The Loop

You are balancing a lot– limited resources, growing community needs, staff burnout, the endless emails, growing daily task list, and slowly pushing strategic initiatives forward. Pursuing your own professional growth may not feel like it’s worth the initial time investment with so many competing priorities. The investment is worth it. You are worth it. And […]

Strong communities are built by strong nonprofit leaders. Every day, nonprofit professionals navigate complex challenges- limited resources, growing community needs, staff burnout, and constant change- while still showing up with passion and purpose. That’s why the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative’s Leadership Institute program was created. Leadership Institute is a cohort-based leadership development program designed specifically for […]

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 […]

Community Foundation donors have spoken! Megan Schuessler, Vice President of Donor Services & Gift Planning, joined Hayley Tenpas in the studio at WHBY for Focus Fox Valley to discuss the results of our 2025 Donor Perception Survey. Listen to the segment, starting at minute 37

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 […]