BASE Awarded $800,000 Non‑State Projects Grant to Advance Community Center Project

Fort Atkinson, WI — Badgerland After School Enrichment Program (BASE) announced today that it has been awarded an $800,000 grant through the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Non‑State Projects Grant Program, a major investment that will accelerate progress on the BASE Future Home Community Center located at 1233 Janesville Ave.

With support from the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation, local businesses, private foundations, and individual donors, BASE successfully raised more than $5.3 million for Phase I construction. As part of this effort, BASE also strengthened long‑term sustainability by growing its endowment fund to $1.7 million, surpassing its original $1.5 million goal. This growth was made possible through a $1 million grant from the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation combined with contributions from BASE supporters.

The addition of the DOA grant brings BASE’s total Phase I funding to $7.8 million.

Phase I funding enabled BASE to purchase the building and complete essential upgrades, including a new fire alarm system, fire suppression system, and significant exterior improvements such as the installation of two playgrounds. Renovation of 20,000 square feet of interior space created a commercial kitchen, four enrichment classrooms, three early childhood classrooms, a multipurpose room, administrative offices, and new furniture, storage, and equipment throughout the facility.

With the DOA grant, Phase I is now fully funded. The award allows BASE to complete remaining construction and readiness projects, including outfitting youth classrooms, equipping the commercial kitchen, installing technology infrastructure, and implementing critical safety and security systems. These final steps will ensure the new facility is fully prepared to serve BASE programs and the broader community.

“This grant is transformational for our organization and our community,” said Alicia Norris, Executive Director of BASE. “It allows us to finish the critical first phase of our project so we can expand our programs and ultimately broaden our impact. This funding also positions us to move confidently into the next stage of our project.”

Planning for Phase II will begin in fall 2026. This next phase will expand the Community Center into a multi‑generational hub featuring:

• Teen Center- a dedicated space supporting youth engagement, leadership, and belonging

• Demonstration Kitchen- hands‑on environment for nutrition education, cooking classes, and community events

• High School–Sized Gymnasium-a full‑scale athletic space for recreation, tournaments, and community gatherings

These additions will significantly expand BASE’s ability to serve residents of all ages, strengthen local infrastructure, and enhance access to safe, enriching community spaces.

“We are deeply grateful to the Department of Administration and the State Building Commission for recognizing the importance of this project,” Norris added. “This investment supports not only our youth, but the long‑term vitality of our entire community.”

Since 2005, BASE has been a cornerstone of support for Fort Atkinson families, providing critical out‑of‑school‑time care that helps children learn, grow, and thrive. BASE services include after school and summer care for kids ages 4 & up. The organization’s new home at 1233 Janesville Ave establishes a centralized hub for its out of school time programs for kids ages 7 & up and also allows the organization to expand services, including licensed childcare for children ages 4–6 and flexible community space designed to bring people of all ages together.

For more information about BASE and its programs, visitwww.basefortatkinson.org.