
BETTENDORF, IOWA (August 15, 2024) — Every year, the Grant W Brissman and Virginia M Brissman Foundation awards grants for projects and organizations that improve the quality of life in the Village of Milan, Illinois. The Brissman Foundation is a private foundation administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation.
Applications for the 2024 Brissman Foundation grants are now open. Organizations can apply for up to $10,000 to support their work in areas such as youth development, community development, cultural activities, and the relief of suffering for underprivileged people. Non-profits located outside of Milan may apply if their applications demonstrate specific benefits to the village and its residents.
Last year, Brissman Foundation trustees awarded $131,000 to local organizations, the largest amount the foundation has ever awarded through its competitive grant cycle.
Grant Brissman was a graduate of Rock Island High School and the former Brown's Business College. He was a pioneer Milan business owner, starting Brissman's Auto Supply in 1948. The business served Milan and the surrounding communities for almost thirty years before he retired in 1978. He was also a founding director and shareholder of Blackhawk State Bank in Milan, where he served on the board of directors for many years.
Virginia Brissman worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company for forty years before retiring in 1977. They had been married for sixty years when Grant died at age 88 in 2004. Virginia died at the age of 94.
The Brissman Foundation honors Grant and Virginia’s legacy of generosity. The foundation was established through their estates, and the Community Foundation provides administrative and grant-making services for the Brissman Foundation.
Interested organizations are encouraged to learn more and apply by October 5, 2024, at qccommunityfoundation.org/brissmangrants.