The Loop

Your legacy matters. It reflects your values and tells your story for generations to come. How can you ensure your impact lasts beyond your lifetime? Include charity in your estate plans and support the causes, organizations or our community for the long term. Crafting a plan can be rewarding and fulfilling. The Community Foundation can […]

St. Norbert College rising juniors and seniors are eligible for the Van Asten Fellows Scholarships. Applications are now open for the scholarships, which all have a minimum $5,000 award. The scholarships are funded by Mike Van Asten, a visionary entrepreneur and developer, as a way to assist students at his alma mater, St. Norbert College, […]

Many people are planning ahead and looking at how to update their estate plans to leave a bequest, or gift, as a way to make sure they continue to support their favorite causes beyond their lifetime. The flexibility offered by bequests has made them the most popular form of “deferred” gift because of their benefits. […]

2023 was a good year for investors, and the fourth quarter was especially kind, with nearly all major asset classes having a positive year. In fact, 2023 appeared the opposite of 2022. The traditional 60/40 portfolio of stocks and bonds declined double digits in 2022; however, the same mix increased double digits in 2023. In […]

It has officially been a year since three different communities came together under one umbrella as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region. This merger not only enhanced the programming and possibilities for local youth but also created efficiencies across the regional landscape. As the Boys & Girls Clubs in Door […]

Walter S. Rugland, a caring, influential community leader loved by many, including those of us at the Community Foundation, passed away March 8. He was 86 years old. For nearly 25 years, Walt was a long-time advocate and friend of the Community Foundation. He was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1999 and was […]

I love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with its parades, shamrocks, leprechauns, and the chance to add green dye to my favorite beverage. This St. Patrick’s Day, I’m celebrating writing my last monthly Loop post! After seven remarkable years, I’m bidding farewell to the Community Foundation and Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI). The Luck of the Irish […]

When it comes to workplace fairness, Equal Pay Day stands as a stark reminder of the persistent gender pay gap that continues. Observed annually, this day symbolizes the extra months and days into the next year that women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. Beyond mere statistics, Equal Pay Day […]

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and community philanthropist, Dr. Monroe Trout. He died Monday, March 4 at the age of 92. I reflect on his fascinating life and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Monroe and Sandra’s generosity touched the lives of many, […]

The Fox Cities Chamber is celebrating a HUGE milestone in 2024 — it was 150 years ago when the area’s first Chamber was formed. The Appleton Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1874 by 21 local leaders with the goal of uniting the business community for greater economic impact. I’m proud to say that’s still […]