Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc
The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc is a public charity based in Appleton, Wisconsin, formed in 1986. It manages charitable funds, mostly permanent endowments, created by families, businesses and organizations, and makes grants to support people and communities in the Fox Valley region.
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc at a glance
In short: Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc gave $32.4M across 448 grants in 2024 (avg $72K), mostly in Wisconsin. 29% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $32,366,247
- +55.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 448
- +22.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $72,246
- +26.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $24,900
- Total assets
- $536,637,618
- +6.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (130 of 448, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (88% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc
- How to Apply
-
Applications for available opportunities are submitted through the foundation’s online Grant Portal. Applicants can use the portal to submit applications and grant agreements, file progress and final reports, and view decision and award history and payment dates. Eligibility and requirements vary by fund. General policies say many competitive grants require progress reports during the grant period and/or a final report; organizations with overdue reports will not be considered for applications. The Community Vision Fund event sponsorship opportunity requires an online application and a high-level event summary report. Events must be free and open to the public; top-tier sponsorships and fundraising events are not eligible, and a request may cover up to 50% of the event budget.
- Review Cycle
- The Community Vision Fund event sponsorship opportunity is listed as open from February 23 through October 31, 2026, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications are generally requested at least 60 days before the event. The 2026 capacity-building grant deadline was March 31, 2026, and has passed.
- Deadline
- The Community Vision Fund event sponsorship opportunity is listed as open from February 23 through October 31, 2026,…
- Next open deadline
- April 1, 2027 (Brillion Area Family of Funds Endowment Fund Grant)
- Contact
Mailing address: 4455 W Lawrence St, Appleton, WI 54914
Phone: (920) 830-1290
Website: https://cffoxvalley.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
74 open opportunities from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc
Bear Paw Resort Scholarship Grant
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc
Amount
US $1,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Brillion Area Family of Funds Endowment Fund Grant
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc
Amount
Up to US $4,000
Deadline
Expected ~April
Based on past cycles
Business & Accounting Scholarship Grant
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc
Amount
US $2,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Trout Museum of Art ($5.8M). Together the top 10 received $12.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
2,111 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,516 grants of 2,111 (72%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation states that it focuses its work in Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano and Waupaca counties, and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago County. The Community Vision Fund uses the same service area. In 2024, 88% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Wisconsin; the remaining listed shares were Texas (3%), Illinois (2%), Ohio (1%) and New York (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 448 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 130 of 448 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $32K; repeat grants $89K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $27K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $20.9M (2023) to $49.8M (2021, 18 months). In 2024 it made 448 grants totaling $32.4M.
*2021: Covers 18 months (fiscal year-end changed).
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Trout Museum of Art Appleton, WI | Arts, Culture & Humanities | $5,841,877 |
| Pillars Appleton, WI | Housing & Shelter | $1,318,569 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley Appleton, WI | Housing & Shelter, Philanthropy, Voluntarism, Youth Development | $1,050,423 |
| University of North Texas Foundation Denton, TX | Education | $1,000,000 |
| Friends of Appleton Library Incorporated Appleton, WI | Education | $733,959 |
| St Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Greenville) Greenville, WI | Religion-Related | $640,000 |
| Uw Foundation Inc Milwaukee, WI | Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism, Animal-Related | $579,723 |
| City of Menasha Menasha, WI | Education, Public & Societal Benefit | $557,140 |
| Appleton Alliance Church Appleton, WI | Religion-Related | $521,000 |
| St Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church Weyauwega, WI | Religion-Related | $402,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $536,637,618 | $60,589,648 | $40,809,733 | $32,366,247 | 448 | $32,338,474 |
| 2023 | $502,430,788 | $50,139,028 | $29,369,270 | $20,881,514 | 365 | $18,417,445 |
| 2022 | $441,252,982 | $46,500,809 | $37,931,392 | $28,594,070 | 340 | $9,110,393 |
| 2021* | $517,819,035 | $105,309,002 | $61,266,228 | $49,767,867 | 607 | $40,872,067 |
| 2020 | $391,655,837 | $24,344,140 | $28,537,639 | $21,798,913 | 351 | $658,007 |
*2021: Covers 18 months (fiscal year-end changed).
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to strengthen the community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all. Its 2024 filing describes grants supporting arts and culture, education, community improvement, health care, human services, the environment and religion. Its discretionary grant program includes efforts to strengthen nonprofits, advance community initiatives, increase access and inclusion, educate children and youth in arts and culture and environmental sustainability, and raise awareness of community issues.
The foundation generally makes grants to IRS-recognized public charities, including qualifying charitable, scientific, social service, educational and religious organizations. It may also make grants to government entities and instrumentalities for public purposes, including schools and municipalities. Other eligibility requirements may apply to specific funds.
Among the organizations supported in 2024, the Trout Museum of Art describes its mission as promoting, teaching and nourishing visual art creation and appreciation. Pillars says it provides shelter, support and solutions for community housing needs. The Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley describes its mission as helping young people realize their potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Heckrodt Wetland Reserve says it works to enhance, restore and preserve the reserve and educate people about conserving natural resources.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 448 grants totaling $32,366,247. Grant amounts ranged from $5,073 to $5,841,877, with a median of $24,900.
The largest reported 2024 awards included $5,841,877 to the Trout Museum of Art for arts, culture and humanities; $1,318,569 to Pillars for housing and shelter; $1,050,423 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley for housing and shelter, philanthropy and voluntarism, and youth development; and $1,000,000 to the University of North Texas Foundation for education. Other large awards included $733,959 to Friends of Appleton Library for education, $640,000 to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Greenville for religion-related purposes, and $579,723 to UW Foundation for education, philanthropy and voluntarism, and animal-related purposes.
The foundation offers several grant pathways. Most grants are awarded from donor-created funds, and some donor-initiated funds accept grant requests. The Community Vision Fund is an unrestricted fund for community needs and well-being in its service region; its grants typically involve an application process. The foundation also partners with families of funds, each with its own application process.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Beth Flaherty as director and chair; Chuck Self, Jim Prosser, Laura Meronk, Melanie Miller and Rayon Brown as directors and vice chairs, with Meronk also listed as secretary and Miller as treasurer; and Greg Pawlak, Bill Gunckel, Brenton Teeling and Christine Cousineau as directors.
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc is led by Curt Detjen, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 6 of 28 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Curt Detjen
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$282K (2020) → $364K (2024)
Beth Flaherty
Director & Chair
Director → Director & Vice Chair, 2021
Director & Vice Chair → Director & Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Lippart Hardwick
Director of Gift Planning
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$100K (2024)
Chuck Self
Director & Vice Chair
Director → Director & Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Greg Pawlak
Director
Director & Vice Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Prosser
Director & Vice Chair
Director → Director & Vice Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
2.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Schuler
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Manny Vasquez
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Mader
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rayon Brown
Director & Vice Chair
Director → Director & Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Reg Wydeven
Director
On filings since 2021
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shipra Seefeldt
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bill Gunckel
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brenton Teeling
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christine Cousineau
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christine Faulks
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fritz Merizon
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Davis
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Van Asten
Director & Vice Chair
Director → Director & Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bob Ellis
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Kreul
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Endries
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ann Engelhard
Vice President Donor Services
Vice President Donor Services & Gift P → Vice President Donor Services, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$126K (2020) → $115K (2024)
Tammy Geenen
Vice President Community Engagement
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$116K (2020) → $141K (2024)
Michelle Weber
CFO
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$39K (2023) → $182K (2024)
Megan Schuessler
Vice President Donor Serv & Gift Plan
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$120K (2024)
Laura Meronk
Secretary & Vice Chair
Director → Secretary & Vice Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Melanie Miller
Treasurer & Vice Chair
Director → Treasurer & Vice Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (22)
- Former: Pa Lee Moua (2020–2023) — Director & Vice Chair
- Former: Stephanie Vrabec (2020–2023) — Director & Vice Chair
- Former: Ann Englehard (2021–2023) — Vice President Donor Services & Gift Planning
- Former: Jeff Lang (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Kelly Tanck (2022–2023) — Vice President Finance
- Former: David Gross (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jim Johnson (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jon Stellmacher (2020–2022) — Director & Past Chair
- Former: Kathryn Sieman (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Peter Mariahazy (2020–2022) — Director & Chair
- Former: Steve Veldhorst (2020–2022) — CFO
- Former: James Johnson (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Ben Adams (2020) — Director
- Former: Bill Bohn (2020) — Director
- Former: Catherine Tierney (2020) — Director & Chair
- Former: Kathi Seifert (2020) — Director & Vice Chair
- Former: Markalan Smith (2020) — Director & Vice Chair
- Former: Omar Atassi MD (2020) — Director
- Former: Paul Mueller (2020) — Director
- Former: Pierce Smith (2020) — Director
- Former: Raquel Strayer (2020) — Director
- Former: Susan May (2020) — Past Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $364K, to Curt Detjen (President/CEO). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc
How much does Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc give each year?
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc gave $32.4M across 448 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $20.9M across 365 grants.
What is Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's typical grant size?
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's median grant in 2024 was $24,900, and its average grant was $72,246, across 448 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc that year got $32K on average.
Where does Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc give grants?
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc gives mostly in Wisconsin: 88% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Appleton, WI (110 grants), Neenah, WI (27 grants), Menasha, WI (24 grants) and Green Bay, WI (18 grants).
Does Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 448 grants with a stated purpose on Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Education" (67 grants), "Religion-Related" (65 grants) and "Human Services" (56 grants).
Who are Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's largest grantees?
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's largest 2024 grantees include The Trout Museum of Art ($5,841,877), Pillars ($1,318,569) and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley ($1,050,423), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 25% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc?
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc reported $536.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $60.6M.
What does Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to strengthen the community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc?
Applications for available opportunities are submitted through the foundation’s online Grant Portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's EIN?
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1548450. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 19, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/community-foundation-for-the-fox-valley-region-inc-morg_32bad86ea03b4dbfbb0b76e38b81a03e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_391548450_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/community-foundation-for-the-fox-valley-region-inc-morg_32bad86ea03b4dbfbb0b76e38b81a03e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?