Community Foundation announces Major Grant recipient for 2024
By Patrick Lynn
The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has announced the recipient of its Major Grant Award for 2024 will help reinvigorate space in the former convent.
The chosen project is a collaboration between Central Rivers Farmshed and CREATE Portage County. The CF grant of $50,000 will support the partners’ new collaborative hub for innovation and creativity.
CREATE and Farmshed are collaborating to revitalize 26,000 square feet of the former Sisters of St. Joseph convent, which is situated in the center of The Grove, a senior and affordable housing project.
“The joint effort of the two nonprofits is expected to inject new vitality into this area, with ripple effects across our region,” a news release from the CF reads in part. “This redevelopment aims to be a cornerstone for the community, championing arts, culture, entrepreneurship, and progressive food systems.”
“The Sisters of St. Joseph’s long-standing work in education that accounts for the original farm to table efforts in Stevens Point,” said Trevor Drake, executive director at Farmshed. “The entire complex was once a working farm for the Sisters, who were completely self-sufficient. It is an honor for Farmshed to have the opportunity to bring that work back into their home. A formal partnership existing in the same facility as CREATE has the potential to continue enhancing the vibrancy of Stevens Point and the surrounding region.”
The new space will be designed to bolster community engagement by providing coworking spaces, meeting areas, and venues for events.
CREATE plans to “usher in a fresh wave of innovation, offering emerging artists and business minds a platform to bring their visions to life,” while Farmshed will utilize an extensive commercial kitchen to address the notable gap in food entrepreneurship in the northern half of the state, and “set the stage for broader economic development and job opportunities.”
“The adaptive reuse of the former convent pays homage to the rich history of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the impactful work that initially drew them to this community,” said Maggie Marquardt, CREATE’s executive director. “This project showcases the enduring spirit of collaboration, preserving a cherished history, and forging a path that aligns with CREATE and Farmshed missions to inspire through the arts, foster new ideas, and sustainably nourish our community.”
Max Trzebiatowski, Community Foundation Board President-elect, said the collaboration was vital to better engage the community.
“It allows us to reuse historic space in our community and unite resources while supporting entrepreneurship and local food sources,” he said. “I’m excited to see what this project and partnership will help create.”
For more information regarding the Community Foundation’s grants process, contact Marlee Samuels, Director of Donor Services and Programs, at 715-342-4454 or [email protected].
