The Loop

Did you know that the four-wheel drive was born in Clintonville, Wisconsin? The Four Wheel Drive (FWD)Foundation was formed in 1964 for the purpose of preserving the history of the invention of the first successful four-wheel drive vehicles in the world. The small machine shop located on the corner of Eleventh Street and Memorial Drive […]

The Waupaca Area Community Foundation remains steadfast in our mission to preserve and improve the quality of life for the people of the greater Waupaca area. In a year unlike any other in our 19-year history, we continued our abiding commitment to the well-being of everyone in the community we serve, and we are thankful for the role many of you […]

Reg Wydeven is an attorney at McCarty Law in Appleton. He is a member of the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. By Reg Wydeven, Community Foundation Board Member  The Community Foundation continues to make our community a better place. From my first interactions with the Community Foundation when working with my estate planning clients to […]

How do we make our local nonprofit organizations in the Fox Valley stronger and equip their leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to serve our community? We take our leaders to school! The idea is to build better leaders so that together we can build a better community. Leadership Institute is an innovative […]

By Jon Meyers, Shawano Area Community Foundation Board Chair The Shawano Area Community Foundation is grateful for the generosity many people have shown through their support of our mission to enhance the quality of life for the people in the greater Shawano area. We are continuously reminded that your support powers what we do.   Once […]

Your Community Foundation doesn’t often proactively reach out to express its opinion to legislators. We have federally imposed rules as a nonprofit entity. Last summer we saw an issue of high importance and about which we have a great story to share.  When state legislators started talking about ending the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, we knew our […]

By Sue Aschliman, Clintonville Area Foundation Board Chair Although I wasn’t raised in Clintonville, I have lived here for over 20 years. I consider myself the biggest cheerleader for Clintonville. I own two local businesses, go to the rec center,  worship and volunteer here. Why? Because this is a great community to call home.   I […]

Gifts of publicly traded stock and other securities are increasing in popularity as donors are finding a stock transfer is a simple and tax-savvy way to support the community while meeting their own financial goals. In 2021, the Community Foundation’s donors gave over $18 million in stock contributions, with 35% of transfers made in December […]

 By Kim O’Brien, Executive Director, Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI) I am ready for my next adventure in my career!  After nearly seven years with the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (NPLI), I’ve decided the timing is right for me to step back and for the organization to move forward with the next leader.   I’ve been working closely […]

One of the oldest nonprofits in our area, Appleton’s History Museum at the Castle, is turning 150 years old. Imagine what it was like living in the Fox Valley in 1872! This community gem has a unique way of bringing our history and its bygone eras back to life. We can learn about our rich […]