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Honoring the Grief Process
A new chapter in how we care for one another
The Future is Clear, And You Can Be a Part of It
After a year-long, community-wide research study involving more than 8OO individuals, the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF), in partnership with AMK Nonprofit Coaching, is moving forward with next steps to ensure grief support services are accessible, coordinated, and sustainable for all in our region.
They’re now seeking a nonprofit sponsor to carry out a shared vision:
To strengthen and expand grief support in our community—starting with a centralized information hub, coordination among providers, and a foundation for sustainable, community-based services.
The path ahead is clear, and funding is available to help make it happen.
If your organization has the infrastructure, capacity, and alignment to implement this work, we invite you to submit a proposal.
What’s Happening Next
From June 2O24 to April 2O25, AMK Nonprofit Coaching led a comprehensive study to evaluate the state of grief support services across Western Wisconsin. The Grief Services Research Project included input from more than 8OO individuals, including those who have experienced loss, service providers, volunteers, and community advocates.
The research identified four priority needs:
A centralized information hub to improve access to existing grief support resources
Coordination among grief service providers to strengthen and sustain current efforts
Training and support to enhance provider quality and long-term sustainability
Expanded access for populations who remain underserved
With the research complete, the Eau Claire Community Foundation is now leading a new phase of implementation: investing a portion of the $4.8 million in endowed funds transferred from Sacred Heart Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital into a strategic, community-driven solution.
A Request for Proposals is now open to identify an existing 5O1(c)(3) nonprofit organization that will serve as the fiscal and operational sponsor for the Grief Services Project.
Your Voice Shaped This Vision
Your stories, insights, and lived experiences shaped the path forward and helped us design a model that reflects our region’s unique needs.
Whether you shared your personal loss, offered professional expertise, or spoke on behalf of a loved one, thank you.
We appreciate YOU!
Be a Part of the Solution
We're now seeking a nonprofit sponsor to implement this vision starting in 2026.
The selected organization will:
Host the Grief Services Project Manager as a member of their team
Oversee the implementation of a regional information hub
Coordinate a provider network to support, strengthen, and sustain services
Receive an annual grant (currently estimated at $17O,OOO+ for up to 3 years to support this work
Work collaboratively with ECCF and follow all required reporting expectations
Build capacity for future service expansion, training, and innovation
If your organization shares this vision and is committed to advancing this work, we encourage you to apply.
FAQs
For Community Members & Donors
Why was this project started?
As part of the transition of charitable gifts held by the Foundation formerly associated with Sacred Heart Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Eau Claire Community Foundation received approximately $4.8 million in designated grief-support funds. These funds were entrusted with the intention of supporting community grief services. A year-long study, the Grief Services Research Project, was conducted to ensure that future funding decisions reflect real community needs.
What will this project do, exactly?
This next phase will fund a nonprofit organization to lead efforts around:
Creating a central information hub for grief resources
Coordinating providers across the region
Supporting sustainability and access to existing services
Building capacity for future training and grief support expansion
Will The Healing Place be reopening?
No. The Healing Place was a department within Sacred Heart Hospital and does not exist as a standalone nonprofit. This project is about preserving and evolving grief care in our community through a new nonprofit partnership model.
What happened to my donation to The Healing Place or the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment?
Your gift is still serving our community. All designated funds are now held safely at the Eau Claire Community Foundation and will only be distributed through annual grants aligned with donor intent and informed by the study findings.
Who will oversee the use of these funds?
The selected nonprofit sponsor will implement the work and provide quarterly and annual program/financial reports to ECCF.
How can I stay involved or informed?
You can join our mailing list to receive updates or reach out directly to Ann Kaiser at Ann@AMKCoachingWi.com.
Nonprofit Applicants
Who is eligible to apply?
To be considered, an organization must:
Be a registered 5O1(c)(3) nonprofit
Have a full-time Executive Director
Be operating for at least 3 years
Be able to serve the Chippewa Valley region
Have existing infrastructure to support financial reporting, staff oversight, and program coordination.
How much funding is available?
At least $17O,OOO+ per year for up to three years will be awarded via an annual grant from the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment, held at ECCF. The actual amount may vary based on the distribution policy, currently set at 4% of the endowment value. The Eau Claire Community Foundation Board sets the distribution rate annually based on market conditions, among other factors.
How are funds distributed?
Funds are distributed as annual grants, not in a lump sum to be spent over a three-year period. Continued funding in Years 2 and 3 is contingent upon successful completion of goals and submission of required reports.
Can funds be used for staffing and operations?
Yes. The expectation is that funds will support:
Hiring a Grief Services Project Manager
Providing office and meeting space
Covering technology, equipment, and admin support
Launching the information hub and provider coordination network
General implementation and reporting
Can we propose additional services or staffing?
Yes! While the RFP outlines priority activities, applicants are encouraged to bring innovative ideas, additional staffing, or expanded services, as long as they align with the project’s goals and the organization's mission.
Can we use the funding for unrelated programming?
No. All grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the Grief Services Project Scope of Work. ECCF may withhold future funding if misalignment is found.
Can we fundraise or seek matching dollars?
Yes. While not required, organizations are welcome to seek additional funding, partnerships, or in-kind support to expand the project’s impact. Fundraising must align with the mission and purpose of the GSRP.
What if we’re outside Eau Claire?
Organizations must be able to serve the Chippewa Valley region, but a physical location outside of Eau Claire is not disqualifying if regional capacity is demonstrated.
Can faith-based nonprofits apply?
Yes. Eligibility is determined by the required qualifications and adherence to restricted-use rules. Faith-based and secular nonprofits are eligible. For clarifications, contact Ann.
What’s the application process?
You’ll need to submit your responses via the online Google Form (linked on the site). Prepare your answers ahead of time using the downloadable PDF, and submit everything in one session.
Required attachments include:
A 3-Year Work Plan & Budget
Proof of 5O1(c)(3) Status
Board of Directors list
Optional Letter(s) of Support
What is the timeline?
RFP Opens: October 15, 2O25
Deadline to Apply: November 15, 2O25
Nonprofit Sponsor Selected: January 15, 2O26
Funding Begins: March 1, 2O26
Project Duration: March 2O26 – February 2O29
What are reporting expectations?
Quarterly reports (summaries of program + financial progress) to ECCF
Annual detailed report (program + financial, lessons learned, barriers addressed) to ECCF
Why does the RFP state the grant is “for up to three years”?
The Grief Services Project is designed as a multi-year initiative, with an anticipated total grant term of three years. However, the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) has a responsibility to ensure accountability, alignment, and measurable progress—especially when distributing funds from a donor-designated endowment.
To support this, ECCF has built in checkpoints at the end of each grant year:
Year 1 Review
At the end of the first year, ECCF will assess the nonprofit’s progress toward the goals outlined in its submitted proposal and work plan. This review is based on the required quarterly and annual reporting.Year 2 and 3 Funding
Grant distributions for years 2 and 3 are contingent on successful performance in the prior year, as demonstrated through timely reporting and measurable outcomes.
What happens after the 3-year grant period?
The nonprofit may be eligible to continue services beyond the initial grant cycle depending on impact, funding availability, and alignment with evolving needs. Long-term sustainability planning is encouraged.
Who can we contact with questions?
If you still have questions after reading through everything, you can reach out to Ann Kaiser at ann@amkcoachingwi.com
Hi, I’m Ann
Founder and Consultant of AMK Nonprofit Coaching.
As the founder of AMK Nonprofit Coaching and a former Foundation Director at Sacred Heart Hospital, I’ve dedicated over two decades to supporting community health and nonprofit leadership.
This project is deeply personal. It’s about honoring the healing work that has come before and creating a sustainable, community-rooted approach to grief care going forward.
Our team has collaborated with ECCF and numerous community partners to develop this path thoughtfully. Now, we’re looking for the right partner to carry it forward.
If you know a nonprofit that may be a good fit, or if you’re ready to help lead this next chapter, we invite you to submit an RFP or share this opportunity with your network.