Author: Kaelyn Ahola

“How do we share the missions of these organizations that are doing incredible work across our community? Sharing those stories right now is so important.” Hope Schaefer, MS, Executive Director of Nonprofit Leadership Initiative within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and Jenny Krikava, Director of Community Engagement at the Community Foundation for […]

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 […]

 The SAC Developmental Disabilities Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region annually supports community organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities through education, independence, and social opportunities.  In December 2025, the fund awarded $21,750 in grants to 17 nonprofit organizations to support inclusive and accessible programs from sailing and horseback […]

In January 2026, the Brillion Area Family of Funds (BAFF) officially hit its fundraising goal of $1,000,000 ($500,000 through community fundraising and $500,000 through a single donor match) to establish a permanent endowment fund for the Brillion community. This endowment, called Brillion Area Family of Funds Endowment Fund, provides a permanent source of dollars for […]

(WFRV)- Their mission is to strengthen our community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all. In this segment, Curt Detjen, President & CEO of The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, discusses what a community foundation is and the impact the organization has across the […]

In early February, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region celebrated the 25th work anniversary of Curt Detjen, President and CEO. His leadership, spanning a quarter of a century, has shaped the Community Foundation’s growth through trust, dedication, and service with our many wonderful community partners. Leading the Community Foundation for over half of […]

“In so many ways, though, we’ve grown a lot. We’ve helped a lot of people accomplish their goals and make the community better in so many ways. But in so many ways, it feels like we haven’t even gotten started. … Our community is a wonderful place and we enjoy that. But gosh, the best […]

Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin was awarded a $500,000 grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to support their Cottage Court Community: Community Center.  “Veteran’s 1st of Northeast Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that will provide a safe “Cottage Court Community” for our area veterans, specifically those in need of affordable housing with wraparound services. All of this […]

You are balancing a lot– limited resources, growing community needs, staff burnout, the endless emails, growing daily task list, and slowly pushing strategic initiatives forward. Pursuing your own professional growth may not feel like it’s worth the initial time investment with so many competing priorities. The investment is worth it. You are worth it. And […]

Strong communities are built by strong nonprofit leaders. Every day, nonprofit professionals navigate complex challenges- limited resources, growing community needs, staff burnout, and constant change- while still showing up with passion and purpose. That’s why the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative’s Leadership Institute program was created. Leadership Institute is a cohort-based leadership development program designed specifically for […]

Hello! I’m Cassidy Mickelson, and I recently joined the Community Foundation as a Donor Services Manager. In this role, I work with donors to thoughtfully shape their philanthropy – connecting their interests and values with community needs and supporting giving that creates lasting impact. I’m excited to partner with donors as they pursue their charitable […]

Hello, my name is Kaelyn Ahola and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Marketing & Communications Manager at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. My role is to support implementation of strategic marketing and communication initiatives, steward the foundations message of philanthropy in our communities, and be the in-house guru on […]