2024 Report to the Community Highlights $41 million in Grants

Our 2024 Report to the Community features the many ways that by working together with our partners we strengthen our community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all. A few key areas of focus in 2024 included affordable child care, housing, food insecurity, mental health, trail development, and the arts. Highlights from the report include: 

• • $41 million in grants and scholarships awarded to nonprofit partners and students taking the cumulative grants awarded since 1986 to $526 million 
  • 1,610 grant recipients 
  • Stewardship of 1,898 charitable funds totaling $580 million in assets 
  • 536 scholarships totaling $1.82 million awarded from 310 scholarship funds 

First Five Fox Valley

“We are so grateful to be a partner with so many generous and caring people. Our community is special because of the way people invest in it.” said Curt Detjen, President and CEO. “Together we ensure a brighter future for those living in the Fox Valley Region.” 

Examples of 2024 Grant Recipients 

• • With over $1.4 million in grants awarded through various funds within the Community Foundation, Pillars, Shawano Area Matthew 25 (SAM25), Zion Lutheran Church (Zion Affordable Housing Project), and the Fox Cities Housing Alliance continue to work towards solutions to shelter, support, and provide affordable housing solutions to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. 
  • Future Neenah received a grant from the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation to support Illuminate Neenah, a unique, permanent art projection event that transforms historical building facades in downtown Neenah into vibrant canvases. 
  • Kaukauna’s 1000 Islands Environmental Center Boardwalk renovation to improve trail access and visitor experience was supported by several grants totaling $245,000 from charitable funds with the Community Foundation. 
  • With over $87,000 in grants awarded from funds within the Community Foundation, St. Joe’s Backpack Food Assistance Program provided over 1,500 students across nine school districts with ready-to-eat or easy-to-heat meals for students to eat on the weekends and other basic meal items throughout the school year.  

St. Joseph Food Program

“We continue to hear from our nonprofit partners throughout our service region that many have been providing services in record numbers amidst the changing funding landscape over the last few years,” said Detjen. “Through listening and learning, we share opportunities for our donors to join together to provide resources to nonprofit organizations to serve people and build community. We invite you to join us as we aspire to help all people achieve their full potential as together, we flourish.” 

For more details about our 2024 year that ended December 31, including lists of grant recipients and charitable funds are available on our Report to the Community webpage.