The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin (CFNCW) has been given a $1 million gift from the estate of a Wausau area family.
The $1 million came from the estate of Nils Folke Becker Junior and Jean B. Becker, two Wausau area philanthropists. CFNCW executive director Jean Tehan says she had no idea how much money was coming from the Beckers until it arrived late last week.
“We knew there was something, but we had no idea that it was a million dollars. And it was overwhelming. This is the single, largest unrestricted gift that we have received in our history.”
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An unrestricted gift means the CFNCW decides how the money will be spent. Tehan says the foundation has helped pay for a number of big projects in the Wausau area, including the development of its downtown city square.
“The grandstand at Marathon Park. The enhancements to the Wausau kayak and canoe course in our downtown area. Our Olympic-caliber curling arena. Refurbishing of the Rothschild Pavilion.”
Tehan is getting more requests for grants than at any time in the CFNW’s 26 year history.
Disclosure: Reporter Glen Moberg is a former member of the board of directors of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.
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