100 Who Care

CHARAC (pronounced chair-ack), encourages the production, performance and appreciation of the arts through networking among artists and the community, supporting artists, increasing public awareness of the arts, and facilitating the arts through cultural programming, and education.

The goal is to provide a place and opportunity for area adults who play band instruments to use their talents.

*Eligible for funding in 2027*

The organization’s primary goals were to secure county funding and to raise funds for needs beyond the resources of the library’s regular budget. The Friends believe that a strong public library is essential for a thriving community.

The Hayward Community Choir has presented the Christmas cantata for over three decades, bringing Christ’s birth to our friends and neighbors.

NAET in 2024 is focused on setting up and furnishing the Madeline Island “Flicker House” recently purchased by non-profit organizations and leased to NAET in order to create a historical and culturally based Indigenous educational center on the island. The Center will serve as a base for educational media development, hosting individuals and groups to the island pertaining to the 10,000 years of indigenous presence, its use as a center of governance for the Ojibwe Nation and providing badly needed housing opportunities for visiting artists and vendors.

NorthWoods Strings is dedicated to Building a Musical Community by providing individual string instrument lessons, ensembles, and performance opportunities on the violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, ukulele, and mandolin to children and adults in rural Northwestern Wisconsin. Through low cost instrument rental and our robust scholarship program, our mission is to make classical and folk string instrument education accessible to all.  We believe music has the power to bring people together, we recognize and value diversity, and we welcome everyone.

*Eligible for funding in 2026*

We bring joy and connection to our community through the arts. It is an artistic center for performance and education. Our work is guided by our belief in enhancing your life and commitment to: quality of life, sense of place, inspiration through art, and a deep community connection.

Engages community members local and afar, in the history of quilt making.

Preserve, advance and disseminate knowledge of the history of the Sawyer County area and to collect materials and artifacts relating to the history of the Sawyer County, Wisconsin, area.

All volunteer run, with totally free services, books, and materials, Sawyer County Literacy is a small 501c3 non-profit agency that serves adult learners and their families in a wide variety of ways. (in the extended Community, the Sawyer County Jail, and where our Learning Center is located at LCO Ojibwe University). Our most important emphasis is to encourage and come alongside adult learners to become who they’d like to be or can be! We do this by providing one-on-one tutoring, working closely with other community resources, and focusing on what learners’ goals are. Examples are: academics/GED, career, computer and job skills, health, financial/budget, & family Literacy, practicing/learning English and MORE! Please visit our website to find out more: Sawyercountyliteracy.org

See My Art, Inc. (SMART) is a not-for-profit corporation that inspires, empowers, validates, and supports people with disabilities through art. SMART seeks to open doors and unlock minds by providing public venues on land and online for displaying art by individuals of all abilities, and by educating the public about the health benefits of artistic expression.

Provide community based theatrical productions in Hayward, Wisconsin for Hayward and the surrounding communities.

Our museum has family files and pictorial family files. We house a map of Evergreen Cemetery and a file of all plots. Families often ask for burial info and we have the plot map. Encouraging interest in family history brings visitors into our museum.

Every day in Wisconsin, neighbors with different backgrounds and beliefs pass each other, sometimes connecting and often not. Despite these difference, they share a powerful connection to their home. Wisconsin Humanities mission is to strengthen community life through educational and cultural programs that inspire civic participation and imagination. By preserving local history, starting important conversations, and creating new traditions, Wisconsin Humanities helps build a stronger, more connected Wisconsin.

It is the purpose of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Public Broadcasting to participate in, report on, and reflect upon aspects of life in Northwestern Wisconsin. In doing so, we will present programming that is not only entertaining, but educational as well.

To promote and conduct the finest international cross country ski competition; To serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner Trail; To support healthy and active lifestyles among people of all ages and abilities. Achieved through year- round programs for; skiing, running and biking. The Birkie Green initiative serves to reduce our carbon footprint through 5 areas of focus; Limit our use of unrecycled material for retail and for race swag, Increase our reliance on renewable energy,

Reduce or offset our harmful carbon production, Continue to reduce waste and choose positive environmental alternatives, and build sustainable structures going forward.

The Scouting program strengthens character through actions to prepare youth for a lifetime of leadership. Through fun yet challenging physical and mental activities, Scouting encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them. Scouting is strong in Sawyer County with youth participating in Pack and Troop 70 in Hayward and Pack 55 in Winter.

The CAMBA trails lie in and around the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, nearly a million acres in which to ride your mountain bike or your gravel bike.

*Eligible for funding in 2026*

FHNB events focus on educational fishing, providing persons with disabilities the opportunity to fish. Each event becomes a forum that creates public awareness and brings about needed change.

Fishing Has No Boundaries® is a resource for information on adaptive fishing equipment and accessibility, promotes Research & Development of specialized adaptive equipment and gear to enhance fishing experiences for anglers with disabilities.

We are located in the lush forests of Northern Wisconsin. Tourism and outdoor recreation are some of our top attractions and both drive our economic development.

As a part of NICA (the National Interscholastic Cycling Association), the Hayward MTB team strives to help its participants build strong minds, bodies, character and community through cycling. We work with area student-athletes in grades 6 through 12 (and their families) to learn the skills of mountain biking to make it a safe, lifelong activity. In 2023, we were 62 student-athletes and 25 coaches strong and hope to grow even more in our upcoming season!

Hayward Civic Corporation is requesting consideration of the “100 Who Care” $10,000 contribution, to support youth golf. Hayward Golf Course provides a robust youth golf program and is now partnering with Hayward School District to establish the First Tee Curriculum. The First Tee integrates the game of golf with character development by creating learning experiences that help kids and teens with inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. The program encourages young people to overcome challenges, build confidence and grow as leaders

The Sno-Mads Snowmobile Club is a member of the Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance.

To participate in athletics creates an important learning environment for the development of responsibility and work ethics; character and confidence; commitment and respect; excellence and achievement, sportsmanship and teamwork. 

Support the growth and development of community education among youth soccer players in the Hayward, Wisconsin area.

The Mission is to serve and promote the game of Ice Hockey at both youth and high school levels in the Hayward area; to assist teams and participants in their various forms of involvement with the game; and to encourage and facilitate the involvement of as many people as possible in hockey activities. 

The Lumberjack World Championships are held each summer at Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward, WI. Awn international competition, over 100 athletes compete in sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running & more! 

Landmark Conservancy is a nationally accredited, non-profit land trust serving 20 counties in western and northwestern Wisconsin. We work with private landowners who wish to conserve their land in perpetuity.  We also work with local municipalities, state, and federal entities to create public preserves and trails for all to enjoy.  

The Hayward Lakes Chapter of Muskies Inc is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization. We have 125 local members and are part of a national organization with 7,000 members. Our goals are, improvement of Muskie fishing, improving all types of fishing and helping youth to enjoy the sport. We have a fundraising tournament each year that brings 500 participants to the Hayward area. Over the past 45 years, we have raised over $537,000 and funded 364 projects. Most of our donations go to local projects. We support Fishing Has No Boundaries, The Fishing Hall Of Fame, The Shues Pond Project, we have stocked 31,000 Muskies, we have donated to The DNR for some fisheries projects, we hold a youth fishing day each year. We provide scholarships to students at UW Stevens Point who are studying to become fish biologists. Last year we funded 4- $1,500 scholarships. This year, our club, along with Hayward Bass Club, are going to run the Muskie Festival catch and release fishing contest.  We plan on continuing our work into the future. 

The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is an American hall of  fame in Hayward, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting freshwater fishing. Approximately 100,000 visitors tour the museum each year. The 143-foot-long muskie sculpture is the world’s largest muskie. 

Responding to a growing need to create and maintain trails for ATV‘s in Sawyer County and Southern Bayfield County. Our goal is to develop a safe and ecologically responsible ATV trail system to connect with trail systems in surrounding counties. 

NHS will work to find appropriate homes for animals, provide medical care as needed and work to socialize and train to increase their success in a home situation. NHS receives animals thru surrenders, unclaimed animals from LCO and Sawyer County Animal Control and cat strays and transports.  NHS had a proactive spay and neuter program for owned animals, a pet community food shelf and provides housing for unsheltered animals.  NHS maintains community dog parks for large and small dogs.  NHS is the designated Emergency Care Site for pets from Sawyer County and surrounding areas in case of a disaster.  NHS maintains an all-volunteer Thrift Shop to help support our mission.

River Alliance empowers people to protect and restore water. For 30 years, our members have advanced conservation policy and taken local action to restore waterways. River Alliance protects Wisconsin waters through water advocacy, business engagement, agricultural water stewardship, watershed group support and invasive species outreach and education. 

Saving Grace Animal Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit foster-based animal rescue dedicated to transforming the lives of animals in overcrowded kill shelters. We provide loving homes and welcome owner surrenders, without breed discrimination. Our focus is on empowering vulnerable populations, including pregnant/nursing moms, orphan puppies, and seniors. Ensuing that the voiceless are heard.

*Eligible for funding in 2027*

Sawyer County 4-H Clubs seek to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of their community through UW-Madison Extension to enhance the quality of life.  The 4-H’s represent head-heart-hands-health. 

The Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance is a nonprofit corporation made up of 10 individual snowmobile and ATV clubs located throughout Sawyer County, Wisconsin. The purpose is to develop and maintain trails throughout the County and often in parts of surrounding counties. We build, maintain and groom over 600 miles of beautiful trails within the County. This is all done by volunteers who love the outdoors and encourage family outings on our trails. 

To promote the safe and sensible use of the natural resources; To provide support and funding for hunter education classes, to enhance the habitat for future generations by helping other organizations that promote sustainable practices through wildlife, forestry and fisheries management.

Create an ongoing communications forum through which ATV enthusiasts and supporters can share information and experiences, participate in educational opportunities, and become partners in creating a positive image of the sport. 

The YCA was founded in 2010 as a federal and state 501c3. Its charter is to teach children of all ages about environmental sciences and outdoors using practical applications like fishing, but also about lake ecosytems and the health of the environment around them. The events are purpose-built to carry our program knowledge with them throughout their lifetime. We call this sound environmental stewardship.  

Inactive at this time

Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix and Namekagon is the official nonprofit partner for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, our local National Park. We support and complement the National Park Service‘s work within the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway. The Conservancy is the voice of the river and is widely recognized as the go-to organization offering programs and services in two major areas: environmental learning – outdoor experiences and natural resource protections.  

Winged Freedom Raptor Hospital serves Northwestern Wisconsin’s eagles, hawks and owls by providing rescue, medical and surgical treatment and prerelease conditioning for all raptor species.  We are 100% volunteer, and all donations are used directly for bird care.  We have the only facility licensed to treat Bald Eagles in this part of the state. 

The Winter Huskies Snowmobile Club is a nonprofit organization that strives to advance and protect the sport of snowmobiling. We unite snowmobilers, business owners, and the surrounding communities to better the sport and create a camaraderie among all.

Aki Inc. (A.A.I.) was founded in 1992 to assist in the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) tribe’s efforts to combat the high rate of alcohol and drug abuse.

Dedicated to serving the vulnerable people of Liberia with program emphasis on Social Protection programs and Sustainable Development. 

In its almost 48 years of existence, the Alano Society has provided a meeting place for hundreds of people involved in 12 step recovery programs. In 1997, the society moved from a “little red house “on 2nd Street, to a new facility at 10339 South Florida Avenue, next to the Lake Hayward dam. Thanks to a grant in 2008, the facility was remodeled and many improvements. An individual or business does not need to be a member of a 12-step group to a member of the Alano Society or its board. They only need to be interested in the programs and the rehabilitation of alcohol, drug, co-dependency and other related addictions. In addition, the club is available for rent to the public.   We have hosted nonprofit meetings, memorial services, birthday parties and a variety of other activities all at a nominal fee. 

We provide service to Wisconsin‘s 11 Tribes Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Programs. 

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace, and security.

Enables all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as caring, productive, and responsible citizens.

The Scouting program strengthens character through actions to prepare youth for a lifetime of leadership. Through fun yet challenging physical and mental activities, Scouting encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them. Scouting is strong in Sawyer County with youth participating in Pack and Troop 70 in Hayward and Pack 55 in Winter. 

Christmas 4 Kidz is a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides Christmas gifts to children within Sawyer County whose families are struggling financially. We strive to provide locally purchased, fun, educational toys. By showing care for children, our future leaders, we hope to ignite a sense of caring and sharing for generations to come.  

On August 27, 2019, Cassidy Joy Metropulos lost her life to an overdose of illicit fentanyl in Hayward, WI.   In 2021 approximately 110,000 lives were lost nationally due to illicit fentanyl overdoses.  Nationally fentanyl is the number one killer of adults 18-45 years of age.  Sawyer County, WI, per capita, ranks second in the state of Wisconsin for overdose deaths only behind Milwaukee County.   Forever Joy, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raise awareness in our community to the risks and dangers of illicit fentanyl and providing the knowledge to save lives.

*Not eligible for funding till 2027*

The Greater Hayward House of Hope is a rehabilitation ministry that helps men overcome life-controlling addiction issues in a Christ-centered, residential setting. The ministry is made possible by many generous donations and countless volunteer hours. Funding is provided by individuals, businesses, organizations, area church donations and fundraising. Without a collaborative effort, the House of Hope wouldn’t be able to sustain itself. In early 2021, the House of Hope received its first program participants. Several graduates have gone on to live sober, God-honoring lives, and two of the graduates have entered House of Hope staff roles and lead the daily operations which include programming and the trade-skills workshop.

Partners with people in your community to help them build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. 

The Hayward Area Rotary Club impacts our community daily, though most of what we do is behind the scenes. Each year, Rotarians award scholarships to area high school students. To date over $100,000 has been donated to help students further their education. Other major benefactors include the Sherman and Ruth Weiss Community Library, the Shue Pond Gazebo as platinum sponsor, and the Park Theatre project (sound and lighting). Maybe you’ve seen the Little Libraries around town, where you can donate or grab a book, or honked at local club members as they do highway clean-up on Highway 63. Or maybe we served you a drink at the Lumberjack World Championships or Musky Fest. The Club also donates several hundred dictionaries each year to area third graders as well as volunteers at the Food Shelf. Local Rotarians help run the school district’s backpack program as well as provide food packets to children in needy families. Membership is open to all!

Established by a small group of concerned citizens in 1985, the mission of the Hayward Community Food Shelf is “to provide food for those in need in an efficient, compassionate, and non-judgmental manner”. HCFS is a non-discriminatory organization dedicated to reducing food insecurity in Sawyer County and the surrounding area, and we provide TEFAP food to Wisconsin residents. HCFS is funded solely by donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations and is 100% volunteer-operated. In addition to food for families, HCFS supports special programs; Food 4 Kids, Food for Seniors, Food for Transition, Food for Homeless, Holiday and Summer Picnic Meals.

A gathering spot for veterans and the community that supports them. 

Horse Spirit Inc. Horse Spirit’s mission is to promote personal growth, hope, and healing through horses to veterans, first responders with PTSD, and their families. We provide Equine Assisted Learning and Foundation Horsemanship classes and workshops for individual veterans and first responders, couples, families, and groups. We also provide non-equine activities to our participants, such as ice fishing, canoeing, and kayak trips down the Namekagon River. Additionally, we provide grants to veterans and first responders seeking alternate forms of therapy beyond the scope of our organization.

A nonprofit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of legal, evidence-based, and evidence-informed criminal justice programming, practices, and policies. The impact of improved outcomes is not limited to criminal justice stakeholders, practitioners, defendants, and victims, but has a direct impact in the quality of life for all in the community. Reduction in key criminal justice outcomes such as recidivism has the cumulative effect of interrupting the cycle of criminal activity by eliminating criminal role modeling and the cycle of victimization.

The mission of the University is to provide Anishinaabe communities with post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture, and history of the Ojibwe people. Our focus is to help Native students advance themselves in the world while studying their history and language. We are an open-door institution which welcomes all students, Native and non-Native, anyone who would like to work toward a future built on Anishinaabe values.

Provides information, resources & assistance to tribal elderly, disabled and their families, empowering them to age in place.

Provides culturally-appropriate vocational rehabilitation services to Native Americans with disabilities who reside on the LCO reservation and in Sawyer County. 

Provides public transportation services in Sawyer, Washburn, Barron, and Southern Bayfield Counties, and the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. 

New Life Resource Center is a pregnancy and family center. We begin with pregnancy and provide pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STI/STD testing. We also offer pregnancy options, post abortion wellness, educational programs ranging from positive tests through toddler parenting. Life skills classes, including but not limited to the wellness of the whole person, boundaries, relationships, and finances, and much more! We are here because we care. Our staff is trained, caring and compassionate. We are proud of the small part we play in the community. All our services are free!

Provides a safe and healthy environment to address the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the residents, while also teaching the women to make healthier lifestyle choices. 

Northern Waters Environmental School is a project-based learning community in the Hayward Community School District where students explore their natural, economic and cultural environment to foster collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking. With educator and partner support, students develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve in all academic areas. 

NCFR supports and strengthens families and caregivers by building a long-lasting foundation through education, information, referrals, and shared opportunities through free opportunities for families with children under age 18. We believe that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable and nurturing environment and by partnering with parents/caregivers, families receive the support they need to meet their unique needs.  NCFR is proud to be one of the 9 accredited Family Resource Centers of Quality (FRC-Q) in Wisconsin. “Supporting Children – Connecting Families – Strengthening Communities” 

Northwest Wisconsin Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (Northwest Wisconsin CEP or CEP), a federally designated 501(C)(3) private nonprofit corporation, has administered federal, state, and private foundation funded workforce development programs for over 50 years with a history of excellence, innovation, and accountability. Our mission is to strengthen the economy of Northwest Wisconsin by providing effective and efficient workforce development services to businesses and workers. 

The Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board is one of eleven Workforce Development Boards within the state of Wisconsin. Together the state’s Workforce Development Boards collaborate through the Wisconsin Workforce Development Association to develop and implement statewide workforce strategies to build a stronger workforce for Wisconsin to meet the needs of growing businesses. 

We have been open since 2020 and we are dedicated to trying to end hunger in Sawyer County and surrounding communities. We pick up food that is close to expiring from Market Place, Wal*Mart, Miller’s Market, Kwik Trip , Dollar General and Dollar Tree.  We are Open 3 days a week and you can come once a month. We also pass out Stockboxes to seniors.

Regional Hospice Services & Palliative Care is a special kind of care that emphasizes quality of life for people living with a terminal or life-limiting illness, by delivering care with dignity and respect for the patient‘s wishes. Support is provided for the patient and their family by a team of nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. Services are provided in the setting of the patient‘s home, whether it is a private residence, assisted living or skilled-nursing home. Regional Hospice provides services based on need, regardless of one‘s ability to pay. Grief support groups are offered at no charge to all community members. 

Our Mission: Safe Place Warming Houses exist to provide temporary overnight shelter and immediate needs for the homeless, while directing them to permanent solutions for their needs. Our Vision: We envision Safe Place Warming Houses as a place where everyone can sleep indoors, regroup, and redirect their lives toward long–term solutions—our Motto: From homelessness and lack, to thriving sustainability. 

Build local programs designed to offer immediate relief, short- term care, and long-term growth in the areas that will best benefit the community. 

The Senior Resource Center serves older Americans aged 60+ in Sawyer County Wisconsin. There are 5 meal sites serving daily (Monday – Friday) on site luncheon meals as well as Meals on Wheels home delivery for those who are unable to come into the meal centers. We also offer Monday through Friday bus transportation within a 5-mile radius of downtown Hayward. We maintain four walk in meal sites at Hayward, Stone Lake, Spider Lake and Exeland. Note: The Winter area is part of the Exeland meal site and Winter area seniors can receive Meals on Wheels and carry out meals. Home delivered meals for our Meals on Wheels.

Wheels program are also served from the same sites. Contact the Hayward office at (715) 634-3000 if you have questions about the Meals on Wheels program or qualification guidelines.

The Mission of Sawyer County Housing Authority is to provide safe and sanitary dwellings within the financial reach of individuals and families with low and moderate income.“ The Sawyer County Housing Authority operates rental assistance programs funded through the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and continues to own and develop affordable workforce housing. 

Stone Lake Food Distribution Center is a nonprofit organization that for the last two and a half years has served an average of fifty families every Saturday. Our food shelf is different, it is like a store, the families come and take what they need. They are not given a box of items that they may not use.

Adolescence should be a time of great adventure and discovery but often at this stage of life it is complicated and messy. We all need help to thrive; none of us can do it alone, we all need love, hope, and belonging or our lives will fall apart. Timber Bay – Hayward is one of twelve community groups based in the upper Midwest that offer teens a safe place to build healthy relationships with their peers and adult mentors that have life-long positive impact. The Mentors for Life program provides teens a shoulder to lean on in tough times, a cheering voice at the milestones and transitions of life. Timber Bay youth meet weekly in after school groups where they experience belonging with peers and mentors. In addition, weeks are filled with special activities, individual mentoring, and honest conversations about life, faith, relationships, and self-worth. Timber Bay provides youth the support they need to grow and thrive. Camp provides a chance to get away, experience peace, adventure and simply be a kid.

A classical Christian school in Hayward, WI who seeks to partner with Christian families to provide a classical and Christ-centered education. In partnership with parents, TCA strives to raise up leaders who impact the culture for Christ.  

Ventures Unlimited Inc‘s. mission is to provide innovative services for individuals with disabilities so they may lead meaningful lives. Ventures provide opportunities to create the possibility for growth and empowerment; therefore, all people have the right to equal opportunities- to experience or withdraw, to succeed or fail- with their decision being respected. All people have the right to choose their goals in their life and have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. All people have a responsibility to express their needs with the security of knowing they will be heard and that we will advocate for those that cannot communicate on their own. Ventures Unlimited Inc. currently has 3 locations and 3 thrift stores. Our primary services would include vocational training in house, in our thrift stores, and within the community. We also provide day service, supportive home care, mentoring/social support, and placement and supportive employment. Ventures currently serves around 75 individuals with disabilities within Sawyer County. 

The mission is to create proficient speakers of the Ojibwe language who are able to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing world. The school will be a community center for language revitalization, local environmental understanding, and intergenerational relationships. 

Its Goals:  provide continuing education for members and others on issues that will strengthen families and communities. To develop and improve leadership skills of members. To build coalitions with other organizations and agencies having similar objectives and concerns as WAHCE, Inc. To promote friendships and understanding with all people of the world.