Donors are the heart of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. Here are how some donors make a difference in their community.

Making positive changes

Retired educators Kathy and Richard Block believe small steps in learning can make a real difference in someone’s life. The Blocks established the Small Steps Scholarship within the Clintonville Area Community Foundation to support adults looking to improve their skills.

Creating legacies that impact the community

“We know we’re giving to an organization that will have the most impact in people’s lives.” John and Ann Gillen believed in giving back and sticking up for the underdog. The couple created the Gillen Family Foundation in 2002 and now their six children continue to live out their parents’ legacy.

Learning something new

NEW Hmong Professionals and CrossCourt Conversations created the Fox Cities’ first Hmong youth volleyball camp to help middle school students learn more about the game with support of the Bill Fitzpatrick & Bud Kohn Fund for Underprivileged Youth. 

Giving a hand to those entering trades

Gresham Scholarship awardees

When Jarred Ellman was preparing for a career in the trades, there was little financial assistance available. He sought to change that for current students entering the trades by creating a scholarship at Brillion High School.

Remembering loved ones with a gift

The five children of the late Jim and Mary Grist knew their parents’ love of the Fox River. They recently came together to make a donation to the City of Appleton from the Jim and Mary Grist Family Fund for a new memorial bench along the Fox River Trail.

Interested in exploring a family fund? We have a variety of flexible fund options. Check them out here.