From cultural events and an accessible playground to helping nonprofits build capacity through the addition of staff or updated technology, the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation awarded 68 grants totaling $842,323 during 2023. 

Thompson Center on Lourdes

The Community Vision Fund seeks to fulfill community needs and advance well-being for people living in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago counties. The fund combines dollars from donors who created endowment funds or made individual donations to improve the quality of life of the Fox Valley region.

Through an application and review process, grants are distributed to Fox Valley area nonprofit organizations within five focus areas: arts and culture, community and neighborhood development, environment, financial stability and wellbeing, and nonprofit effectiveness. The focus areas are influenced by the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being and the Imagine Fox Cities’ community vision. 

Photo via NEW Hmong Professionals

See a full list of grant recipient partners.

Tax-deductible donations of any amount can be directed to the Community Vision Fund to help support nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of life for all in the Fox Valley region. Donations can be made with cash, securities, IRA assets, real estate, or other assets.

2023 Community Vision Fund – Grant Focus Areas Summary 

Arts and Culture – 18 grants totaling $83,363
Grant Example:
NEW Hmong Professionals – Paj Ntaub (Flower Cloth) – Tools and materials were provided for a flower cloth-making group for Hmong elders to support them in a safe setting where they can continue their learned trade and keep a part of home with them. $5,000 grant

Community Clothes Closet Goes Mobile!

Community and Neighborhood Development – 12 grants totaling $177,000
Grant Example:
Community Clothes Closet – Traveling Closet – Provided items and support for mobile delivery of its free clothing distribution services in Chilton, Clintonville and Waupaca. $15,000 grant
Read more here  

Environment – 2 grants totaling $70,000
Grant Example:
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve (Pictured at top)– Leadership Capacity Building
Assisted with costs of an Executive Director transition to help ensure a smooth, consistent process. $40,000 grant (payment one of two; total grant award: $60,000)
Read more here 

Financial Stability and Wellbeing – 17 grants totaling $283,000
Grant Example:
Thompson Center on Lourdes – General Operating Support
Support for the organization to help ensure its services can continue and expand for the increasing number of older adults in the Fox Valley. $10,000 grant  
Read more here 

Nonprofit Effectiveness – 19 grants totaling $228,960
Grant Example:
LOTUS Legal Clinic – Capacity Building
Expand legal services to survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence in the Fox Valley. $25,000 grant

What does a Community Foundation do? Glad you asked! Learn more here.