Nelson Family Fund awarded the Wisconsin Park and Recreation “Partnership Award”

David and Rita’s granddaughter and husband, Marissa and Alan, traveled here from Arizona to accept this award on behalf of her grandparent’s generosity

Grandchild of David & Rita Nelson and Community Foundation staff posing with WPRA’s “Partnership Award”

On February 5, the David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, was awarded the Wisconsin Park and Recreation (WPRA’s) “Partnership Award,” the state association’s highest award given to a community organization in recognition for their outstanding work and service in promoting and providing quality recreational and/or park opportunities for the residents of their community and beyond.  

The Nelson Family Fund’s commitment to parks and recreation is both broad and deeply meaningful. Over the past eight years, their philanthropic support of more than $9 million has helped bring numerous municipal projects to life, strengthening outdoor spaces that serve residents of all ages. Their giving reflects a regional vision for connected, accessible, and vibrant public places across Wisconsin.  

One of the most significant examples of this partnership is the High Cliff Connection, a 10-mile regional trail linking the communities of Menasha, Harrison, and Sherwood. After more than two decades of planning, this long-envisioned project became a reality through the leadership and generosity of the Nelson Family Fund. Their $100,000 investment in the master plan, followed by a $2 million commitment supporting design, construction, staffing, and coordination, transformed the project from concept to reality.  

Beyond the High Cliff Connection, the Nelson Family Fund has made substantial investments in High Cliff State Park, helping ensure continued improvements as public funding challenges grow. Their support has also extended to numerous municipalities, including major contributions to the Nelson Family Pavilion and the revitalization of Wilson Park, both located in De Pere. Through sustained generosity and strategic collaboration, the David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region exemplifies the spirit of the WPRA Partnership Award. 

Nelson Family Heritage Crossing Fox River connecting Kaukauna with Little Chute

“We were honored to accept this wonderful award on behalf of the Nelson Family Fund,” said Megan Schuessler, Vice President of Donor Services & Gift Planning for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. “Our Community Foundation team is privileged to carry forward David and Rita’s wishes to impact the region by supporting parks, recreation, and waterways through collaboration with our community partners.” 

Background Partnership Award: This is the highest award bestowed by the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association to a private or nonprofit agency or organization in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Parks and Recreation in Wisconsin. The project/achievement should demonstrate cooperative efforts with other organizations in meeting their intended goals. The impact of their contribution should be of major significance to the local community or go beyond the local community.  

Founded in 1965, the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association (WPRA) is a statewide membership association that represents over 1,600 individuals delivering a broad spectrum of services in Wisconsin. WPRA provides professionals and agencies with leadership, engaged communities, advocacy and development opportunities to promote the benefits of park, recreation, environmental and cultural services throughout Wisconsin. 

David and Rita Nelson

Nelson Family

The David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region is a permanent, donor-advised endowment that generates millions of dollars in grants annually to charitable organizations reflecting the philanthropic interests of the late David and Rita Nelson and their family, primarily in the Fox Cities, Green Bay, and Door County areas. These interests include parks, recreation and waterways; education; health care; community services and community centers; historic preservation and history — including lighthouses, museums and historical societies; and community catalyst opportunities.