Integrys Energy : Non-Profits Awarded Employee Choice Grants From Wisconsin Public Service Foundation

For Release: 06/23/2015

Green Bay, WI - Forty-seven local non-profits recently received an unexpected grant from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. The unknowing recipients were nominated by employees at WPS. Employees were encouraged to nominate non-profits that had impacted their lives or community. Recipients were then chosen at random from a large pool of employee- nominated, community-based organizations to receive a $1,000 grant.

"What a great surprise to learn we were nominated and selected to receive an Employee Choice Grant. The grant will be used to create a hands-on educational area in the garden to inspire children to get outdoors and explore. Over 27,000 children and adults visit our children's museum in Eagle River each year and we are so thankful for the WPS volunteers and Foundation's support," said Rouleen Gartner, Executive Director, Northwoods Children's Museum.

"The new Employee Choice Grant has really captured the interest of our employees. It is WPS's hope that it will inspire them to give even more generously of their time and treasures in the future," said Karmen Lemke, Foundation Director. "They're appreciative and excited about helping out some amazing organizations that are making a difference in the communities that we serve."

The Foundation is funded by company shareholders, not by the customers of its utility subsidiaries, and is in its 51st year. Through direct grants, scholarships and an employee Matching Gifts and Dollars for Doers program, the Foundation actively supports improvements in the quality of life in the communities served by Wisconsin Public Service. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided nearly $29 million in contributions to programs that support activities in the areas of arts and culture, community and neighborhood development, education, human services and health, and care for the environment.

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