We are thrilled to announce that Bikes for Kids Wisconsin was awarded a $30,000 Community Impact Grant from the Madison Community Foundation (MCF). We will use the funds to purchase a sprinter van or box truck to haul bikes eliminating the need to rent trucks and expand our outreach efforts. Funds will also be dedicated to growing our Bike Mechanics program in local schools. 

Tom Linfield, MCF’s Vice President of Community Impact, remarked, “These grants represent the seeds of change, cultivating new programs, bolstering organizational structures, and nurturing community initiatives. From expanding home ownership opportunities to restoring waterways to ensuring the arts are accessible to a wide range of people, these nonprofits are the backbone of our region. MCF is proud to invest in these organizations, and to stand by their side as they work to achieve their vision.”

Using MCF’s generous grant as a launch pad, we’ll work to grow our fundraising efforts to accomplish this goal. “We are growing quickly due to the need and demand for accessible transportation and this is a critical tool in our operations,” stated Kristie GoForth, Executive Director. She continued, “Currently, if someone calls us and presents us with an offer to pick up 20-30 bikes from an apartment building, we are unable to unless we rent a truck. It becomes cost prohibitive for us.” Bikes for Kids hopes to raise $60,000 for the vehicle and wrap by the end of 2024.

MCF provided grants to 19 nonprofit organizations in Dane County totaling $935,000 in January 2024. If you have connections to car dealerships that are supporters of local organizations or want to donate to this cause, please send us an email.