Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc
The Oconomowoc Area Foundation (OAF) is a community foundation established in 2002 to provide an easy and effective way for area residents to support local charitable causes. Operating as a supporting organization of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the OAF serves the greater Oconomowoc community through strategic grantmaking and philanthropic initiatives.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$14.1M
+4.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$950K
+59.6% YoY
Grant Count
57
+58.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$17K
+0.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation is organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, with a focus on facilitating charitable programs within the Oconomowoc area.
Priority funding areas include:
- Programs that enrich the community through economic, cultural, and arts development
- Programs for children and youth
- Support for older adults
- Programs addressing food insecurity and homelessness
- Medical and dental care access for underserved populations
- Environmental preservation and wildlife protection
- Educational programs, particularly those serving special-needs students
Grantmaking
Grants are principally made only to nonprofits with IRS tax-exempt status. Public and private schools are eligible for grants supporting programs or resources that enhance educational outcomes, though not for ongoing staff support or operating expenses. Private schools must demonstrate service to lower-income families through tuition assistance or other means. Municipal government agencies may also receive grants for projects beyond core, tax-supported services.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The OAF makes grants to an area consisting of the Oconomowoc Area School District, as well as Wales, Dousman, Ottawa, and Nashotah. While organizations need not be physically located within these communities, they must demonstrate they provide services to residents of these areas.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $14,077,637
- Total Revenues: $1,038,451
- Total Expenses: $1,343,458
- Number of Employees: 0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $14,077,637 | $13,474,944 | $12,412,430 |
| Revenue | $1,038,451 | $959,711 | $1,521,619 |
| Expenses | $1,343,458 | $1,005,044 | $1,103,043 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $653,894 | $422,565 | $283,191 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
202 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Impactassets ($76,240), Lake Area Free Clinic ($72,773), Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund ($65,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN RED CROSS OF WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE, WI | THE BRAVE HEARTS GALA | $5,250 |
| ASHIPPUN BREAD BASKET CORPORATION ASHIPPUN, WI | UNRESTRICTED USE | $7,000 |
| BEST BUDDIES MILWAUKEE, WI | BEST BUDDIES SCHOOL FRIENDSHIP PROJECT | $10,000 |
| BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK LOUISVILLE, KY | BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK WAUKESHA COUNTY | $23,000 |
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA-POTAWATOMI COUNCIL WAUKESHA, WI | THE BUILDING FUND | $40,000 |
| COMMUNITY SMILES DENTAL WAUKESHA, WI | DENTAL CARE FOR LOW-INCOME, LAKE AREA CHILDREN | $8,000 |
| DASH PROJECT MILWAUKEE, WI | UNRESTRICTED USE | $10,000 |
| FAMILY PROMISE OF WAUKESHA COUNTY INC WAUKESHA, WI | UNRESTRICTED USE | $21,250 |
| FAMILY SERVICE OF WAUKESHA COUNTY INC WAUKESHA, WI | SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT | $7,500 |
| FISHER HOUSE WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE, WI | WISCONSIN SUPPORT | $9,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Glenn Hanon, Chairman
- Paula Jacobs, Vice Chair
- Amy Kavelaris, Board Member
- Sigi Miller, Board Member (joined 2026)
- Rebecca Seymour, Foundation Coordinator
The foundation was inspired by Hilbert N. Scherffius, an Oconomowoc hardware store owner and philanthropist whose generosity sparked the OAF movement.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOB JOHNSON | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| ROBERT W SNYDER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| TERRANCE HOLAHAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| RANDY BOURDO | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SUSAN KAY | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| KATIE NEWCOMB | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| TODD SCHEID | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| GLENN HANON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CALVIN SCHMIDT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PAT MCNAMEE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KEVIN PEHLER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ANDREA STACK | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| REBBECCA SEYMOUR | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PAUL JACOBS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| NATE ZASTRO | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| NICK BICKLER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| AMY KAVELARIS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CURT DOWNS | DIRECTOR (START 12/24) | 1 | — |
| CURT OLSON | DIRECTOR (START 12/24) | 1 | — |
| KEN ROBERTSON | ASSISTANT TREASURER (END 8/24) | 1 | — |
| ELLEN GILLIGAN | SECRETARY (END 8/24) | 1 | — |
| GREGORY WESLEY | ASSISTANT SECRETARY (START 8/24) | 1 | — |
| YELENA CHESTER | ASSISTANT TREASURER (START 8/24) | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The OAF Signature Club recently reached a major milestone, with members committing to donate $10,000 each to support local nonprofits. The foundation announced its 2026 grant cycle and is hosting "Golf Fore Good" on May 26, featuring Uncle Henry's Backyard 3-Par course. The foundation continues to expand its board of directors and remains active in community engagement through various philanthropic initiatives and volunteer opportunities.
Oconomowoc Area Foundation \xB7 Greater Milwaukee FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation is organized exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, with a focus on facilitating charitable programs within the Oconomowoc area. Priority funding areas include: • Programs that enrich the community through economic, cultural, and arts development • Programs for children and youth • Support for older adults • Programs addressing food insecurity and homelessness • Medical and dental care access for underserved populations • Environmen…
How do I apply for a grant from Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc?
**Grant Activity:** • In 2025, the OAF awarded a record $341,000 in grants to 45 nonprofit organizations • In 2024, the foundation made $308,000 in grants to 34 local nonprofits • Since inception in 2002, the foundation has awarded more than $5 million to more than 130 area nonprofit organizations **Eligible Applicants:** Grants are principally made only to nonprofits with IRS tax-exempt status. Public and private schools are eligible for grants supporting programs or resources that enhance edu…
Where does Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc make grants?
The OAF makes grants to an area consisting of the Oconomowoc Area School District, as well as Wales, Dousman, Ottawa, and Nashotah. While organizations need not be physically located within these communities, they must demonstrate they provide services to residents of these areas.
What size grants does Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc awarded 57 grants totaling $950K — an average of about $17K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc's EIN?
Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 75-3266194. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Oconomowoc Area Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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