The Community Response Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region will support nonprofit and other community organizations engaging in relief, short-term response or longer-term recovery, following a community emergency. This fund is a partnership between the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, United Way Fox Cities, and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation ensuring resources are directed where they are needed most.
The Community Response Fund is focused on two equally important goals:
Grants distributed from the Community Response Fund support nonprofits serving residents across Outagamie, Calumet, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago counties. Prioritization is given to charitable organizations serving those facing the greatest barriers to recovery including older adults, people with disabilities, low-income households, individuals experiencing homelessness, and non-English-speaking families.

Complete the brief online application form: Community Response Fund for the July 2026 Tornado Relief – Grant Application – Fill out form
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, You may also reapply as your needs evolve or as recovery phases change.
Our team reviews applications on a weekly basis and you can expect to receive more information regarding your request within 10 business days.
Questions? Contact the Community Engagement team at ceteam@cffoxvalley.org.
Grants from this fund support the following areas:
Grants are available to:
We are not able to fund private foundations, individuals or businesses directly, labor unions, or 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organizations.
Aid to individuals will be channeled through nonprofit organizations with established processes for determining need.
How will the funds be administered?
Funds will be distributed through local nonprofits, churches, and other community organizations serving residents in Outagamie, Calumet, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah/Menasha area of Winnebago counties who are engaging in relief efforts both short-term and long-term. The funding provided to these community organizations will help with housing and safe shelter, food, health and well-being, and financial assistance.
Who determines how the funds are distributed?
Grants are recommended by an internal advisory process involving staff from the Community Foundation and United Way, informed by the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), and approved by the CFFVR Board of Directors. We are committed to moving resources quickly and adapting to evolving needs as recovery progresses.
Grants are recommended by an internal advisory process involving staff from the Community Foundations and United Way, informed by the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), and approved by the CFFVR Board of Directors. We are committed to moving resources quickly and adapting to evolving needs as recovery progresses.
To donate by check, please make payable to the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and write Community Response Fund 2026 Tornado Relief in the memo line.
Mail to: Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Attn: Community Response Fund, 4455 W Lawrence Street, Appleton, WI 54914.
Checks may also be dropped off at the Community Foundation during business hours of Monday-Thursday 8 AM to 4 PM and Friday 8 AM to Noon.
Contact us if you need any assistance.