The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region was named Pillars, Inc.’s Community Partner of the Year. The award was presented at Pillars’ Report to the Community Event on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in which several Community Foundation staff and board members were on hand to accept the honor on behalf of the organization.

“We are honored to be recognized as the Pillars Community Partner of the Year,” stated Jenny Krikava, Community Engagement Manager at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. “This award highlights our important role in connecting philanthropic support to address community needs.”

Curt Detjen, CEO of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, addresses attendees at Pillars’ Report to the Community Event.

In the fall of 2023, Pillars approached the Community Foundation leadership for guidance, sharing that the nonprofit, which provides shelter, support, and solutions to address the housing needs throughout the community, was operating with a 10% budget deficit over two fiscal years. Responding quickly, in November 2023, the Community Foundation convened a group of donors, local government leaders, and community groups to understand the challenge and work on solutions.  This collaboration resulted in immediate financial support, including an anonymous $150,000 challenge grant, which helped Pillars close a $300,000 budget gap for 2024.

“We appreciate Pillars’ courage to ask for help,” said Curt Detjen, CEO of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. “Their openness and strong planning resonated with people and allowed them to make a meaningful difference.”

More funding followed. Outagamie County provided a $1.5 million American Rescue Plan grant to support Pillars’ Resource Center through 2026. Additionally, the Community Foundation worked with US Venture and the Basic Giving Needs Partnership to award Pillars a grant to pay off its nearly $800,000 in outstanding mortgages on its affordable housing properties.

“The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region is a cornerstone of support in our area, serving as a guide for charitable giving and a trusted partner to nonprofits,” said Lisa Strandberg, Executive Director of Pillars, Inc., “Their courage to ask tough questions, listen deeply, and rally the community around us was transformative. They empowered us to find creative solutions with a renewed purpose. Their partnership strengthened our organization and fostered a stronger, more compassionate community. We are deeply grateful for their support and proud to honor them as Pillars’ Community Partner of the Year.”

At the Report to the Community event, Pillars also announced a multi-year commitment of $750,000 from an anonymous donor.

Pillars can now focus on strategic planning and addressing the region’s growing housing challenges. Pillars, Inc. provides shelter, support, and affordable housing solutions to individuals and families in the Fox Valley region experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Pillars serves thousands of community members each year, offering resources to help people achieve stable housing and independence.

To learn more about Pillars you can visit pillarsinc.org. And to read more about the Community Foundation’s work with Pillars, Inc., check out these past stories on The Loop:

Pillars Expands Its Single Room Occupancy Program

Innovative Program Creates Homes for Those Experiencing Homelessness