Brissman Foundation grants help groups improve Milan

The application period for grants to improve Milan is now open.

The Grant W. Brissman and Virginia M. Brissman Foundation awards grants every year for projects and organizations that improve the quality of life in Milan. The Brissman Foundation is a private foundation administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation.

Organizations can apply for up to $10,000 to support their work in areas like youth development, community development, cultural activities and assistance for underprivileged people. Nonprofits outside of Milan can apply if their applications show specific benefits to Milan and its residents.

Brissman Foundation trustees awarded $131,000 last year 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 became an early Milan business owner when he started Brissman’s Auto Supply in 1948. The business served Milan and surrounding communities for almost 30 years before he retired in 1978. He was a founding director and shareholder of Blackhawk State Bank in Milan and served on the board of directors for many years.

Virginia Brissman worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company for 40 years before retiring in 1977. The Brissmans had been married for 60 years when Grant died in 2004 at age 88. Virginia died at the age of 94. The Brissman Foundation honors their legacy of generosity. The foundation was established through their estates, and the Community Foundation provides administrative and grant-making services.

Interested organizations can learn more and apply by clicking here . The deadline is October 5.

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