Alliant Energy Foundation: Community grants program continues to make an impact

Media Contact: Mary Fanning-Penny (608)458-6250

Community grant applications now accepted online; first deadline is January 15, 2011

MADISON, WI – December 21, 2010 – The Alliant Energy Foundation has a proud tradition of giving back and making a difference in the communities we serve through numerous avenues of support. Since 1998, the Foundation has contributed more than $34 million to projects and organizations.

In 2010, the Alliant Energy Foundation provided more than 640 grants, totaling over $1,080,000. The Community Grants Program focuses on contributing to a wide range of programs aimed at improving the quality of community life. Grants are awarded to support specific initiatives that address community needs and benefit a large number of people in five primary areas of giving: human needs, education, culture and art, civic, and the environment.

“We are pleased that we could provide support to hundreds of organizations again this year through our Foundation programs,” said Julie Bauer, Alliant Energy Foundation Executive Director. “We continue to see a great deal of need throughout our territory and we are proud that our assistance helps sustain and improve our communities.”

New in 2011, the Foundation is implementing an online system for the Community Grants Program. The online application process is now active and is designed to improve the application process for the grantees, provide enhanced communication options with our grant seekers as well as streamline our administrative processes.

There are three grant cycles annually and the application deadlines for consideration in upcoming cycles are January 15, May 15 and September 15, 2011. Organizations may review eligibility guidelines and apply for a Community Grant online at alliantenergy.com/foundation.