President and CEO reaches major milestone, 25 years of leadership at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region

In early February, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region celebrated the 25^th 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 the organization’s history, Curt took over leadership after his predecessor, Larry Kath, prepared him to be the next voice of this important work.

The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region has become a community pillar under the direction of Curt, supporting donors and nonprofit organizations alike through understanding community needs, grant making, and community connection. Over the past 40 years, the Community Foundation has grown from the $5,000 in seed money provided by highly respected community member, Walter L. Rugland, to nearing $700 million in assets and continues to strengthen our community now and for future generations.

Instrumental in fostering a more connected community through understanding community needs and bringing community partners together to create impact, Curt has a strong commitment to being a trusted partner and providing excellent service. When talking with Curt, you will find he believes this to be at the heart of our work and instills this belief in our Community Foundation team – “You trust us, you know us, and we are involved in our community just like you are.”

“Curt Detjen has been right at the top of the Leadership group that has transformed our community into the very caring and ‘get it done’ Fox Valley that it is today,” said John Bergstrom, Executive Chairman of Bergstrom Automotive. “Under Curt’s leadership of the Community Foundation for the last 25 years, dozens of important projects that needed to be taken on were both defined and successfully completed. Curt is a great listener and valued friend, and a true shaker when it comes to finding the pathways to fulfill the needs of this special place. I have tremendous respect for the positive difference he has made in the last 25 years.”

The Community Foundation and our community are guided by strong charitable ideals. From the $5,000 check from Walter L. Rugland that acted as seed money for the Community Foundation 40 years ago, to the $16 million bequest from Donald and Violet Himebaugh that helped create our Himebaugh Legacy Circle, to the $100 million estate gift from David and Rita Nelson that has benefited many projects throughout the Fox Cities, Green Bay, and Door County areas, these gifts along with many more will continue to strengthen our community now and for future generations.

“Curt has been a tremendous champion for the Community Foundation and for nonprofit organizations throughout our community. Under his leadership, the Community Foundation has grown significantly, donors feel more engaged, and nonprofit partners feel heard and encouraged to share both their opportunities for growth and their challenges,” said Kathi Seifert, owner of Katapult, LLC. “I have had the privilege of serving on numerous boards with Curt, and he has consistently been an exceptional board member bringing thoughtful insight and meaningful value. Congratulations, Curt, on this very special anniversary!”

Curt and the Community Foundation team have built trusted relationships with nonprofits throughout the Fox Cities. One of those relationships is with Pillars and in 2024 the Community Foundation was named their Partner of the Year. In the fall of 2023, Pillars approached the Community Foundation leadership for guidance, sharing that the nonprofit–which provides shelter, support, and solutions to address the housing needs throughout the community–was operating with a 10% budget deficit over two fiscal years due to effects from the pandemic. The Community Foundation was able to convene a group of people who had a special interest in this area of community support, including donors, local government leaders, and community groups, to understand the challenge and work on solutions. This collaboration resulted in immediate support.

“Curt listens well, thinks big-picture and speaks with clarity and calm. This is why people trust him, even and especially amid uncertainty. This is why I trusted him when the nonprofit I lead faced financial challenges,” said Lisa Strandberg, Executive Director of Pillars. “Trust in Curt has played a significant role in fostering philanthropy here, generating support that, measured on a per-capita basis, outpaces far larger and wealthier communities. Curt’s commitment to the Fox Cities will make a difference here for generations.”

“The Community Foundation is a collection of about 2,000 charitable funds that each represent the dreams and the legacies of individuals that live or have lived in the community and want to make it better,” shared Curt. Through our Community Foundation areas of focus – Arts & Culture, Environment, Community Development, Human Services, Health, and Youth Opportunities & Education, Curt has provided thoughtful leadership and collaboration to help turn visions and aspirations into reality here in the Fox Cities.

“I have had the opportunity to work alongside Curt in different capacities for nearly fifteen years, and during that time, I have been truly inspired by his deep commitment to strengthening our community. His belief in building strong partnerships and investing in innovation has helped to drive lasting impact across our region. At United Way Fox Cities, we feel fortunate to have such a strong partnership with our Community Foundation. Our collaborative and meaningful relationship is a direct reflection of the trust Curt has fostered, and the leadership he demonstrates every day. Congratulations, Curt, on twenty-five years of bringing so many people, partners, and communities together to make the Fox Valley region a better place to call home!” stated Lisa Kogan-Praska, President & CEO of United Way Fox Cities.

“We’re a big enough community where things are possible and dreams can really turn into reality,” shared Curt recently during his guest appearance on WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley with Hayley Tenpas. “You dream about a performing arts center, and with a lot of hard work and generosity, we have one of the best in the nation. Things like that start as dreams and aspirations and have a possibility here because people care. People link arms and they get together, and they say, gosh, we can do this.”

This significant milestone in Curt’s leadership of the Community Foundation aligns with the Community Foundation’s 40^th anniversary year. Curt is honored to share a career milestone with such a significant anniversary for the organization.

“It is honestly humbling to think about being with an organization and having this opportunity to make a difference in this way for 25 years. In so many ways though, I mean, we have grown a lot, we have 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 have not even gotten started,” said Curt. “And there are so many things that we can still do, and things that people every day are coming to us and asking us to be a partner and doing different things. We have a wonderful nonprofit network. We have board members and community leaders who really get actively involved. Our community is a wonderful place and we enjoy that, but gosh, the best is yet to come!”

Thank you, Curt Detjen, for your dedication to strengthening our community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all. Together, we flourish.