Foundations Donate $1.8M To Fight Wisconsin Poverty

In northeastern Wisconsin, 80 nonprofits are getting nearly $1.8 million in grants to combat poverty. It’s part of a collaborative project between two private foundations and three community foundations.

Half the grant money was raised in an annual golf tournament sponsored by U.S. Venture, and the other half, matching funds from the J.J. Keller Foundation.

Three community foundations from Oshkosh, the Fox Valley, and greater Green Bay identify charities that work to provide basic needs to people; the grants are designed to help people lift themselves out of poverty.

Curt Detjen is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region. He says it’s a unique partnership.

“I’m not aware of anything quite on this scale. The fact that you have two local privately-held businesses that are very supportive – very supportive! – of the community, together with three regional community foundations all working together: I think it’s a one of a kind in the state of Wisconsin.”

One of the grants is aimed at keeping students from dropping out of school due to financial limits. At Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Michael Brown gives free financial counseling to students so they don’t run through their financial aid at the start of a semester.

He’s worked with 120 students, including one who ran into trouble this spring.

“He just got his summer’s financial aid two weeks ago. He let me know he did finally start a checking and savings account here at Fox Community Credit Union, and we just talk about pacing. He’s got to get that money and make it through the summer.”

The “Basic Needs Giving Partnership” is now in its fifth year. The U.S. Venture charitable golf tournament is entering its 27th year.