The Loop

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 […]

For the first time in history, there are five generations over the age of 21. This generational diversity has a tremendous impact on all areas of our culture, including family philanthropy. An organization called 21/64 created a Generation Impact training course for families with foundations, community foundations, and wealth and philanthropy advisors to help multiple […]

Anyone who follows Mile of Music even just a little has likely heard The Mile Team mention that it takes a village to create an event of this scope and to fashion The Mile Vibe. It’s that “village” – funders, collaborators, volunteers, host venues, artists and others – who have helped us reach our milestone […]

Did you know that engaging children in arts activities can teach team-building skills and provide a positive and constructive outlet and build their self-confidence? Here at the Community Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting art activities that bring our communities together and provide creative opportunities for people of all ages. Research shows arts-rich communities stimulate […]