West Bend Mutual Insurance Issues Grants to Local Nonprofits

WEST BEND, WI - The West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust has awarded $501,500 in grants to 24 nonprofit organizations in West Bend and the surrounding area in support of new programs, capital projects, and operating support.

Since 2004, the West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust has provided more than $5.6 million to organizations in West Bend and the surrounding area.

Among the grants were supporting funds awarded to the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County for capital upgrades and to the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust for an environmental sustainment project.

The Boys & Girls Club received a $110,000 grant that will help fund a $900,000 renovation project at the organization’s facility at 925 N. Silverbrook Drive in West Bend.

“The renovation will ensure this important community asset is positioned to serve our youth for years to come,” said Kelly Tighe, senior vice president-sales at West Bend Mutual Insurance.

A $125,000 grant was awarded to the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust in support of the Cedar Gorge Clay Bluffs conservation project along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Ozaukee County. The project will protect more than 131 acres of outstanding migratory stop-over habitat and wintering area for waterfowl, land birds, and shorebirds within the Lake Michigan flyway. The area covers three-quarters of a mile of shoreline and will include more than two miles of improved hiking trails. In addition to the grant, funding for the project is expected to come from a combination of state and federal government grants, along with private donations.

Additional organizations receiving grant support include:

• Kettle Moraine Symphony - $10,000

• Schauer Arts Center- $10,000

• Washington County Humane Society - $5,000

• Volunteer Center of Washington County - $7,500

• Roots and Branches - $4,500

• FRIENDS, Inc. - $15,000

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County - $20,000

• 4C For Children - $10,000

• Riveredge Nature Center - $10,000

• Kettle Moraine YMCA - $12,000

• Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County - $15,000

• The Threshold Inc - $15,000

• Blue Lotus Farm & Retreat Center - $5,000

• West Community & Alumni - $10,000

• Museum of Wisconsin Art - $35,000

• Albrecht Free Clinic - $25,000

• Junior Achievement of Wisconsin - $10,000

• Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin - $25,000

• Senior Citizens Activities, Inc. - $2,500

• West Bend Friends of Sculpture - $8,000

• Habitat for Humanity of Washington & Dodge Counties - $12,000

About West Bend Mutual Insurance
Founded in 1894, West Bend Mutual Insurance Company is headquartered in West Bend, Wisconsin, and provides property/casualty insurance products throughout the Midwest.

The company offers a broad personal lines coverage package, a full range of commercial products and services, insurance for specialty lines and a surety division. West Bend employs more than 1,300 associates and is represented by approximately 1,500 independent insurance agencies throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Arizona. The company has been rated A (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best since 1971. West Bend also consistently ranks higher than its competitors in an agency loyalty survey.

About West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust:

Since 2004, the West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust has provided more than $10.4 million to organizations in our community and across the Midwest. It also gives much-needed time, funds, and other resources to the West Bend community, including schools and other civic organizations.