Those behind the New London Community Fund, a permanent endowment within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to support the New London area, have a big goal they want to reach — raising $200,000 before the end of 2023.

The “Sturgeon Shuffle”

To date, the fund has raised approximately $160,000 and has a $20,000 matching grant opportunity from the Marilynn Taylor/Wohlt Cheese Fund, which supports projects in New London and surrounding areas, to help reach the $200,000 goal.

Joe Van Alstine, a New London resident, who with his wife Lori Dehlinger Van Alstine, worked with the Community Foundation to create the New London Community Fund, said enough was raised to receive a $20,000 matching grant and they would like to raise another $20,000 to receive the second match.

New London St. Patrick’s Day parade

“We are so close. It’s very exciting,” Joe said. “We believe hitting it before the end of 2023 is a real possibility.”

The fund has until April 2024 to receive the second $20,000 match, but Lori said they would like to reach it before then.

“With people starting to think about year-end giving, we hope they will keep the New London Community Fund in mind,” she said. “It’s a great time to give back now and ensure a better future for the New London area.”

The Van Alstines worked with the Community Foundation to launch the New London Community Fund after noticing the nearby communities of Clintonville, Shawano and Waupaca all had a foundation affiliate to support local causes while New London didn’t.

“The fund allows us to support local nonprofits,” Joe said. “People who make donations to the fund will see benefits right here, in their own community, now and forever.”

Lori said the matching grant benefits all donors, whether they give $5 or $500. Donations of all amounts are needed from individuals, families, businesses, and   organizations so the fund can begin making grants to local nonprofit organizations.

“Every dollar helps. People understand the match allows their funds to instantly double,” she said. “Receiving the matches from the Marilynn Taylor/Wohlt Cheese Fund has been a gamechanger.”

To donate to the New London Community Fund, visit cffoxvalley.org/give-newlondon or mail to New London Community Fund, 4455 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, WI  54914. Donations are tax deductible.

The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region manages and invests assets on behalf of the charitable fund. The staff of the Community Foundation brings expertise and stability as the second largest certified community foundation in Wisconsin. It handles investment of funds, recordkeeping and other giving matters.

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