READY TO APPLY? Click the button below to learn more and apply!
WHAT IS SOUP?
Viroqua SOUP is a micro-granting, crowd-funding event designed to celebrate and support creative projects in our community.
For a suggested $5 donation, attendees receive:
✅ Soup & bread
✅ A vote on their favorite project
✅ Four inspiring project pitches
Projects can include art installations, community events, social causes, and more. Each presenter has 4 minutes to share their idea and answer 4 audience questions.
At the event, attendees eat, connect, share resources, and vote for the project they believe will benefit Viroqua the most. At the end of the night, ballots are counted, and the winning project receives all funds raised to bring their idea to life.
Winners return to a future SOUP event to share their progress!
APPLY NOW!
We’re currently accepting SOUP applications! Click here to apply.
📅 Next SOUP Event: April 15,, 2025
📅 Future SOUP Events: Additional dates will be announced with plenty of time for applicants to sign up.
📢 Stay Connected! Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on SOUP and other Chamber-hosted events.
Don’t miss your chance to pitch your idea and make an impact in Viroqua!
Viroqua SOUP Entry Guidelines & Rubric
To be considered for Viroqua SOUP, a project must meet the following criteria:
- Be Local – The project must take place in Viroqua or directly benefit the Viroqua community.
- Be Creative – The idea should involve creativity, whether in art, community-building, or problem-solving.
- Be Feasible – The project should be realistic and achievable with SOUP funding and additional resources.
- Be Community-Focused – The project should have a positive impact on Viroqua and its residents.
- Not Fund Standard Business Operations – While SOUP funds can support projects led by businesses, they should not be used for routine operational costs such as rent, payroll, or general overhead. Instead, funds should be directed toward innovative, community-focused projects that provide a broader benefit to Viroqua residents.
- Be Presentable – The applicant must be able to give a 4-minute pitch and answer 4 audience questions.
If your idea meets these guidelines, we encourage you to apply and bring your vision to life with the support of the Viroqua community!
OUR MISSION
Viroqua SOUP is dedicated to community-based development by fostering crowdfunding, creativity, collaboration, democracy, trust, and fun.
OUR GOALS
- Empower Residents – Encourage creativity and give everyone a voice
- Build Connections – Help people establish new relationships and networks
- Inspire Action – Promote positive change in our community
- Encourage Dialogue – Foster meaningful discussions on local ideas and initiatives
- Strengthen Community Pride – Celebrate and invest in Viroqua’s growth
- Promote Democracy – Provide a hands-on experience in grassroots decision-making
At SOUP, your ideas matter, your voice counts, and your vote helps shape the future of Viroqua!
Congratulations to our March, 2024 SOUP winners: the Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Ridges & Rivers Incorporated is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing an incredible celebration of books, the arts, and literacy to Viroqua, Wisconsin. After a successful debut event in 2023, the Ridges & Rivers Book Festival returned to Viroqua on April 26-27, 2024.
The 2024 festival boasts an extensive activity calendar, with new events being added weekly. Most events are free of charge, with the exception of a select few ticketed events at the Temple Theatre and various writing workshops.
The festival also brings awareness to the importance of literacy and arts. The City of Viroqua is the smallest town in the United States that hosts a Book Festival.
Congratulations to our January SOUP winners: the Amara Rose Foundation.
The Amara Rose Foundation works in the greater Vernon County area to raise awareness of the dangers of Fentanyl. After the tragic loss of Amara Rose to fentanyl in 2022, her family and community came together to help raise awareness and prevent other families from suffering this loss.
With the rise of fentanyl-related deaths not just here but throughout the U.S., the Amara Rose Foundation is a vital force in combating the epidemic. Through educating, raising awareness, and offering resources and emotional support to those who reach out to them, they are determined to save lives.
They are holding their Second Annual Chili Challenge, on Saturday, March 2, at the Viroqua Eagles Club. 1:00-4:00.
The January 22nd SOUP event raised $650 for the foundation, which will use the funds to increase awareness and resources available to combat the fentanyl epidemic.
Members of the Amara Rose Foundation are available for presentations on the topic, please visit their website to learn more.
Congratulations and heartfelt thank you’s to all the organizations who pitched in January. Thank you Little RAE of Hope’s Rise & Shine Hot Air Balloon Rally the Healing Hearts Care Choir, and the project Swings for Adults with Disabilities!
Thank you to the local businesses and organizations that keep Viroqua SOUP going strong. We couldn’t do this without you!
Interested in supporting or sponsoring Viroqua SOUP? Please reach out to [email protected]