The giving season is an exciting time. In the waning days of December, the Community Foundation office is a flurry of activity as donors make grants from their charitable funds to support their favorite charities before year-end.

In the five weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Community Foundation assisted donors in their philanthropic goals by gifting 746  grants to local nonprofit organizations, totaling $3,309,619.

We want to thank our generous donors for their commitment in helping these charitable causes to do great work in the Fox Valley community!

Just before Christmas, several of our Community Foundation staffers were out and about, hand delivering grant checks to several nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox Valley Region, St. Vincent de Paul of Appleton, Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs, Saving Paws Animal Rescue and Pillars, Inc.

It was a huge year for grants, as we topped $28.6 million in fiscal 2018. We have helped create and manage a total of 1,605 charitable funds  at the Foundation, and just in this calendar year we have added 89 new funds.

If you would like to talk to us about how you can make a difference yet in 2018, we’re here to help. Typically there is a large rush to give just before the doors close at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. (Read: Year-end giving: 5 tips to finish 2018 well)

Remember that donations sent in the mail must have a Dec. 31 postmark date to quality for a 2018 tax deduction. Our office will be closed Jan. 1.

If you’re looking ahead to giving in 2019, our staff at your Community Foundation is happy to help you and work with your professional advisors to help you fulfill your giving goals. Contact us at 920-830-1290.