What is FORWARD Endowment?
While not an active club or organization, the FORWARD (Friends Of Resources, Wildlife And Recreational Development) Endowment was created by Manitowoc Unit of Fish and Game as a tool to help meet the ongoing needs of sporting men and women in the community. Started with a $50,000 estate gift, the charitable trust has grown to over $950,000. Manitowoc County Fish & Game Protective Association recently assigned 15% of their banquet proceeds to the trust, a practice they have done for many years, making them a major supporter of the future.
The intent of the founders was to provide a financial resource to help fund projects in Manitowoc County that relate to hunting, fishing, conservation and related education. We understand that alternative funding sources for these projects are becoming more challenging and this fund provides an important resource to protect what has been built in Manitowoc County over the past 100 years. We also understand the importance of educating youth to create the next generation of caretakers for the resources of the area. Funding education and youth programs is an important part of the trust.
The FORWARD Endowment is a 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible. In 2024, the trust format has been changed to a Unitrust, giving more flexibility in funding important projects for the future. Each September the FORWARD Endowment solicits requests for grants from the fund, closing at the end of December. Awards are given in March of the following year and are managed by Associated Trust. To date the trust has awarded over $200,000 in community grants for projects all across the area. It will continue to be a major resource for the quality of life in Manitowoc County.
Many of the clubs in Manitowoc County have supported the FORWARD Endowment. Many individuals and businesses have also provided support through direct gifts and even estate planning and gifts. A donation to the endowment has become a popular alternative to flowers when club members and sporting enthusiasts pass away. This is a wonderful recognition of their lives as these gifts will always be there and continue to give to the community for years to come.
Requests for the 2026 Gifting Season are NOW OPEN!
The FORWARD Endowment, the Manitowoc County trust established to fund projects focused on hunting, fishing, conservation, and related education, has announced that it will begin accepting requests for its 2026 funding cycle. The organization strives to help the community maintain and expand the resources and wildlife found in the area.
Leede Research will again be coordinating the gifting process and aiding in filling grant request materials. There is a simple application form that asks for details of the requests and organization. Both hard projects and related education programs are eligible for grants. Projects must have public benefit and tie to hunting, fishing and conservation and must be based in Manitowoc County. The group has automated the applications, which are available through www.mantyfg.org. Contact emails can be sent to mantyfg071@gmail.com
FORWARD stands for Friends Of Resources, Wildlife And Recreational Development. It was founded by The Manitowoc Unit of Manitowoc County Fish & Game. It is supported by a combination of funding from area sporting clubs and private donations. Manitowoc County Fish and Game Protective Association has been a major supporter of the fund through their Annual Banquet proceeds each year.
The trust recently completed a redesign to a new unitrust format that gives the group more flexibility in funding projects that are important to the community. This allowed trust to fund just over $28,000 in projects in 2025.
The FORWARD Endowment has now provided over $200,000 in grants awarded to projects and groups in Manitowoc County. These represent completed projects in the community. FORWARD is a 501C3 and donations can make checks payable to The FORWARD Endowment c/o Associated Bank. Those making end of the year charitable donations are invited to consider the fund.
Requests must be submitted by December 31. 2026 to be considered for this year’s funding.
Download the Request Form (or use the button below)
