The Loop

Do you know how our youth are doing, as far as mental health and wellness? How can we in the Fox Valley help our teens, and prevent the things that can lead to anxiety or even a crisis? The answers are complex, and challenging. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has published a helpful website, […]

Today we’re doing an entire podcast episode about podcasts! Why do people like them so much, and how are organizations using this audio platform to tell their stories in a whole new way? And what do you need to do to start your own podcast? It’s easier than you might think! What is a podcast? […]

Experts say living a life of gratitude is the scientifically proven path to happiness. So, when the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Friday, August 18, it was no surprise to see so many smiling faces amongst the crowd of former and current Club members, donors, Board members, […]

Thirty years ago, the Volunteer Action Council, a network of a dozen volunteer administrators, formed the Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin. Their goal was to find a way to help local nonprofit organizations address critical needs in the Fox Cities. With funding from Aid Association for Lutherans and United Way Fox Cities, the Volunteer […]

Being a child of the Civil Rights Era, I saw the power of volunteers and philanthropy helping disadvantaged people. The legislation on equality in the 1960s gave many people, including me, opportunities that my ancestors did not have. But the work is not done, and I have attempted to contribute to the ongoing openness of […]

Things have been busy at Crossfire Ranch and we want to thank the Chilton Area Community Foundation (one of five Community Foundation affiliate partners) for supporting the youth we serve through our mentoring program! For those just learning about Crossfire, we help build resilient youth and change the trajectory of vulnerable youth through equine-assisted mentoring […]

Clintonville Middle School students learned about the stars and galaxies above their heads, and the fossils and the earth below their feet, thanks to a $1,000 grant from the Natural World for Kids Fund within the Clintonville Community Foundation, our regional affiliate partner. Last fall, eighth graders went to Barlow Planetarium at UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities […]

Kayla Hokenstad’s interest in education started as an elementary student, as a serious “basement” educator in play with her sister. That interest grew as she witnessed the difference her teachers made in the lives of her and her classmates. In 2014, Kayla received the Pearl Smith Future Teacher Scholarship, which helped her pursue a Bachelor’s […]

The recently completed 2022-23 season marks 20 years of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center serving as a multicultural gathering place to enhance people’s understanding and enjoyment of life through the performing arts. The many milestones, records and memories created these past two decades are made possible because of the dedication and support of so […]

There are many reasons I love my job. One is the satisfaction of seeing the lightbulbs go on when leaders “get it” during a Leadership Institute class. Another is the appreciation I feel from the funders who support the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI). Another is working with seasoned professionals who anticipate the need and are […]