The Loop

Hello! I’m Cassidy Mickelson, and I recently joined the Community Foundation as a Donor Services Manager. In this role, I work with donors to thoughtfully shape their philanthropy – connecting their interests and values with community needs and supporting giving that creates lasting impact. I’m excited to partner with donors as they pursue their charitable […]

Hello, my name is Kaelyn Ahola and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Marketing & Communications Manager at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. My role is to support implementation of strategic marketing and communication initiatives, steward the foundations message of philanthropy in our communities, and be the in-house guru on […]

City of Appleton Awarded a $4,027.50 Grant from the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to Enhance Community Safety  The City of Appleton received a $4,027.50 grant from the Community Vision Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to purchase ten two-way radios to enhance public safety and provide a better communication experience at […]

In a world that often feels fast paced and divided, there is one day each year that brings people together in an extraordinary way, Giving Tuesday. What started in 2012 as a simple idea, a global day of generosity following the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, has grown into a worldwide movement that […]

Since Alli Matzek was in first grade, she knew her career path: she wanted to be a veterinarian. Growing up with her parents, Joe and MaryBeth, and older brother, Michael, the family home was filled with pets, including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. Alli also loved taking care of friends’ pets, volunteering at local […]

At the end of September 2025, seven regional funders* collaborated to launch a comprehensive survey of nonprofit organizations across Northeast Wisconsin. 210 nonprofit leaders cumulatively serving the entire Northeast region responded, offering a candid and compelling snapshot of a sector under pressure, but also one demonstrating remarkable innovation and resolve. Nonprofits are mission-driven organizations that […]

As 2025 winds down, now is the time to plan your charitable giving. Starting January 1, 2026, new Federal rules will take effect. Here are a few key changes: Deduction for non-itemizers: Standard deduction filers may claim a direct deduction for charitable giving – up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples filing […]

The David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region (Nelson Family Fund) awarded grants totaling $2,058,650, providing nonprofits and local municipalities with a much-needed financial boost.  The Nelsons, who lived in De Pere, made provisions during their lifetimes for a planned gift to benefit the region. Rita was a teacher, and David was the Chief […]

On September 30, the Community Foundation hosted its annual Himebaugh Legacy Circle celebration at the Fox Cities Environmental Learning Campus at Bubolz Nature Preserve. The Himebaugh Legacy Circle recognizes those who have made future plans for their favorite charitable causes through a bequest or similar deferred gift to the Community Foundation. This event honored the […]

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region recently hosted their 25th annual Women’s Fund Luncheon and celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Women’s Fund. For three decades they have been supporting women and girls and have seen how this support strengthens our entire community. At this year’s luncheon attended by more […]