Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

Hearing Loops for Public Places Fund

2012-01-26T14:23:00.000-06:00

“The purpose of the fund is to improve the quality of life for hearing impaired people through the installation of telecoil loop technology in Portage County venues. A telecoil loop was recently installed in the Pineries Room at the Public Library.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Community Foundation Seeks Volunteers

2012-01-25T13:23:00.000-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is seeking community volunteers to serve on its Board of Directors and on its Administration, Marketing, Finance Grant and Scholarship Committees beginning July 1, 2012. Interested persons should send a brief resume and cover letter indicating on which committee(s) they are interested in serving before February 29, 2012 to:

Terry Rothmann, Executive Director
P.O. Box 968
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Email to: Terry@cfcwi.org

Questions regarding committee responsibilities and meeting dates should be directed to the Foundation office at (715) 342-4454. Interested persons should visit the Foundation’s website at www.cfcwi.org to learn more about what the Foundation does in the communities it serves.

Read more...

Living Legacy Circle Renamed

2012-01-12T10:15:00.000-06:00

The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin at its December meeting voted unanimously to rename the Living Legacy Circle to the Heinz Living Legacy Circle, in memory of the late Arthur E. Heinz who left his estate of nearly $4 million to the Foundation.

“The Foundation has been the recipient of many memorial and estate gifts, both large and small, since its inception in 1982. But Art’s gift is different. The size of the gift significantly increases the Foundation’s ability to meet its mission and give back to the community, the effect of which will be felt for many, many years. The Board felt it appropriate that the impact of Art’s gift be memorialized by adding his name to the Living Legacy Circle.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Arthur E. Heinz Charitable Fund

2012-01-12T10:06:00.002-06:00

The fund was created from the estate of the late Art Heinz, and distributions from the fund will be used by the Foundation to meet its mission of helping people, enhancing education, enriching arts & culture, contributing to wellness and improving wellness. “Art’s gift will significantly increase the Foundation’s capacity to meet our mission. We are humbled by Art’s gift and his love for our community. ” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Women's Fund of Portage County Announces Grant Applications

2012-01-04T14:14:00.001-06:00

-
Women’s Fund of Portage County Now Accepting 2012 Grant Applications
-
On February 1, the Women’s Fund of Portage County will begin accepting 2012 grant applications. Grants are awarded to qualified organizations and projects that foster opportunities for Portage County women and children. Applications are due to the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin by March 1, 2012. Grant materials may be downloaded from the Foundation’s website at http://www.cfcwi.org/about/women-in-philanthropy.html. Applicants may also request materials or direct any questions to the Community Foundation office at 715-342-4454 or email foundation@cfcwi.org.

Grant recipients will be announced at the Women’s Fund annual spring luncheon, being held on May 11, 2012, at the Stevens Point Country Club.

In 2011, a total of $19,200 was awarded to the following agencies: Portage County Dressed to Work Association, CAP Services Skills Enhancement Program, Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, Portage County Health and Human Services Cribs for Kids, Financial Wellness of Portage County, Healthy Smiles for Portage County, Wisconsin Interfaith Needs Response, UW-Stevens Point scholarships, Busy Bees Daycare, Community Partners at SPASH, Operation Bootstrap Energy Assistance, and Wisconsin Bookworms.

Please consider a tax-free donation to ensure the success of this annual effort to help women and children in our community. All contributions should be directed to the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin at PO Box 968, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

The Women’s Fund of Portage County is a collaborative initiative of the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, Saint Michael’s Foundation and the Stevens Point Area YMCA Foundation.

Read more...

Frank’s Fund Makes Gift When the Need is Greatest

2011-12-19T10:28:00.001-06:00

Executive Director Terry Rothmann is shown presenting a $30,000 check to Roseann DeBot of Operation Bootstrap in the attached photograph. The gift arrived just before Christmas when many area families are struggling with shelter, heat and food needs.

“We are so pleased to be able to help area families in need, especially at this time of the year,” Rothmann said. The gift was made from the Frank’s Fund maintained at the Community Foundation by area philanthropists who wish to remain anonymous.

Read more...

C.O.L.L.E.G.E. Scholarship

2011-12-13T11:00:00.000-06:00

Scholarship Opportunity –

Do you know a Portage County resident wanting to further his or her education beyond high school? If so, we need your help.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has a new scholarship called C.O.L.L.E.G.E. – Creating Opportunity for Local Learners to Explore Greater Education. Once $25,000 is invested in this fund, we can offer one $1,000 scholarship. At $50,000 we can offer two $1,000 scholarships. And so on.

Applicants for this new scholarship will be asked to demonstrate community involvement/volunteerism and financial need.

The Community Foundation hopes to be able to grant one scholarship this coming spring. Your gift of any amount can be given to the C.O.L.L.E.G.E. fund. Checks can be sent to P. O. Box 968, Stevens Point. Or go online to our website at www.cfcwi.org to make a credit card gift.

With rising tuition costs, scholarships are more critical than ever. Can you help us make a difference in the level of education of a worthy resident?

Employer Matching Gifts

2011-12-13T10:50:00.001-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin seeks to provide people of all means an opportunity to make lasting gifts to their community. Founded in 1982, the Community Foundation receives gifts all year long from individuals and companies. These monies are then invested, allowing us to give back to our community forever. This is in contrast with other agency campaigns that collect money once a year for annual charitable expenditures.

Donors should keep in mind that many employers match employee gifts, effectively doubling a personal donation. Matching employers in our area include Abbott Labs, AIG, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Figi’s, Nationwide Insurance, Sentry Insurance, and
Wal-Mart. Sentry employees and retirees should visit the Foundation’s website at www.cfcwi.org and click on the Sentry logo to see the list of Foundation funds that Sentry will match.

Community Foundation Announces 2012 Scholarship Applications

2011-12-12T12:04:00.000-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is accepting scholarship applications from area students who will be furthering their post-secondary education next fall. The Community Foundation currently has over 120 scholarship funds to support educational endeavors. Each scholarship follows a set of criteria established by the fund representative. Scholarships are available for students who excel academically, artistically, athletically and simply who have a desire to further their education. As each fund is different, the Foundation encourages applications from all interested students. Funds are available to support graduates from all area high schools as well as college students furthering their education.

The Community Foundation annually distributes approximately $127,000 through its family of scholarship funds. Scholarship awards are announced each June. An application is required. The deadline for all 2012 scholarship applications is March 1, 2012.

Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website at www.cfcwi.org. Parents and students are encouraged to contact the Foundation or your school’s guidance counselors for more information on the various scholarships available to graduating seniors.

Read more...

Community Foundation Announces 2012 Grant Applications

2011-12-12T11:56:00.001-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is accepting grant applications for its 2012 Community Grants Program. Applications will be considered for funding by various funds within the Community Foundation family of funds, including Mission Funds and Donor-Advised Funds.

Grant applications are limited to non-profit agencies and organizations exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and/or established citizen committees wishing to complete a community project for area enhancement.

The Foundation will operate without discrimination as to age, religion, sex, or national origin in considering results, and will award grants only to agencies and organizations that do not discriminate as to age, race, sex, religion or national origin.

Preference will be given to projects and programs that:

• Support the Foundation’s goals of helping people, enhancing education, enriching arts and culture, contributing to wellness and improving the environment.

• Respond to current and emerging needs or gaps of services in Central Wisconsin.

• Demonstrate an ongoing and/or increasing need in the community; provide documentation for the inception of a new program or project that is needed and not replicated in the community; strengthen volunteer participation and citizen involvement in community concerns.

The Community Foundation annually distributes over $322,000 through its various Scholarship, Mission and Donor Advised Funds. Grant awards are announced each June. An application is required. The deadline for all 2012 grant applications is March 1, 2012.

Complete information and grant applications can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.cfcwi.org or by contacting the Community Foundation office at 715.342.4454.

Read more...

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin Receives $4 Million Gift

2011-11-21T10:52:00.001-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has received a nearly $4 million gift, the largest single donation the nonprofit has received in its 30-year history.

Stevens Point resident Arthur Heinz gave the foundation the gift as part of his estate. Heinz died in May at age 83.

The foundation also received a nearly $60,000 gift from the late Helen Godfrey, who died in September.

Godfrey's gift will be split among three foundation funds: the Community Fund, Green Circle and The Women's Fund.

Godfrey was a former administrator at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and a community philanthropist. She was a member of the foundation's board for 15 years.

"She was a special person to our community and to us," said Terry Rothmann, foundation executive director.

Heinz, who retired to Stevens Point in 1995, stipulated that the foundation cannot use the $4 million directly, but can use the interest, dividends and investment income to award grants.

Rothmann estimated that Heinz's gift could put $150,000 a year back into the community forever.

Each year, the foundation gives money back to the community in the form of grants from its more than 200 funds.

Heinz's gift can be used for a variety of grants related to the foundation's mission, which includes helping people, enhancing education, enriching arts and culture, contributing to wellness and improving the environment. Rothmann said the Purple Heart recipient historically gave to six charities, including four locally: the Humane Society of Portage County, Operation Bootstrap, The Salvation Army and Ministry Saint Michael's Hospital.

Pete Taggatz of Stevens Point met Chicago-born Heinz in the mid-1980s. Heinz was fond of central Wisconsin, and as a young adult worked on a farm in Buena Vista. He was a lifelong Packers fan.

"The central Wisconsin area really became more home to him in his heart than Chicago," Taggatz said.

Taggatz said Heinz, a self-described "fiscal conservative," was a great saver and never lived beyond his means.

Cindy Solinsky, who lived next to Heinz for 15 years, said Heinz was a very caring and loving man, who was like a surrogate grandfather to Solinsky and her three daughters.

"He totally believed in helping people out," Solinsky said.

Solinsky said Heinz told her, "Cindy, I'm giving my money to the poor," knowing it would help people in central Wisconsin.

Rothmann said the foundation will begin allocating money from the Arthur E. Heinz Charitable Fund in 2013. It is the foundation's 210th fund.

Both gifts come at a time when the foundation expects to see an increase in the number of grant requests because of the weak economy and loss of local and state government funding.

In 2010, the foundation had 42 grant applications. In 2011, it saw 35, but eight of them were new applicants, Rothmann said.

Amy Eddy, foundation president, said some applications are funded in full while others receive only partial funding.

Eddy said the foundation might be able to fully fund more grants in the coming years, thanks to gifts from Godfrey and Heinz.

Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point Fund

2011-10-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

“The Board of Meals on Wheels recently decided to create an endowed fund with a bequest from a volunteer. Distributions from the fund will help Meals on Wheels meet its mission of providing meals to the elderly and disabled in the Stevens Point area well into the future.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Living Legacy Circle - In Memory of Helen Godfrey

2011-10-04T10:54:00.003-05:00

Our Community lost a remarkable citizen recently. But the passing of Helen Godfrey does not mean the end of her good works for our community.

Helen was a person of great foresight – she not only enjoyed giving back to her community while alive, she also had a deep desire to continue her good works into the future. And the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin was fortunate to be part of her future giving.

In 2009, Helen joined the Foundation’s Living Legacy Circle by notifying us of her wishes to distribute part of her estate to three funds at the Foundation: The Community Fund, Green Circle, and The Women’s Fund.

As a dedicated member of the Community Foundation’s Board for 15 years, Helen realized the importance of the foundation’s work – to give back to our community forever. By letting the Foundation know of her estate plans in advance of her passing, she joined a growing group of citizens who care deeply about our community and its future well-being.

If you have charitable giving dreams for the community, the Foundation would be honored to have you join the Living Legacy Circle. Feel free to phone 715-342-4454 so you can be assisted in realizing your wish to make a difference in the future.

Read more...

Portage County Historical Society - Winn Rothmann Fund

2011-09-29T10:51:00.000-05:00

“The fund makes awards for literary and/or research works regarding history or reimburses the Historical Society form similar works or programs. We have a rich history here in Portage County, and the Society has done a terrific job in preserving that richness for future generations.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Wild Rose - Martha Jones Scholarship Fund

2011-09-29T10:25:00.005-05:00

“The fund awards scholarships of up to $1,000 to graduating seniors of Wild Rose High School. The Wild Rose community has done a terrific job of help students further their education.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Wild Rose - Elizabeth C. Davies Scholarship Fund

2011-09-29T10:22:00.003-05:00

“The fund awards scholarships to graduates of Wild Rose High School who are enrolled in a trade school, technical college or four year college or university. I can’t think of a better legacy to leave behind than helping future generations further their education.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Community Impact 2011 (News Radio 1010 Interview)

2011-09-27T11:47:00.003-05:00

News Radio 1010 Interview with Terry Rothmann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin.

Hunger & Poverty Prevention Partnership Fund

2011-09-26T11:41:00.003-05:00

“The group has been active for years proactively identifying hunger and poverty issues in Portage County and advocating both short and long-term solutions. Empty Bowls is one of their signature events, and we are pleased to be able to help them in their efforts.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Women's Fund Newsletter 2011

2011-09-26T09:56:00.007-05:00

Women's Fund Newsletter PDF (click to view)

Community Impact 2011

2011-09-19T11:57:00.003-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin returned $986,751 to the community in its fiscal year which ended on June 30. Over $120,000 in scholarships was awarded to 155 area students to further their education. Community organizations such as Arts Alliance, Children’s Museum, Operation Bootstrap, and Women’s Fund benefitted from over $379,000 that was granted to 166 area organizations. Another $487,000 was directed toward community projects like the Green Circle, Stevens Point Skate Park, and WWI Veteran’s Memorial Restoration. For a detailed list of grant and scholarship recipients, and funds maintained by the Community Foundation, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.cfcwi.org.

Tiger Trek Fund

2011-09-19T11:13:00.001-05:00

Tiger Trek proceeds gifted to Green Circle

This year, the students at Washington Elementary School selected the Green Circle as the recipient for proceeds from their annual Tiger Trek Fun Run/Walk event (held on May 14). The 2011 Tiger Trek generated $7,250 in revenue, the largest amount in the history of the event. John Buzza, President of the Green Circle board, met with Washington School staff and students on June 8th, and graciously accepted the proceeds on behalf of the trail.

It Does Take a Village

2011-09-13T12:37:00.001-05:00

Story as told by Terry Rothmann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.

18 years old, Mom’s in prison, Dad is nowhere to be found, and Grandma has health issues. As the primary care giver, and working to support the family budget, studies had to take a back seat. And grades suffered, until a caring counselor at SPASH got involved. Confidence and esteem began to build, and the support network of Grandma and friends pushed even harder.

The grades did improve, though not enough to qualify for scholarships at the Foundation. But the SPASH counselor was not deterred. The student was encouraged to apply, partially for the experience, but also in the hopes that no others would apply. Unfortunately, students did apply, and others were selected.

But an interesting thing happened at the meeting where selections were made. Board members and volunteers found the story compelling, and at first one volunteer offered to donate $50 to help with a scholarship. Others followed suit, and over $1,800 was raised to help with tuition expenses. And another $350 has been raised for next year.

True story? Yes. Will we share more stories as our student pursues a degree in public protection? You bet!

Read more...

Barbara J. Gagas Memorial Scholarship Fund

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the REF-Barbara J. Gagas Memorial Scholarship Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

“Family and friends have created a wonderful legacy in Barbara’s memory that will help Rosholt High School graduates pursue a degree in health care related fields.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

12 Apostles Musky Club Fund

2011-07-25T14:41:00.002-05:00

“The club has been active for many years in angler education, fisheries habitat conservation, improvement and research, as well as stocking activities. We are very pleased to be able to help the club continue those activities.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

World War I Veteran's Memorial Fund

2011-07-07T13:38:00.001-05:00

Distributions from the fund will be used to maintain and/or restore the recently restored World Way I Veteran’s Memorial on Stevens Point’s south side. “We were pleased to be a part of the Memorial’s restoration in 2010, and look forward to helping the community preserve this memorial to those who fought for our freedom” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Community Foundation Announces New Directors

2011-06-08T13:49:00.000-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes Bev Laska and Jennifer Young to the Board of Directors effective July 1, 2011. Laska is retired from Sentry Insurance and Young is a community volunteer.

“The Foundation Board thanks retiring directors Bill Berry, Constance and Marc Fang, George May and Jason Studinski for their gifts of time, talent and treasure to the Foundation and the community” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

The slate of officers for 2011 is: Amy Eddy, President; Ted Schlafke, President-Elect; Jim Koziol, Vice President; Kathy Davies, Secretary; Tom Klismith, Treasurer; and Bob Spoerl, Past President.

National Wellness Institute

2011-05-04T14:48:00.001-05:00

May 4, 2011 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the National Wellness Institute Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

National Wellness Institute Fund

“Distributions from the fund will support the ongoing operations and programs of the National Wellness Institute, Inc.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Wisconsin League of Musky Anglers Fund

2011-03-09T09:38:00.003-06:00

“Distributions from the fund will be used for fish stocking and/or habitat maintenance for muskellunge on the Wisconsin River” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

C.O.L.L.E.G.E. Scholarship Fund

2011-03-08T11:41:00.003-06:00

Terry and Karla Rothmann and Marcus Hammitt present a check for $12,398.29 to Community Foundation President Bob Spoerl for the newly chartered C.O.L.L.E.G.E. Scholarship Fund (Creating Opportunity for Local Learners to Explore Greater Education). The goal is to offer $1000 scholarships to Portage County residents with financial need and history of community involvement who are seeking post-secondary degrees. This fund was started with gifts from Friends of the Children – The Power of Mentoring and the Aaron G. Rothmann Memorial Fund, and needs to raise $25,000 to be able to award one $1000 scholarship by 2012. Contributions to this fund may be made online at www.cfcwi.org or mailed to Community Foundation, P.O.Box 968, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

Central Wisconsin Resiliency Project Fund

2011-02-21T11:13:00.007-06:00

Using principles from the Natural Step framework, the Central Wisconsin Resiliency Project carries out sustainability work in the areas of food systems, energy, natural areas and ecosystems, waste and recycling, and water” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Cameroon Fund

2011-02-07T10:46:00.000-06:00

Distributions from the fund will support women’s education and development in Cameroon, West Africa. "We live in a culturally diverse community, and are pleased to be offering this charitable option to the community" said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Rosholt Library Fund

2011-01-13T11:22:00.003-06:00

Distributions from the fund will be used to remodel the historic fire hall in Rosholt to increase library and community space. “Preserving this historic building and increasing community space will benefit the Rosholt community for many years.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more....

Pavelski Scholarship for Leaders

2010-12-20T13:32:00.001-06:00

Portage County Youth on Ice has created this scholarship with proceeds from its annual Joe Pavelski Golf Tournament. Graduating seniors who demonstrate strong leadership qualities and participate in extra-curricular activities are encouraged to apply. “The Community Foundation annually awards over $100,000 in scholarships. We are thrilled to offer this $5,000 award that will make a significant difference in a student’s education.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Community Foundation Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

2010-11-30T14:00:00.006-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is accepting scholarship applications from students furthering their post-secondary education next fall. The Community Foundation currently offers over 30 scholarships and each follows criteria established by the fund representative. Scholarships are available for students who excel academically, artistically, athletically and for those having a desire to further their education. Applicants can be graduates from area high schools as well as non-traditional and continuing college students.

The Community Foundation annually distributes over $117,000 in scholarships, with awards announced each June. An application is required and is available through the Community Foundation website at www.cfcwi.org or by contacting the Community Foundation office at 715.342.4454. The deadline for all scholarship applications is March 1, 2011.

Parents and students are encouraged to contact the Foundation or your school’s guidance counselors for more information on the various scholarships available to graduating seniors.

Read more...

Arts Alliance of Portage County

2010-11-30T10:35:00.002-06:00

Bill Schierl, President of the Arts Alliance of Portage County, presents Terry Rothmann, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, a check for $2,000 to support the Arts & Culture Mission Endowment Fund. This donation represents an annual commitment by the Arts Alliance to support long term funding for the arts as part of their Cornerstone Membership fundraising. The Arts & Culture Mission Endowment Fund provides annual grants assisting programs in Portage County with an emphasis on arts and culture. Past grant recipients have been Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, Portage County Historical Society, Stevens Point City Band Fund, Friends of 2713 Fund, and Downtown Mural Fund.

Artists as First Responders

2010-11-22T14:36:00.000-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Artists as First Responders to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Artists as First Responders

“Distributions from the fund will provide art programs to children living in difficult situations following natural disasters like the folding in Cusco, Peru ” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Make Sure Your Assets Will Pass as You Intend

2010-10-25T13:44:00.001-05:00

Monitoring your estate plan is an ongoing task. It’s particularly important to keep an eye on your beneficiary designations and the way your assets are titled.

A Common Pitfall

Unforeseen ownership issues could throw a wrench into your estate plan. Here’s a simple example. Widowed Mother needs help with her finances so she names Daughter as joint owner of her bank accounts. If Mother dies without changing that designation, Daughter will become the sole owner of the accounts, even though Mother’s Will states that all of her assets are to be divided equally among her three children. Giving Daughter power of attorney may have been a better — and potentially less contentious — solution.

Yours? Mine? Ours?

Property may be titled in a number of ways.

Individual ownership. You are the sole owner of the asset and can leave it to anyone you choose through your Will or a revocable living trust.

Joint ownership with a right of survivorship. You own the asset jointly with another person or persons. When one person dies, the survivor(s) automatically owns the property.

Tenancy in common. You own the asset with another person or persons and each “tenant” is considered to own a separate and distinct share. Your share passes to a beneficiary under the terms of your Will.

Tenancy by the entirety. Available only to married couples, each spouse is considered to own an interest in the entire asset. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse becomes sole owner.

Remainder Interest in Home or Farm. This strategy may only be appropriate if you would like your property to pass to an individual or a charity, but want to retain the right to use the property for life or for a period of years. The gift must be irrevocable. You can claim a current income-tax deduction for the present value of the remainder interest if passed to a charity.

To keep your estate plan on track, keep property titles and beneficiary designations up to date. Always do a thorough review following a divorce, marriage, death of a spouse, or other major life event.

Read more...

Marcus & Constance Fang Fund

2010-10-25T10:34:00.002-05:00

October 25, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Marcus and Constance Fang Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Distributions from the fund will support the Portage Count Cultural Festival and help needy minority and foreign students residing in Portage County achieve their educational pursuits. “Marc and Constance have been the drivers behind the Cultural Festival since its inception, and we are so please to have a part making it a permanent part of our community.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Ryan Wanta Memorial Fund

2010-10-06T14:18:00.003-05:00

October 7, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin announces that the Ryan Wanta Memorial Fund will award its first scholarship in the spring of 2011 to a Portage County resident pursuing a degree in child care or early childhood education.

The fund was started by the family in 2001 as a Seed-A-Future fund in memory of Ryan Wanta. Ryan died in 1978 at five months of age from Shaken Baby Syndrome. “Good things often result from tragedy. We are so pleased to be able to help Arlene and her daughters keep Ryan’s memory alive” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Stock the Shelves Fund

2010-10-06T14:00:00.003-05:00

October 6, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Stock the Shelves Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Distributions from the fund help stock shelves in local food pantries. “In these difficult economic times, we are pleased to assist the Stevens Point Journal in this community wide endeavor” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Community Foundation to Host Appreciation Event

2010-10-06T11:23:00.003-05:00

October 6th, 2010 - Stevens Point. The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin will be hosting its annual Appreciation Reception on Thursday, November 4th, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Stevens Point Country Club. Following a networking reception, a program will take place starting at 5:45 pm.

Community members are invited to attend, but reservations are required. To reserve your place at the November 4th reception, call the Community Foundation at 715/342-4454 or send an e-mail to foundation@cfcwi.org by October 29th, 2010.

This year's reception will feature a theme of “Buried Treasures”. Fund Representatives will also be sharing their experiences working with the Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation manages nearly 200 charitable funds totaling over $9 million in assets. This past year the Community Foundation awarded $480,834 in grants and scholarships.

Contributions to any of these are funds (or to the Community Foundation MISSION FUNDS) are always welcomed. Gifts can be forwarded to the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, PO Box 968, Stevens Point, WI 54481. Be sure to designate which fund your gift should be directed to.

Read more...

SPASH Girls Cross-Country Panther Prints Fund

2010-09-28T09:51:00.005-05:00

September 28th, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the SPASH Girls Cross Country Panther Prints Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation.

Distributions from the fund will be used to support the activities of the SPASH girls cross country team. “With school districts throughout the state facing budget issues, we are pleased to help the local community support the amateur athletic component of our school district” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Geraldine Hartford-Waushara County Fund Awards Grant

2010-08-25T09:19:00.001-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is pleased to announce that the Geraldine Hartford-Waushara County Fund has awarded its first grant in the amount of $8,650 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wisconsin for their Tri-County Area School Based Mentoring program in Waushara County.

Read more...

Community Foundation participates in the 92nd PGA Community Relations Program

2010-08-18T14:36:00.002-05:00

We at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin are proud to be supporters of this year's 92nd PGA Championship Golf event held at Whistling Straits in Kohler, WI. We were one the sponsored groups that are part of the Community Relations Program which "Enhances Lives Through Golf". Take a look at the program for more information.

Click here to view the complete program

Newsletter SUMMER 2010

2010-07-21T13:41:00.014-05:00

Newsletter for SUMMER 2010

Click here to read full newsletter...

Portage County Transition Advisory Council

2010-06-24T10:13:00.001-05:00

June 24, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Portage County Transition Advisory Council to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Portage County Transition Advisory Council

Distributions from the fund support activities and programs that help students with disabilities transition into the community after high school. “We are pleased to be able to help the Council in their work transitioning students with disabilities into the community and workplace.” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Community Foundation Announces Scholarship Awards

2010-06-15T14:21:00.001-05:00

June 15^th, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is proud to be able to once again help students as they pursue their dreams. This year, we are awarding more than $104,000 by providing 127 scholarships to students pursuing higher education.

Here is this year's list of scholarship recipients:

Mark Acaley Memorial Scholarship - $500

Zachary Prebeck

Bill’s Pizza Scholarship - $600

Lindsey Flugaur

Donn Behnke Scholarship - $500

Paul Przybelski

William Cherek Scholarship - $1000

Shelby Lemke

Community First Bank Scholarship - $12,000

Susan Kawleski - $4000

Kasandra Krueger - $4000

Benjamin Laska - $4000

Cook Family Scholarship - $500

Samantha Hodgson

Laura Davies Memorial Scholarship - $1,500

Joshua Barnes -$750

Emma Shulfer - $750

Heidi Evenson Memorial Scholarship - $1000

Megan Courtney - $500

Olivia Czaikowski - $500

Fat Boy Golf Scholarship -$2000

Connor Donlan - $1000

Michael Shannon - $1000

Peter Friedrich Scholarship - $1200

Olivia Czaikowski - $1000

Cortney Piotrowski - $200

Friends of 90FM Scholarship - $1000

Mason Meulemans

LeRoy & Phyllis Heiser Basketball Scholarship - $500

Joshua Barnes

Iber Health Scholarship - $2000

Ann-Margaret Marie Cardenas - $1000

Patty Woitczak - $1000

Win & Nora Jensen Scholarship - $1000

Mariah Kolodziej - $500

Bailey Otis - $500

Fern M. Johnson Nursing Scholarship - $500

Ann-Margaret Marie Cardenas

Koziol Family Fund Scholarship - $1000

Patty Woitczak

John & Jill Norton Scholarship Fund - $700

Samantha Hodgson - $350

Daniel Kaminski - $350

Portage County Wildlife Fund Scholarships - $2600

Danielle Berger - $500

Sarah Fischer - $500

Aaron Marti - $500

Emily Starke - $500

Alyssa Untiedt - $600

George Roman Baseball Scholarship - $500

Bradley Stroik

Malcolm & Margaret Rosholt Scholarship - $1000

Lauren Omernik

Stevens Point Rotary Club Scholarships - $3000

Amanda Appel -$1000

Julie Canfield - $1000

Emily Kulich - $1000

Scott Schultz Memorial Scholarship - $1000

Jillian Cram - $500

Joshua Barnes - $500

Dirk Sorenson Memorial Scholarship - $500

Joseph Mathe

SPAEAF - Stevens Point Area Education Association Foundation -$11,000

Joshua Barnes - $500

Julie Canfield - $500

Megan Courtney - $500

Abigail DeVita - $500

Jana Hansen - $500

Elizabeth Hayden - $500

Samantha Hodgson - $500

Jase Hoffman - $500

Sarah Jensen - $500

Kristin Johnson - $500

Daniel Kaminski - $500

Kyle Kaster - $500

Susan Kawleski - $500

Mariah Kolodziej - $500

Sarah Komasa - $500

Benjamin Laska - $500

Ryan Meis - $500

Lindsey Mocadlo - $500

Alex Pieczynski - $500

Alisha Raabe - $500

Bradley Stroik - $500

Heather Wysocki - $500

SPAEAF - Dave Amdahl “PANTHER” Wrestling Scholarship - $250

Gabrielle Klein

SPAEAF – Greg Chelcun Memorial Scholarship - $500

Chase Benzine

SPAEAF – Family & Consumer Sciences Scholarship - $600

Olivia Czaikowski - $100

Mariah Kolodziej - $200

Emma Shulfer - $200

Sarah Wood - $100

SPAEAF – Laura Lee & Brian K Johnson Fine Arts Award - $500

Kenneth Baumann -$100

Rachel Christianson - $100

Jesse Gavin - $100

Julia Nummelin - $100

Lanea Zagrzebski - $100

SPAEAF – Sheila Kokkeler Scholarship - $500

Lindsey Mocadlo

SPAEAF – Loveless/Markelz Memorial Scholarship - $500

Alex Pieczynski

SPAEAF – Music Department Scholarship - $500

Lindsey Mocadlo

Schwartz Family Scholarhip - $225

Ryan Meis

SPAEAF – Science Department Scholarship - $400

Christopher Hassan - $200

Daniel Kaminski - $200

Jon Vollendorf Girls Basketball Scholarship - $250

Kasandra Krueger

Stevens Point Area Retired Teachers Association - $500

Jillian Cram

Mary Thurmaier Foreign Language Scholarship - $500

Jillian Cram

Tim Turner Scholarship - $500

Alisha Raabe

John Wandrey - $500

Marissa Trzebiatowski

Joe Wozniak - $3000

Olivia Czaikowski - $1000

Ann-Margaret Marie Cardenas - $1000

Ryan Meis - $1000

Susan Zywicki - $1000

Joshua Barnes

See our other School Districts we proudly support below:

ROSHOLT HIGH SCHOOL

Charles A. Anderson Memorial Scholarship - $1000

Evan Ferg

Community First Bank Scholarship - $12,000

Brianna Berti - $4000

Lauren Omernik - $4000

Luke Otto - $4000

Henry Flees-Scott Widen Memorial Scholarship - $500

Arik Gruna

Friends of Education Scholarship - $1000

Brianna Hahn

Rosholt Education Foundation Scholarship - $500

Michelle Zick

Marie Colrud Gunther Memorial Scholarship - $350

Lauren Omernik

Sammy Jo Kurdydyk Memorial Scholarship - $1000

Shelby Lemke

Rosholt Lions & Sandy Becker Memorial Scholarship - $500

Elizabeth Larson

Ruth Nelson Memorial Scholarship - $400

Rebecca Meis

Bonnie R. Rombalski Memorial Scholarship - $400

Chase Nelson

Vernon & Frieda Rosholt Memorial Scholarship - $750

Rebecca Meis

Helen M. Scheidt Memorial Scholarship - $750

Evan Ferg

Jacob Zick Memorial Scholarship - $500

Nichole Wierzba

WAUTOMA HIGH SCHOOL

Jeffrey Badura Memorial Scholarship - $800

Maddison Norlin

Edna B. Collins Scholarship - $500

Shawna Baar

Ann G. Haley Scholarship - $1000

Katie Gunderson

Iva Jane Heller Memorial Scholarship - $1000

Elita Bohn

Inwald & Anna Songe Scholarship - $500

Shawna Baar

Jacob Behringer

Jennifer Detlor

Emily Girdauskas

Alicia Ratajczak

Krystal Simos

Christopher Walther

Robert Withall

WILD ROSE HIGH SCHOOL

Jerry Apps Scholarship - $700

Ashley Haese

Mary Humphrey Scholarship - $5000

Sarah Eggers - $1000

Dalton Hanson - $1000

Thomas Klicka - $1000

Ashley Schaber - $1000

Kevin Thalacker - $1000

Murty Trust Scholarship - $14,000

Zachary Christie - $2000

Marilyn Gracia - $2000

Dalton Hansen - $2000

Peter Klicka - $2000

Jennifer Manske - $2000

Kyle Thompson - $2000

Kevin Yeska - $2000

Dan Zurawski Memorial Scholarship Fund

2010-06-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

June 10, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Dan Zurawski Memorial Scholarship Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Dan Zurawski Memorial Scholarship Fund

The fund will award an annual scholarship to a graduating senior from Pacelli or SPASH planning to enroll in the College of Natural Resources at UWSP. “We are honored to help the family memorialize Dan, a sophomore at UWSP, who drowned tragically in 2009” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Community Foundation Announces Grant Awards

2010-06-10T09:24:00.004-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to non-profit organizations and causes since July 1, 2009. “This has been an amazing year for the foundation,” said Executive Director Terry Rothmann, “with 122 grants going to many worthy projects and agencies.”

The foundation’s mission funds, which support arts and culture, education, the environment, wellness, and projects that help people, granted $13,825 to 16 agencies: Camp Hope, American Red Cross for CPR training equipment, Portage County Cribs, Healthy Smiles, the Arts Alliance, Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, the Karner Blue Butterfly Project, Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra’s 4^th Grade Concert, Central Wisconsin Children’s Theater, Friend of the Little Plover River, Operation Bootstrap’s Crisis Meds, YMCA’s Community Garden Project, Portage County Cultural Festival, Point Dance Ensemble’s Swing Time Social, Financial Wellness of Portage County, and Very Special Arts Choir and Artist Residencies.

Other monies were from donor-advised funds that are administered at the foundation including an anonymous donation from one foundation fund to another; Operation Bootstrap was the happy recipient of a $30,000 gift from a donor fund asking for no name recognition. The donor said their reward was the satisfaction of knowing this money would do a lot of good in our community.

Portage County Wildlife Fund

2010-06-09T13:08:00.002-05:00

June 10, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, the Portage County Wildlife Fund and the Portage County Land Preservation Fund Committee have worked together to acquire 124 acres in the western portion of Portage County. The land was donated to the Community Foundation by its previous owner, the Portage County Wildlife Club. Mill Creek meanders through the property which is on County “O” south of Junction City. “The property will be maintained in its natural state, and will be open to the public for hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking and cross country skiing” said Gary Speckmann, Portage County Parks Director.

Funding for the project was made available by grants from the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Program through the Department of Natural Resources and the Portage County Land Preservation Fund and funding from the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. “This is a great example of a public/private partnership that allowed us preserve this environmentally diverse property for public use” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.

“This transaction will allow the Portage County Wildlife Fund at the Community Foundation to make future distributions to promote hunting, fishing and wildlife preservation activities in Portage County, plus offer scholarships to College of Natural Resources students at UWSP” said Jim Koziol, Fund Representative.

Friends of Stevens Point Area Athletics Fund

2010-06-09T12:52:00.000-05:00

June 10, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Friends of Stevens Point Area Athletics Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Friends of Stevens Point Area Athletics Fund

Distributions from the fund will support the promotion and furtherance of amateur athletics and further amateur athletic competition in the area surrounding Stevens Point through educational, charitable and other means of support. “With school districts throughout the state facing budget issues, we are pleased to help the local community support the amateur athletic component of our school district” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Community Foundation has a "MISSION" for the Arts

2010-06-08T10:20:00.009-05:00

In 2004 the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin (CFCW) created individual endowment funds to specifically support its mission statement dedicated to helping people, enhancing education, enriching arts and culture, contributing to wellness and improving the environment. These endowment funds are simply called our “Mission Funds”.

Read more...

Business Park Trail Fund

2010-05-06T10:27:00.004-05:00

May 6, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Business Park Trail Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Business Park Trail Fund

Started by the employees of Travel Guard, gifts to the fund will support the development of a pedestrian/cycling trail in the Stevens Point Business Park. “We have a wonderful recreational and wellness trail system in the county, and we are pleased to help with the development of another segment of the system” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Team Schierl Companies Charitable Giving Fund

2010-05-06T10:24:00.003-05:00

May 6, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Team Schierl Companies Charitable Giving Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Team Schierl Companies Charitable Giving Fund

Distributions from the fund support the charitable giving activities of the Team Schierl Companies and their associates. The Schierl family and their companies have been of many charitable initiatives for years. “We are pleased to be able to help them as they continue their legacy of giving back to the community” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Jim Kocha Memorial Scholarship Fund

2010-05-06T10:21:00.002-05:00

May 6, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Jim Kocha Memorial Scholarship to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Jim Kocha Memorial Scholarship

Distributions from the fund will offer scholarships to graduating seniors at SPASH. Jim was a long time teacher in Stevens Point, and the first scholarship will be made in 2011” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director

Read more...

Scholarship Recognition Night

2010-05-05T14:49:00.002-05:00

May 13^th, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin will host a Scholarship Recognition Event on Wednesday evening, June 1^st, at the Stevens Point Country Club. The event begins at 5:30 pm.

Humane Society of Portage County Endowment Fund

2010-03-25T11:17:00.006-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Humane Society of Portage County Endowment Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation.

Humane Society of Portage County Endowment Fund

Distributions from the fund will support the mission and ongoing needs of the Humane Society of Portage County, Inc. “We are pleased to add the Humane Society’s Endowment Fund to our family of funds” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Foundation Seeks Board Members

2010-03-24T14:34:00.002-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is seeking applicants from the community to fill vacancies on its Board of Directors. Interested persons should send a brief resume and cover letter indicating why they are interested in serving on the board by April 15, 2010 to:

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, Inc

Terry Rothmann, Executive Director

1501 Clark Street

Stevens Point, WI 54481

Or via email to:

terry@cfcwi.org

If you have questions about the position,
please contact the Foundation at 715-342-4454

Or visit our website at www.cfcwi.org for more information about what we do.

Read more....

Maximizing Your Charitable Contributions

2010-03-24T10:14:00.003-05:00

Kim Hilgers, Vice President, M&I Wealth Management

As individuals, we are often asked by charitable organizations to help support the needs of our community. Pulling out your checkbook and writing a check to meet those needs or requests might seem like the right answer, but it is by no means the only or even the best answer. There are a number of ways to make charitable donations in lieu of cash that benefit both the charity and yourself.

Gifting Appreciated Property

An oft-overlooked means of charitable giving is making a donation in the form of an asset you already own. Almost any asset of value can be used as a charitable donation. Often, this type of donation comes in the form of donating stock with a low cost basis that has appreciated in value.

The benefit of this type of donation is best illustrated with a simple hypothetical example. Let’s assume that 10 years ago, you purchased 2,000 shares of XYZ stock at $1 per share, and the stock is now worth $50 per share. You want to use these shares to make a $100,000 contribution to your favorite charity, and you are effectively in the 35% tax bracket.

If you were to sell the 2,000 shares of XYZ stock through your broker, using the proceeds from the sale to make your charitable donation, you would be a little short of meeting your $100,000 pledge due to potentially owing the IRS almost $15,000 in long-term capital gains tax and the commission charged for the sale of the stock.

As an alternative, if you were to have the 2,000 shares of XYZ stock transferred from your account to the charity’s account, there would be no long-term capital gains tax consequence and no commission charges. Transferring the stock enables you to avoid paying long term capital gains taxes that would have occurred if you sold the stock as a means of raising the cash to make the donation.

This article provides insights from M&I Wealth Management that may be useful to you in assessing risks and opportunities in the current environment related to your financial and wealth planning needs. The information contained herein should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice, and readers are encouraged to consult their tax, legal, and investment professionals with specific questions applicable to their own financial situations.

Join with us. The vision of the original board of directors and the lasting effect of the first modest gifts continue to shine for the betterment of all in Central Wisconsin.

For more information on bequests, scholarships, donations to, or grants from the Community Foundation, contact its offices at 715-342-4454, or visit its website at www.cfcwi.org.

Read more...

Community Foundation Invests in CAP Lending Arm

2010-03-23T10:12:00.004-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has invested $200,000 in CAP Services’ Business Loan Fund. The fund is administered by Community Assets for People LLC (CAfP), a division of CAP Services.

According to CAP President and CEO, CAfP will use the investment for its “Gazelle Fund” that targets value-added businesses ready to make a leap in growth but that lack the financing for more space, working capital and equipment. Patoka explained that “value-added” businesses are those that produce a product or offer a service that brings wealth into the community. She said that while these companies aren’t obligated to create new jobs, as they grow they eventually do create additional jobs because the capacity has increased. But while they are growing, those businesses are creating wealth in the community.

Past “Gazelle Fund” borrowers have included American Governor in Amherst and Pointe Precision in Plover. Other investors in the Gazelle Fund include Delta Dental of Stevens Point and the Neighborhood Enterprise Initiative.

According to CAfP Director, Karl Pnazek, the Gazelle Fund is unique because it does not require job creation in the short term but rather focuses on the overall impact of the company’s expansion on the local economy. Not requiring job creations helps companies focus on their expansion and incorporating the most advanced technology available so they can compete in the world market.

CAP Board member and Treasurer Lyne Kawleski noted that CAfP operates the Gazelle Fund in cooperation with other public and private lenders. Its loans are designed to fill the gap between what conventional lenders will loan and what the entrepreneur needs. The loans may be used to finance the purchase of property, equipment or inventory.

CAfP has three business loan funds, one for low-income entrepreneurs, one for businesses creating jobs that commit to hiring low-income people and the third for existing businesses positioned for rapid growth that need quick access to capital. Persons interested in learning more about CAfP’s business loan funds should contact Nancy Ross at 715/343-7141.

CAP Services is a private, non-profit corporation serving as the designated community action agency for Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties. It has been offering programs that help low-income people attain economic and emotional self-sufficiency since 1966.

Read more....

Juniper Art Guild Fund

2010-03-16T10:52:00.002-05:00

March 16, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Juniper Art Guild Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation

Juniper Art Guild Fund

Distributions from the fund will be used to support the Juniper Art Guild which is an art incubator supporting emerging artists with disabilities and without. “The Juniper Art Guild is another addition to the thriving arts community in Portage County” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Ma-Kah Water For All Fund

2010-03-16T09:49:00.006-05:00

My dear friends,

When a loved one passes away you immediately think the world would come to an end. I have been in that corner once. Last February I lost a dear sister Ma Kah Rosemary Fokum Dinga. She was a nurse by training and she volunteered as a nurse most of her adult life. She became sick of stomach complications and died without proper diagnoses. Before her passing she had mentioned to me repeatedly that “…the greatest gift of life after free air is clean water”.

I started the Ma-Kah Water for All project to help build 40 pump wells in honor of my sister. With the help of a few Stevens Point community friends I was able to build the first well in December of 2009. This well will serve about 600 villagers. I have seen firsthand the streams where most of the villagers get their drinking water. The water is making the villagers sick and they spend a lot of working hours fetching water.

Please join me by making a small donation today to help build these wells. You can also contribute as a family to build one well. A well costs about $5000. There will be a plaque with your family name attached to the well.

Thank you!

Sam S. Dinga

Founder

Ma-Kah Water for All

If you are interested in helping Sam and his project. You can make a gift through the Community Foundation by calling or visiting our website and making an online donation.

Wisconsin River Academy

2010-03-16T09:29:00.000-05:00

March 8, 2010 - Stevens Point – The Wisconsin River Preservation Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has made a gift to the Wisconsin River Academy at SPASH. The Wisconsin River Academy’s mission: For students to appreciate and share how the river affects the community and how the community affects the river. The Wisconsin River Academy was created to give students the opportunity to discover the environment “hands on” and be immersed in outdoor settings. All studies in this school focus on the Wisconsin River and its economic, cultural, and historical impact on the Central Wisconsin region.

Newsletter SPRING 2010

2010-03-01T13:38:00.001-06:00

Newsletter for SPRING 2010

Read more...

Stevens Point Sculpture Park Fund

2010-02-25T14:54:00.001-06:00

Distributions from the fund will be used to develop and preserve the Sculpture Park on the north side of Stevens Point for future generations. “We are excited to be a part of this arts endeavor, and look forward to watching it develop in the years ahead” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Through Camp Hope, Life Goes On

2010-02-18T10:11:00.002-06:00

Three times a year, a group of children unknown to each other gather as a community to deal with the death of a loved one. It could be their mother or father, brother or sister, but every so often it is the loss of their entire family.

They feel alone and sad, not sure what to do or how to feel, isolated from “normal” kids. Their friends don’t understand even if they try, and playground bullies can make a deep wound almost unbearable.

Camp Hope, located at the Lion’s Camp in Rosholt, offers these little hearts some salve to heal. It’s a chance to get together and be kids again, have some fun and not feel guilty about having fun. They laugh, play, shed tears, hug, connect somehow and take steps at feeling normal again. They learn that having someone die doesn’t make you weird, it makes you special. This camp makes them realize that they are not alone. It allows them to make friends that are like themselves. They think and talk about it, and bring up “stuff” like: “what happened, why did it happen, and will it happen to me?” It’s a safe place for discussion.

2010 Scholarship Applications - Due MARCH 1, 2010

2010-02-18T09:54:00.001-06:00

2010 Grant Applications - Due MARCH 1, 2010

2010-02-18T09:52:00.001-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is accepting grant applications for its 2010 Community Grants Program. Applications will be considered for funding by various funds within the Community Foundation family of funds, including Mission Funds and Donor-Advised Funds.

Read more...

Virgin Spur Fund

2010-02-01T14:05:00.001-06:00

February 1, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Virgin Spur Fund to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation
Virgin Spur Fund

Distributions from this donor-advised fund will be directed toward environmental issues and projects in Portage County. “The fund is named after an old railroad spur near where the family lives, and we are pleased to be able to help them meet their charitable dreams,” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.
Read more...

Jacob Zick Memorial Scholarship

2010-02-01T13:42:00.002-06:00

February 1, 2010 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the REF-Jacob Zick Memorial Scholarship to its family of funds. A charter agreement was recently signed to establish this new fund at the Community Foundation.

Funds Helping Funds

2010-02-01T11:11:00.006-06:00

This picture with two smiling faces is all about a success story…..how one fund at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin anonymously donated a big (very big) gift to another fund in need.

Let’s get right to the exciting facts: Roseann DeBot, Director of Operation Bootstrap, is smiling in this picture as Terry Rothmann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, presents a $30,000 check to her, anonymously. The donor fund at the Foundation gave this gift asking no name recognition….their reward was the satisfaction of knowing that this money would do a lot of good in our community. This donor selected another foundation fund, Operation Bootstrap, due to the high level of community needs that this agency has been experiencing and its successful track record helping people.

For anyone with an immediate need for food, medication, shelter, or other assistance, Operation Bootstrap has been there to help. Their program assists people who have been referred to them by any of a number of sources such as a social worker or church pastor, or by a referral from Emergency Services (715-344-7438).

This check is a wonderful gift not only to Operation Bootstrap, but to our community as a whole. What a great way to kick off 2010….a success story of one fund helping another.

Ethiopian Sustainable Food Project

2010-01-21T13:53:00.005-06:00

Distributions from the fund will be used to support the stabilization of the food supply in Ethiopia. “Current efforts are focused on improving the yield, storage and dehydration of potatoes” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Ma-kah Water For All Fund

2010-01-13T09:32:00.001-06:00

Distributions from the fund will be used to build pump wells to provide clean drinking water for organizations and villages in Cameroon, West Africa. “The first well was recently completed, and the 600 residents of the village now have cleaning drinking water” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Stevens Point Air Show Fund

2010-01-11T14:55:00.004-06:00

Distributions from the fund will be used to sponsor the Stevens Point Air Show which promotes aviation activities, education and camaraderie for aviation enthusiasts. “We are pleased to welcome this outstanding community event into our family of funds” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

The Parent Project Fund

2010-01-11T14:52:00.002-06:00

The Parent Project is a nationally recognized program that helps parents with difficult or out-of-control adolescents, and provides character building lessons for teens. “Classes will be offered for parents and teens in Portage and Wood Counties, and gifts to the fund are used to offset expenses of the program” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director.

Read more...

Planned Giving

2010-01-11T14:17:00.013-06:00

Most charities rely heavily on the generosity of their friends and donors to help them fulfill their missions. And while many people are familiar with supporting their charities through a direct contribution of cash, there are many other forms of charitable giving that allow donors to both support their charities of choice, and provide themselves with personal benefits, like income tax, gift tax, and estate tax deductions.

Announcement of Waushara County 2010 Grant Application

2010-01-11T11:29:00.004-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is now accepting grant applications for the Geraldine Hartford-Waushara County Fund until March 1, 2010. Established by the estate of Geraldine Hartford in 2009, the fund will support charitable, educational and environmental projects that benefit the residents of Waushara County. Area 501(c) 3 organizations and established community groups and projects are encouraged to apply for grants.

Read more...

2010 Scholarship Applications - Due by MARCH 1

2010-01-11T11:23:00.005-06:00

2010 Grant Applications - Due MARCH 1

2010-01-11T11:18:00.005-06:00

St. Martin's Church Maintenance Fund

2009-12-07T11:42:00.006-06:00

This fund was established with contributions from two anonymous donors. Funds will be used to maintain the building and grounds of the St. Martin’s Church property in Ellis. “The church was constructed in 1866, and was the site of family based activities for many years” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.

Read more...

Geraldine Hartford Estate Fund - Waushara County

2009-11-17T10:24:00.004-06:00

This fund is to be used for educational, charitable and environmental purposes for the benefit of residents in Waushara County. The fund was started by the Estate of Geraldine Hartford, a long-time resident of Waushara County.

Read more...

Are you 70-1/2 years young? If so, this article is for you...

2009-11-17T09:30:00.010-06:00

The IRS has extended the "IRA Charitable Rollover" until 12/31/2009 which allows individuals 70-1/2 years old or older to make a charitable distribution directly to a charity up to $100,000 and qualify for a tax-free distribution

Read more....

Appreciation Reception 2009

2009-11-12T11:31:00.005-06:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is holding it's annual Appreciation Reception Thursday, November 12th at the Stevens Point Country Club. This event is held to recognize those that continue to help support our organization so we can continue to give back to the community.

Please visit our website to view the latest news at the Foundation.
Also check out the release of the 2009 Annual Report that is being released today to the public.

2009 Annual Appreciation Reception Being Held

2009-10-22T14:05:00.003-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin will be hosting its annual donor appreciation reception on Thursday, November 12th, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Stevens Point Country Club. Following a networking reception, a program will take place starting at 5:45 pm.

Read more...

Steve Smith Fund

2009-10-22T13:55:00.001-05:00

This scholarship fund offers help to UWSP students with physical disabilities, and was started by Steve Smith, a resident and UWSP student who was paralyzed in a cycling accident in 2008. “Friends and cyclists came to Steve’s aid after his accident and it speaks volumes about Steve’s strength of character that he now wants to help students in similar situation” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.

Read more...

Community Foundation Dollars Making a Difference

2009-10-06T09:46:00.002-05:00

Domestic abuse continues to be a significant issue in Portage County, and throughout the world. Over the last six years, CAP Services’ Family Crisis Center has been consistently occupied more than 99% of the time. Women and their children come to the Center, seeking a safe place to stay as well as information and support. Stays at the Center have ranged from an overnight to several weeks in length. While there, Center staff provides safety planning, support, education on the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on children, referrals and links to community resources, and assistance with completing applications for restraining orders, and for a variety of community resources and services.

Read more...

Emeritus Directors Named

2009-10-06T08:15:00.005-05:00

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin recently named Marg Coker-Nelson and Dr. Helen Godfrey as Emeritus Directors. Emeritus status is bestowed upon directors whose contribution to the Foundation is deemed commendable.

Read more...

Greg Chelcun Memorial Scholarship

2009-10-06T08:07:00.005-05:00

The Stevens Point Area Education Association Foundation has established this scholarship in memory of Greg Chelcun, an educator who passed away earlier this year. The scholarship will be awarded to a SPASH senior pursuing a Theatre Arts degree, or in alternate years, an outstanding math student. “This is a wonderful way to honor Greg’s memory in two of the areas where he had such an impact on SPASH students,” said Terry Rothmann, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.

Read more...

Charitable Remainder Trust - Another Way to Donate

2009-09-09T14:04:00.005-05:00

Donating appreciated assets outright allows you to obtain a charitable deduction and avoid capital gains tax. If you’re charitably inclined, another strategy worth considering is a charitable remainder trust (CRT). A CRT can benefit your favorite charity while providing you with tax benefits and lifetime income.

Read more...

Newsletter SUMMER 2009

2009-07-15T12:04:00.002-05:00

Newsletter for SUMMER 2009

Read more...

Giving While You're Living

2009-07-01T19:32:00.024-05:00

Instead of just leaving bequests to loved ones after you’re gone, consider making gifts while you’re still alive. Giving gifts while you’re still living can help reduce the size of your estate and minimize potential estate taxes. And, with careful planning, you can also limit federal gift taxes.

Read more...

John R. Jones Scholarship Fund

2009-07-01T19:24:00.004-05:00

July 1, 2009 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the John R. Jones Scholarship fund to its family of funds.

Read more...

Community Foundation Seeking Volunteers

2009-07-01T19:13:00.005-05:00

July 1, 2009 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is seeking community volunteers to serve on its Administration, Marketing, Finance and Community Grants committees.

Read more...

2009 Rotary Scholarships Awarded

2009-07-01T17:30:00.004-05:00

Rotary Club of Stevens Point Awards Scholarships

July 1, 2009 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin recently has recently been notified by the Rotary Club of Stevens Point of their selection of 3 area students to receive scholarships this year through funds they support through the Foundation.

Read more...

Community Foundation Gifts Exceed $2 Million

2009-06-18T19:25:00.003-05:00

June 18, 2009 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin exceeds over $2 million in gifts.

Read more...

Community Foundation to Host Scholarship Awards Night

2009-05-21T19:28:00.006-05:00

Stevens Point – May 21st, 2009 - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin will host a Scholarship Recognition Night on Wednesday evening, June 10, at the Stevens Point Country Club. The event begins at 6:30 pm.

Read more...

Community Foundation Dollars Making a Difference

2009-05-01T19:42:00.004-05:00

Family Crisis Center Supported by Community Foundation Grants.

Read more...

Wautoma Education Endowment Fund

2009-04-22T19:29:00.003-05:00

April 22, 2009 - Stevens Point - The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin welcomes the Wautoma Education Endowment Fund to its family of funds.

Read more...

Moses Creek portion of Green Circle nears completion

2009-04-01T19:46:00.002-05:00

The newest segment of the Green Circle trail around the Stevens Point area is nearly ready. It will be completed as the spring thaw allows. When finished, the approximate 31.5-mile trail will again become a complete circle for hiking, biking and enjoying nature.

Read more...

Part for Charity - Part for You

2009-03-01T19:47:00.003-06:00

Individuals who wish to make substantial charitable gifts sometimes choose to make their gifts through charitable remainder trusts or other planned giving vehicles. A planned gift allows you to make your donation during life but retain an income stream from (or the use of) the gifted property until death or until a certain amount of time has passed. When properly structured, a planned gift can offer significant tax advantages.

Read more...