We're committed to making Lake Mills a great place to live now and for future generations.
Here are some details for the types of funds the Foundation carries.
LMACF Endowment Fund
This permanent fund was established by the LMACF as an endowment fund to provide the opportunity for a donation to continue giving into perpetuity. Donations of any amount directed to the Endowment Fund are added to the principal, and then only a portion of the growth and earnings (approximately 4-5%) are distributed annually to worthy projects and causes in the form of grants. Community organizations and individuals can apply through the Foundation's Grant Request Program with their description of the charitable project or cause that shares the basic mission of serving and enriching the lives of those who live, work, and spend their leisure time in the Lake Mills Area.
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General/Unrestricted Fund
This fund is the most flexible and unrestrictive option to give to the Lake Mills Area Community Foundation (LMACF). Funds in this account can be used annually to cover the ever-changing current year, and likely shorter terms, needs of the community with smaller donation/sponsorship type requests. Annual Foundation obligations, like operating/administrative expenses and some management fees, are also paid out of this fund.
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Named Scholarship Funds
Lake Mills High School Alumni Scholarship Fund
This fund was established as a scholarship endowment fund. The lead donation was made by a group of past recipients of the Lake Mills Distinguished Alumni Award. Lake Mills Alums are encouraged to contribute to this fund.
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Lake Mills FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund
This scholarship endowment fund was established in 2019 by the FFA Alumni group. Annual scholarships are awarded to graduates of Lake Mills High School pursuing a post-secondary education in any field of study at any school in the U.S.. Any FFA Alumni or agriculture supporters are encouraged to contribute to this fund.
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Clinton Setz Scholarship Fund
This fund was established as a scholarship endowment fund with a $100,000 gift from the estate of Clinton Setz Sr. Scholarships are to be awarded in perpetuity based only on earnings and appreciation of the fund.
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Scott Alan Ferguson Scholarship Fund
This fund was established by the generosity of the late Scott Alan Ferguson with an initial donation of one million dollars in 2011. It provides scholarships to Lake Mills High School graduates who are pursuing college/university studies in engineering, science or business. This fund is not open to public donations.
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Ferguson Family Scholarship Fund
This fund provides scholarships to students from Lake Mills High School pursuing post-secondary education, majoring in mechanical or electrical engineering or business. This fund is not open to public donations.
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Lake Mills High School Scholarship Fund
Monetary oversight and administrative coordination of the nine scholarships in this fund was transferred from the LMHS to the foundation in 2015. Named scholarships in this fund include:
The Bugs Sanft Scholarship
The Heinrich Scholarship
The Becky and Lyle Wallace Scholarship
The Marjorie Bradt Scholarship
The Clara E. Heine Scholarship
The Vera Bohnsack Scholarship
The Marvin Maasch Scholarship
The Rachel Maasch Scholarship
All of the scholarships in this fund are open to public donations.
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Richard and Jearnice DeVor Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was established through the generosity of Richard E. and Jearnice A. DeVor and provides a scholarship to a graduating Lake Mills High School student pursuing a degree in the field of engineering or science.
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Joshua J. Moehrke Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund has been established in memory of Joshua J. Moehrke, a 2015 LMHS graduate. An annual scholarship in the amount of $3,000 will be awarded to one senior graduating from LMHS, seeking post-secondary education in an accredited educational program in the state of Wisconsin. Candidates majoring in business or marketing will be considered.
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Hayes Family Scholarship Fund
This fund was created in 2024 by the children of Bill and Barb Hayes, all of whom graduated from Lake
Mills High School. The fund was established to first, encourage LMHS graduates to pursue a field in the
“Trades” by offering scholarships to attend a Wisconsin Technical College system school. Secondly, to
award scholarships to LMHS graduates attending the donors’ Alma maters of Arizona State University or
University of Wisconsin schools. This fund is open to public donations.
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Dennis J. and Bettilee B. Zeloski Scholarship
This scholarship fund was established in 2025 with a donation from Dennis and Betty Zeloski. Initially, two scholarships of $25,000 each will be awarded to graduates pursuing a degree in agriculture or health care/health sciences who will be attending a four-year program at a Wisconsin college or university. This fund is not open to public donations.
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Future Prospects Scholarship Fund
This fund was established as a scholarship endowment with an initial gift from Jeannie K. Jerde and Bernard F. Mrazik. Scholarships are to be awarded in perpetuity based on earnings and appreciation of the fund. One or more scholarships will be awarded annually to graduates of Lake Mills High School pursuing a post-secondary education in any field of study at any accredited school including apprenticeships, trade and vocational schools, colleges and universities. This scholarship is designed for students who have shown resilience, courage, and strength of character in overcoming challenges and adversity. This fund is open to public donations.
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Lake Mills EMS Scholarship Fund
This fund was created by the Lake Mills EMS upon its dissolution. Annual scholarship(s) shall be awarded to one or more senior(s) graduating from a Lake Mills school seeking post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, technical or vocational school located in the United States of America in any health care field. Preference shall be given to students pursuing a certification or degree in emergency medical services. This fund is open to public donations.
Donor Advised Funds
Fiberdome Charitable Fund
This fund was established by Fiberdome Inc. as a donor-advised fund to support local projects and organizations aligned with the overall mission of the LMACF. This fund is not open to public donations.
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Designated Funds
Arts Alliance of Greater Lake Mills Fund
This fund was established through a partnership between the Foundation and the Arts Alliance of Greater Lake Mills. Distributions from this fund are used to encourage and promote the arts in the Lake Mills Area.
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Friends of L.D. Fargo Public Library Fund
This fund was established through a partnership between the Foundation and the Friends of the L.D. Fargo Public Library. Distributions from this fund are used to promote programs and facilities of the L.D. Fargo Public Library.
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Franklin Else Bandstand Fund
This fund was initially established to support the 2017-2018 restoration project of the Franklin Else Bandstand in Commons Park. The fund accepts donations for those wishing to support the future improvements and needs of the structure.
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Holiday Decorations Fund
This fund was initially established in 2021 to refurbish the "Big Santa" in Commons Park and provide holiday lighting downtown. The fund accepts donations for the holiday light display to continue annually.
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Field of Interest Funds
​LM Public Safety Fund
This fund was established after anonymous $25,000 gift in 2017 to offer donors a way to direct their giving to the area's first responders. The Foundation will consider the needs of local Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services, and give grants out only to those agencies that meet the criteria of Public Safety for the community as a whole.
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