What We Do
The Trillium Foundation takes its name from a native Wisconsin wildflower that grows slowly and thrives through the work of ants, which help spread its seeds, and through underground rootstocks that enable it to survive harsh conditions.
Taking inspiration from our namesake, the Trillium Foundation seeks to create positive change and lasting opportunities for individuals and communities in Wisconsin by working collaboratively with others and helping to establish strong networks of support.
ELIGIBLE GRANTEES
The Trillium Foundation is currently accepting Letters of Intent for proposals that will benefit the people and communities of Wisconsin.
- Proposers must have a 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit tax-exempt status as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Grants will not be made to individuals.
- The Trillium Foundation does not intend to fund activities currently eligible for public funding, nor other grantmaking foundations or charities.
- Proposals will go through a competitive review process. Proposers will be notified of the Trillium Foundation Board’s decision within approximately 60 days of the application acceptance. Notification times may vary based on volume of requests. Grants are subject to withdrawal if the grantee fails to meet any requirements or conditions of the grant.
The Trillium Foundation will focus its initial grants on proposals to improve the lives of the citizens of Wisconsin with an emphasis on Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities, including those who are veterans and/or are in an underserved community. Additional information about these populations can be found below.
Older Adults
Older adults are the fastest-growing demographic in Wisconsin with 1.45 million adults age 60 or older.
Individuals with Disabilities
According to the CDC, 993,009 Wisconsin adults have a disability. An estimated 580,000 family caregivers provide about 80% of all care in the state.
Veterans
In 2022, Wisconsin was home to more than 331,000 veterans. Wisconsin veterans report higher rates of disability than non-veterans. Nearly one third of veterans 65 years and older have a disability.
Underserved Communities
10% of Wisconsinites live in a food desert, an area that lacks healthy, affordable food. Disability is a risk factor for food insecurity. Two-thirds of Wisconsin counties are medically underserved.
Older Adults
Individuals with Disabilities
Veterans
Underserved Communities and Populations
Older Adults
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 25% of Wisconsinites are age 60 and older and 9% of older adults in Wisconsin live in poverty. The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports the percentage of single adults aged 50 or older experiencing homelessness has climbed from 11% in the early 1990s to approximately 37% in 2003 and is expected to triple by 2030.
According to the National Council on Aging, chronic diseases, falls, physical inactivity, oral health concerns, and behavioral health issues can severely impact elders’ quality of life. Nearly 95% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% have two or more.
Individuals with Disabilities
According to the CDC, 23% of adult Wisconsinites have a disability. The Commonwealth Fund states studies show that many people living with disabilities receive lower-quality care, less preventive care, and have a higher incidence of chronic conditions.
People living with disabilities also face higher out-of-pocket health care costs, are more likely to live below the federal poverty level and are more likely to experience serious illness than their peers. Sixteen percent of people with disabilities live in poverty.
Veterans
More than half of Wisconsin veterans are age 65 or older, and almost one-third are living with a disability. Six percent of Wisconsin veterans live in poverty.
Author Jenn Kerfoot stated in 2023 there were an estimated 18 million veterans and of those, 9 million were eligible for VA care, and only 6 million were using it. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, based on 2021 data, veteran suicide rates increased by 11.6% from 2020. Veteran suicide is now the second leading cause of death by veterans under the age of 45.
Underserved Communities
Examples of underserved communities and populations in Wisconsin include:
- More than 427,000 Wisconsinites experience food insecurity according to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. The USDA reports that disability is an important risk factor for food insecurity.
- The UW-Madison Institute for Research on Poverty states that nearly 1,500 Wisconsinites die annually from opioid overdoses. People with disabilities have higher rates of opioid misuse and disorder than people without disabilities. Older adults experienced a 28% increase in drug overdose death rates from 2020 to 2021.
- According to the Child Welfare League, in 2020, 387 children aged out of foster care in Wisconsin. The State of Wisconsin estimates that half of all children in foster care have a disabling condition.
- According to the Prison Policy Initiative, more than 40% of the state prison population has a disability and 15% are older adults. Most incarcerated people return to their communities and the US Department of Jusice notes three key elements of successful reentry into communities:
- Assistance finding and keeping employment
- Identifying transitional housing
- Providing mentoring