Hiwela Youth Camperships
The Hiwela Youth Camperships program funds nonprofits to provide outdoor learning and overnight camp experiences for low-income youth in Winnebago County, Wisconsin.
Funder: Oshkosh Area Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards up to $5,000; most grants in recent cycles ranged from $1,000–$5,000; funding covers up to 50% of camp expenses per camper.
Summary: Supports nonprofits in Winnebago County to provide camp scholarships for low-income youth to experience outdoor learning and overnight camps.
Description
The Hiwela Youth Camperships program, administered by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, provides funding to nonprofit organizations to offer camp scholarships for children from low-income families in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. The goal is to promote outdoor learning experiences, with a particular focus on overnight camping, to help youth develop a deeper appreciation for nature and foster personal growth in areas such as confidence, leadership, and social skills.
The fund was established using proceeds from the sale of Camp Hiwela and continues its legacy by supporting opportunities for youth who might not otherwise be able to attend camp due to financial barriers. Proposals are evaluated based on their emphasis on outdoor learning, demonstrated financial need, the potential impact on youth, and past performance (for returning applicants).
