The Loop

The Fox Valley is home to an abundance of natural beauty and the Environmental Stewardship Fund within the Community Foundation continues to support organizations and efforts that increase access and inclusion in the outdoors so more people can enjoy it. The Environmental Stewardship Fund was created in 2006 by 54 generous donors with an interest […]

Unsheltered homelessness has increased by 70%, notably affecting families and the elderly, mainly due to rising rents. The number of homeless students in Appleton Area School District has exceeded 500 this school year, surpassing last year. To help address this increased need, Pillars, which provides shelter and affordable housing and other basic needs in the […]

Retirement life is never boring for Eugene and Sue Doell, who have relationships with several funds at the Community Foundation. The retired Appleton couple began their love story after meeting at a funeral home. “I had worked with Eugene’s cousin’s dad who had died, and we met at the Wichman Funeral Home,” smiles Sue. The […]

You can’t talk with anyone in the Fox Valley – or anywhere in Wisconsin – without hearing about how child care challenges are affecting families, employers, the economy, and child care providers. Child care isn’t just a convenience; it’s a cornerstone of healthy child development and a vital driver of economic productivity, enabling parents and […]

Hello! My name is Micah Beck, and I recently joined the Community Foundation as a Community Engagement Coordinator. Before joining the Community Foundation, I received my Master of Public Service from the University of Arkansas-Clinton School of Public Service. My graduate education focused on program planning and evaluation in the nonprofit/public sector, skills that align […]

Garbage shouldn’t be one of the signs of spring. But after the snow melts, trash and debris are often left behind. In northeast Wisconsin we use our waterways to run businesses, irrigate farms and gardens, and to enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing. It’s a real problem when the water is threatened by garbage. That’s why […]

Every time I chat with an educator, deliver a grant, or read a final grant report, I am reminded of the passion educators bring to their work every day. It’s humbling to support them through grants and other funding. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to lift up the educators in our community […]

When I was in middle school, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I can still recall the mornings she would come into my bedroom to play with my hair as she lost hers. I remember the fear and uncertainty, but most of all, I remember the strength in her eyes — how brave she […]

Many young people lack basic financial literacy skills, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and the importance of making informed financial decisions. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin teaches these life skills and so much more: The 100-year-old organization prepares students for the workforce by teaching them essential employability skills, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, […]

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time when Reach Counseling and its partners focus on raising awareness about sexual assault. This year’s theme, “Building Connected Communities,” spearheaded by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, emphasizes the powerful role of community cohesion in combating sexual violence. Reach Counseling has been a key provider of […]