning. Future applications will be accepted quarterly.
The SCEDCF will establish a Community Enhancement Fund account for each community in Sheboygan County. However, an initial donation of $500,000 is required to create an account for a specific community. The donation to create the fund could be from multiple individuals or corporations committed to creating interesting community venues.
