2023 Annual Report

A Letter From Our Chair A New Era In ECCF Leadership

Dear Founders, Donors, Benefactors, and Friends,

As we embark on the exciting journey into ECCF’s second quarter century, we are thrilled to share some remarkable developments that are shaping our path forward.

We are delighted to announce the addition of Wesley Escondo to our team as the new President and CEO. His leadership promises to usher in a dynamic era for ECCF, building on the foundation laid by our longstanding former Executive Director, Sue Bornick, who will continue to contribute her knowledge in her new role as Donor Services Director.

In a significant stride towards broader impact, we are pleased to welcome the Rusk County Community Foundation as a Regional Affiliate Fund. This strategic partnership, bolstered by ECCF’s expertise and administrative support, will empower our partners in Rusk County to amplify their efforts and make an even greater difference in the lives of its residents.

Moreover, we are proud to announce the addition of 32 new Funds to our ever-growing family. From Acorn to Unrestricted, each fund plays a vital role in supporting a diverse array of nonprofits, collectively making a profound impact on countless lives.

While we celebrate these new horizons, some things remain unchanged. ECCF continues to be a driving force in identifying and addressing the needs of our community. In 2023 alone, we disbursed an impressive 654 grants and scholarships, totaling over $2.1 million in impact.

As we reflect on the remarkable achievements of ECCF’s first 26 years—marked by the establishment of over 360 Funds and a grant impact surpassing $30 million—we recognize that we are merely at the beginning of our journey. As our foundation grows, so does the potential for positive change in the communities we serve.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors who have been instrumental in enabling us to enhance the quality of life in the Eau Claire community and beyond. Your unwavering support fuels our commitment as we embark on the next quarter century of service.

With sincere appreciation,

Tom Larson, Board Chair

Dear Friends and Supporters,

In August of 2023, I was fortunate to join the dynamic and talented staff at the Eau Claire Community Foundation. Since then, a profound sense of gratitude has been a constant companion, stemming from the unwavering support and commitment of every community we serve.

2023 was truly a year that embodied growth, collaboration, and impact, fueled by the collective determination of our donors, partners, and a vibrant non-profit community. In the last year, we forged a new partnership with the Rusk County Community Foundation and are immensely proud to create impact together. With continued partnerships with the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation and the Women’s Giving Circle, we will continue to build bridges of hope and opportunity, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.

Looking ahead, our vision for the Eau Claire Community Foundation is one of continued growth, impact, progress and sustainability. We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, and a driving force for building a resilient and thriving community.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to every donor, volunteer, partner, and community member who has contributed to the success of the Eau Claire Community Foundation in 2023. Your commitment to making a difference has been the foundation of our achievements, and together, we will continue to create a brighter future for all.

Together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Wesley Escondo, President & CEO

Many partnerships, one commitment to philanthropy

Affiliate Funds are mutually beneficial partnerships that allow community foundations to leverage the combined expertise, energy, and relationships of the host and affiliate foundations so they can have an even larger impact in the communities they serve. As an operating division of ECCF, affiliates such as the Rusk County Community Foundation derive their charitable status from ECCF and operate within the parameters of ECCF’s bylaws and articles of incorporation; an affiliate’s Board is advisory to ECCF’s Board of Trustees.

A supporting organization, such as the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation (ECPSF), is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed to support the work of another charitable organization. It is a distinct legal entity affiliated with ECCF, by both its purposes and its operations, and it can be classified as a public charity. ECPSF benefits from ECCF support and resources as it promotes value-added education in the Eau Claire Area School District.

A Field of Interest Fund allows donors to allocate their contribution for the benefit of one or more areas of interest, such as education or the arts. The Women’s Giving Circle Endowment is a Field of Interest Fund that allows its members to pool their money for greater community impact. The WGC members’ annual $250 contributions support grants to nonprofits that serve Eau Claire area women and children.

ECCF Welcomes the Rusk County Community Foundation as a New Affiliate.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of the Rusk County Community Foundation (RCCF) to our Foundation. This exciting partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to expand our reach and enhance the services we provide to our clients and communities.

RCCF brings a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to excellence, aligning perfectly with our core values and strategic objectives. With a strong presence in Rusk County, RCCF has demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation, making them a natural fit within our organization.

As we welcome RCCF into our family, we are confident that this partnership will bring about positive change and mutual success. We look forward to working closely with their Advisory Board, learning from their experiences, and achieving our goals together. The new affiliation between ECCF and RCCF will allow both Foundations to serve their communities even better by pooling logistical and financial resources.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to RCCF. We are excited about the journey ahead and the many accomplishments we will achieve together.

Mission

To improve the quality of life in the Rusk County Community through permanent endowments and grant giving.

Vision

The Rusk County Community Foundation is the catalyst for community improvement and development, being a leading local resource promoting our community by providing the Rusk County non-profit community with philanthropic support used to responsibly address community needs.

We are honored to have the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation (ECPSF) as a Supporting Organization of Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF). Together, we forge meaningful connections between the community and Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD). Todd Johnson, Executive Director, and Executive Assistant Jane Christensen work in close partnership with the schools and the superintendent. Their efforts focus on securing funding for the schools’ most critical needs, fostering educator creativity, and expanding endowment funds to pave the way for future philanthropy.

The Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit, supporting organization of ECCF that connects the community and the Eau Claire Area School District. ECPSF is dedicated to inspiring and enhancing the educational experience of students. Through charitable donations, ECPSF funds schools’ greatest needs, supports educator creativity, and grows endowment funds to enable future giving.

Mission:

Dedicated to promoting education by fostering supportive relationships with the Eau Claire Area School District and the community; raising funds to provide learning opportunities for students, teachers and staff; and awarding grants for value-added projects.

Vision:

Ensuring the Future.

The mission of the Women’s Giving Circle is to improve the quality of life for women and children in the Eau Claire area through the power of collective philanthropy. Each year, WGC grant reviewers fulfill this mission by recommending grants to nonprofits that serve local women and/or children.

In addition, the WGC Education & Program Team organizes a free annual Educational Event regarding a current issue that impacts the community. Topics have ranged from Alzheimer’s disease to affordable housing. In 2023, the Education Event featured a panel of experts who discussed childcare challenges and opportunities in the Chippewa Valley.

Together, the WGC members learn, collaborate, and empower to make the greatest impact in our community.

Grants awarded in 2023: $41,300

Total Grants Since Inception: $492,321

2023 WGC Grant Recipients

• Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley, Altoona

• Chippewa Valley Museum

• Chippewa Valley Youth Choirs

• Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association

• HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital Foundation

• Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI

• Professional Dental Hygiene Express

Consider becoming a member today! WGC Grantee Spotlight

Bright Smiles

Professional Dental Hygiene Express

Support from the Women’s Giving Circle is helping Bright Smiles offer dental healthcare to schoolaged children in our community! This nonprofit, and its incredible team of professionals, provide preventative, no-cost dental care to underserved and uninsured children within schools and community-based programs in our area. Since their establishment in 2011, they’ve positively impacted over 27,000 kids in Eau Claire, Dunn, Chippewa, Rusk, and Taylor counties!

Your Story Starts Here

Charitable Fund Options

Working with you to establish the type of fund that best suits your charitable goals.

A Starter Approach

Acorn Fund

A fund that will slowly grow over time. When the minimum balance has been reached, your fund will become one of the funds listed below.

A Trusted Approach

Unrestricted Fund

Use the ECCF grant committee’s to address the greatest needs in the community

A Focused Approach

Field of Interest Fund

Support a charitable area of interest that you are most passionate about.

A Targeted Approach

Designated Fund

Choose one or more charitable organizations to receive ongoing support.

A Personal Approach

Donor Advised Fund

Advisors to the fund recommend grants to specific organizations throughout the year.

Tradition of Giving

Establishing a family endowment at ECCF holds immense potential for creating a lasting impact. A family that creates a Fund lays the foundation for a legacy of generosity through generations. The Fund channels resources to local charities and causes aligned with the family’s values. This approach fosters social responsibility and community engagement among family members. The Fund also ensures a sustained impact by supporting nonprofits and addressing evolving needs over time. Creating a family endowment at ECCF is a meaningful and impactful way to leave a legacy of compassion and philanthropy.

“It's not just about the impact we make today, but the legacy we create for tomorrow. My dad laid the foundation for this commitment, and by involving my own family in this philanthropic journey, we are crafting a narrative of compassion and responsibility that echoes through generations, forever leaving a mark on the community we care so much about.

- Brad Grewe

”

Ways to Give Donate to a Fund

Support existing funds through a gift of any size. You can make your gift in honor of someone important to you. Visit www.eccfwi.org for a complete list of funds.

Create a Fund

Establish your own family fund with as little as $500. It will support the nonprofits you care about for years to come.

Join a Committee

Volunteers strengthen ECCF’s role as a resource for our community by serving on our diverse array of committees.

Your Community Makes a Difference

Leadership Award

2023 Recipent: Betsy Kell

ECCF has awarded thousands of grants over the years—in no small part thanks to Betsy Kell. During her two terms as a Board member, Betsy served on the Grants Committee, including four years as Chair. In addition, Betsy holds the John and Betsy Kell Family Fund, which has issued almost $342,000 in grants since it was established in 2006.

But Betsy’s impact on ECCF doesn’t stop there; she’s also a Founder of the Women’s Giving Circle, which has awarded more than $492,000 in grants to support local women and children.

Betsy’s generosity has benefited other nonprofits as well. She and her first husband, John Kell, were founding supporters of the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire. In that role, Betsy not only helped raise money to open the museum, but she served as President of its Board.

“Giving back to the community was a most important goal for my late husband John and continues to be for me.”

- Betsy Kell

Betsy is especially dedicated to causes that benefit children. Among other achievements, she helped establish the Blugold Beginnings Advisory Board, which she chaired for several years; co-founded the Diaper Bank of Eau Claire; and continues to support two nonprofits that serve youth: Power of Perception and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin.

That dedication was recognized in 2013 with a Children’s Legacy Award. “Her passion is especially motivated by the deep conviction that children in our community need champions,” explained Kim and Darcy Way. “They couldn’t ask for a better champion than Betsy Kell.”

She also established the John Kell Endowed Football Fund at UW-Eau Claire, served as Secretary of the UWEC Foundation’s Board, and funds several scholarships for UWEC students.

The Eau Claire community is already a much better place thanks to Betsy Kell, and it will just get better because, as a member of ECCF’s Legacy Society, Betsy has ensured that her generosity will go on for generations to come.

We thank Betsy for all the good she’s already done and all the good she continues to do!

William A. Bingham Family Endowment Fund

There’s a house on Washington Street that was, for decades, the home of an extraordinary man. William Bingham—known to most as Bill, and to the Chumas family as Billy—spent most of his life there. Although he loved to travel, this house, and the Eau Claire community around it, was forever the place he called home.

Bill was born to Roy W. and Anna K. Bingham on May 29, 1927. Roy was a dentist from Canada who opened a practice in Eau Claire, only to close it so he could serve in WWI. Upon returning to Eau Claire, Roy met and married Anna Knobel. Anna had attended business school and was a talented bookkeeper for several Eau Claire businesses. She also excelled at calligraphy.

Tragedy struck when Roy passed away unexpectedly; Bill was only 14. Roy’s death made Anna into a single mother at a time when few women were in that role. She struggled to simultaneously raise Bill, care for her ailing mother, and work outside the home, but she succeeded thanks to her resourcefulness, talent, and strong network of friends.

Despite his loss, Bill was an Honor Roll student at his Eau Claire high school and went on to attend UWMadison. Upon graduation, he returned to Eau Claire and worked for Cox Realty. After its owner passed away, Bill continued to run it and was eventually persuaded to call it Bingham Realty. The business thrived under his management.

Bill’s success was due in no small part to Anna’s influence, not to mention her role as bookkeeper for Bingham Realty. Bill always remained close to her and cared for her until her death in 1978.

Before she passed away, Anna had asked the Chumas family to look out for Bill after she was gone. Anna was good friends with Athen Chumas, and the two families had grown close over years of holiday dinners together. The Chumas family was more than willing to honor her request; they remained close to Bill even after Anna’s passing.

“Bill was very pragmatic, astute, and careful,” Jim Chumas recalled. “He always dressed properly—dress pants and shoes, a jacket and tie.”

The Largest in Foundation History

But Bill had another side to him too. Jim described him as “always youthful” no matter his actual age. Bill would tell people that he was 23—even when he was in his seventies. “He always wanted to make people laugh,” explained Julie Chumas.

Bill loved dogs, but he didn’t have one as an adult because he also loved to travel. After Anna passed away, he learned German and travelled to Europe. There, he connected with relatives and fell in love with hiking. He liked to say, “My heart is in the Alps”—in German, of course.

No matter what language he was using, Bill loved to talk to the people around him and learn their stories. “He was an affable guy,” said Jim. “He was gregarious, and people liked him.”

Bill was as generous as he was friendly; he often left large tips for his servers at restaurants, especially if he found out they were working their way through school. That’s why Jim wasn’t surprised to learn of his $4.75 million bequest to the Eau Claire Community Foundation. “Bill loved Eau Claire,” Jim explained. “He was a big believer in the community and in the quality of life we all enjoy.”

“ ”

“He could have lived anywhere in the world, but he chose Eau Claire. It was his home.”

- Julie Chumas

Thanks to Bill Bingham’s extraordinary gift, his home will be an even better place for generations to come. “Bill’s donation ensures that we’ll be able to make more grants and address more needs than ever before,” said ECCF Board Chair Tom Larson. “Because it will be endowed, his gift will benefit the Eau Claire community both now and far into the future.”

Bill spent his life helping other people, whether by making them laugh, learning their stories, or tipping generously. Through this gift, he’ll still be helping people for many years to come.

Inspiring Community Impact: Paul & Cheri Weinke Family Fund

In the vibrant tapestry of Eau Claire, Cheri and Paul Weinke stand as pillars of philanthropy, illuminating the path toward a brighter future through their dedication to the Eau Claire Community Foundation.

“Several years ago, we had the good fortune to become aware of, and involved with, the Eau Claire Community Foundation,” Cheri and Paul Weinke explained. “We have always felt that Eau Claire is a warm and welcoming community, but, like every community, it has many needs that often are overlooked or simply go unmet.”

Recognizing these unmet needs, they established an Urestricted Fund with ECCF, echoing an invitation to all to join in shaping a thriving community.

“The establishment of a Fund is one way to have an impact so that the Eau Claire community continues to thrive in future decades,” they emphasized.

Their legacy embodies empathy and foresight, demonstrating the power of community-driven initiatives. Inspired by their example, individuals can initiate similar funds through ECCF, aligning resources with community needs. Such endeavors offer a pathway to creating lasting impact and fostering a brighter future for all.

- Cheri Weinke “ ”

“We have always felt that Eau Claire is a warm and welcoming community, but, like every community, it has many needs that often are overlooked or simply go unmet.”

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds play an important role in addressing the community’s constantly evolving needs. Their flexibility allows them to support a variety of grant requests through the annual Community Grant Cycle.

Field of Interest Fund Spotlight

Environmental Stewardship in Action: Tom Lindsey Conservation Fund

What do you get for someone who has everything they need? That was the question Brenna and Matt Lindsey-Schrupp asked themselves before Christmas last year when trying to decide on a present for Brenna’s father, Tom Lindsey. Brenna has been working at ECCF since 2021, and in her time here, she has learned many donors’ stories about why they established their Funds. Through these stories, she and Matt were inspired to create their own Fund in honor of Tom.

They surprised Tom by starting a Fund in his name with a purpose closest to his heart: Pollinator habitats and clean water protection. Tom is a lifelong conservationist, adamant about protecting and preserving the environment for wildlife. Brenna shared, “When we presented him with this news, he was elated! It was so special to be able to share this with him. He is not a materialistic person, so being able to give him something that will have a real impact... it meant a lot to him, and us too.”

“My dad is an exceptional conservationist, and the support he has given to Matt and me over the years has been truly remarkable,” Brenna shared. “In the summer of 2022, he helped us transform our conventional grass lawn into a 300-square-foot native plant pollinator garden. This undertaking was no small task, but one he helped us with without hesitation! Embracing sustainable forestry practices, he also cultivates a small patch of Christmas trees, generously helping us cut and carry our own each holiday season. These are just a few of the countless ways he has supported us over the years. We wanted to do something special for him to say, ‘thank you,’ for everything that he has done - which is why we established this Fund.”

Now, Matt, Brenna and her six siblings can donate to this Fund for any occasion: Birthdays, holidays, or just to help it grow. Through this Fund, a grant will be awarded in perpetuity in Tom’s name, continuing his legacy of environmental stewardship forever.

- Brenna Lindsey-Schrupp “ ”

Being able to give him something that will have a real impact... it meant a lot to him, and us too.

Field of Interest Funds

This type of powerful giving allows fund holders to support nonprofits that address their passions and interests, such as art, education, the environment, or medical care. They are broad in scope and encompass many of the needs in our community.

Anonymous Fund

After school program

Aubre’s Fund

Children & animals

Beckermann Family Fund

Family literacy, homelessness, and arts &

Generosity Through Generations: John and Betsy Kell Family Fund

The John and Betsy Kell Family Fund issued its first grant in 2007, and it’s been going strong ever since. As of December 2023, this Fund had supported 87 grants totaling over $340,000!

The driving force behind this philanthropic endeavor, Betsy Kell, shared her inspiration behind the Fund: “My girls and I started this Fund in memory of my husband and their father, John Kell. John was taken from us much too early due to a motorcycle accident.”

These gifts have benefited many local nonprofits, including the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, Feed My People Food Bank, The Wellness Shack, Bolton Refuge House, and YMCA of the Chippewa Valley. Organizations that serve youth are especially dear to Betsy’s heart. “I have always supported the children of our community,” Betsy explained. “My hope is to continue to support and work with the Eau Claire community in many ways.”

Betsy’s family is directly involved in this philanthropy. “This Fund is important to us as a tool to help many different agencies and needs in our community,” she said. “It has allowed me to teach the importance of philanthropy to my girls. Each year, when the grant requests are determined, we all review and choose those important to us. This is a practice I know they are passing down to their daughters also.”

The generous grants that Betsy and her family recommend from this Fund are helping nonprofits create a community where all children can thrive.

I am very thankful for the dedication and work of ECCF staff to make this possible.

- Betsy Kell

Donor Advised Funds

These

5 Martins’ Family Fund

Access Eau Claire Fund

Anonymous Donor Advised Fund

Anonymously Fund

Babbette’s Seeds of Hope

Billie G. Macaul Memorial Fund

Bob & Louise Barfknecht Fund Brotoloc North Mental Health Fund Carlson Family Fund

Charles & Joanne Graaskamp Fund Christopher J. & Julie A. Hasenberg

Fund Chuck & Lori John Shoemaker

Fund

Cindy Schlosser & Paul Wagner Fund

Family Fund

& Molly Filipczak Family Fund Dan & Debbie Market

Designated Fund Spotlight

Unleashing Hope: The Eau Claire Police Department K9 Fund

Since its inception in 1990, the K9 Unit has emerged as an indispensable asset within the Eau Claire Police Department, embodying the spirit of service and commitment to community safety. These remarkable canine companions stand at the forefront, assisting officers in navigating perilous situations and collaborating seamlessly with the Department’s Tactical Response Team during high-risk deployments.

Beyond their tactical duties, the Eau Claire Police Department’s K9s play a vital role in providing solace and support during times of crisis through the presence of a dedicated Therapy K9.

Living alongside their handlers, these K9 officers forge an unbreakable bond that transcends the confines of duty, working tirelessly to protect and serve the community they call home. Their shared training and close partnership enable them to confront challenges head-on, ensuring a swift and effective response to any situation that arises.

Yet, the path to maintaining such a vital resource is not without its challenges. The substantial costs associated with acquiring and sustaining a K9, including specialized vehicles and equipment, underscore the importance of dedicated support.

In 2006, recognizing the crucial role of the K9 Unit and other special unit needs, the ECPD K9 Fund was established. Through the unwavering generosity of donors, this fund provides essential resources to sustain the tireless efforts of these K9 officers, including the purchase and training of multiple service dogs.

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the Eau Claire Police K9 Unit, let us draw inspiration from their unwavering commitment to service and dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

Designated Funds

Buzz & Mary Ann Minton Fund

OutdoorMore, Inc.

Chippewa Valley Museums

Endowment Fund

Wisconsin Logging Museum

Dean J. Arnold CVM Archivist Intern Fund

Supports the preservation of historical

items at Chippewa Valley Museum

Dean J. Arnold Endowment Fund

Chippewa Valley Museum, Eau Claire Public

Schools Foundation, Wisconsin Logging

Museum

Dr. Joseph M. & Jean M. Tobin Family

Designated Fund

Beaver Creek Reserve

Dartmouth & Mt. Holyoke Colleges

Dr. Michel & Cathy Sultan Fund

Chippewa Valley Free Clinic

Eau Claire, Dunn, & Pepin County

Medical Society

Chippewa Valley Free Clinic

Epilepsy Foundation of Western WI

ECPD Community Crisis Fund

Eau Claire Police Department

ECPD Junior Police Academy Fund

Eau Claire Police Department

ECPD K9 Fund

Eau Claire Police Department

Gary & Sonya Tourville Family Fund Augusta Area Foundation Eau Claire YMCA Helen & Karl Andresen Family Endowment for Special Needs Helen’s

Acorn Funds

Donors can invest as little as $500 up front and add tax-deductible contributions for up to five years. Once the Fund matures into a permanent endowment fund, it can begin issuing grants.

Al and Peggy Jones Fund

Andrew and Brenda Schlafer Family Fund

Ann Gunderson Thornburg Fund

Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center Endowment Fund

Dave and Tammy Swanson Family Fund

Duane and Joan Dingmann Family Fund

Fred and Kay Magadance Fund

Greg Fesenmaier Fund

James and Valerie Fedie Fund

John C. and Margaret M. Hagen Family Fund

Mark and Donna Faanes Family Fund

Mary Ryan-Miller and Thomas Miller Fund

M. Vergin Family Fresh Start Fund

Paul and Lynn Seipel Fund

Pets Are Family Fund

Priority Fund

Steven B. Lange Memorial Fund

St. Mary’s After-School Program and Tutoring Fund

Stokes Herzog Family Fund

Tom Lindsey Conservation Fund

Agency Endowment Funds

Agency Funds are established by nonprofits to provide ongoing operational support for their organizations. Contributions to these Funds must be made to the nonprofit Agency that holds the Agency Fund, rather than directly to ECCF.

Anonymous (1)

Beaver Creek Reserve

The Citizen Science Center Fund

Doug and Kate Lindsay Adventure Fund

The Henke Acres Fund

Jim Schwiebert Butterfly House Fund

Tom Thompson and Barb Menzies-Thompson Nature Fund

Bolton Refuge House Endowment Fund

Boy Scouts of America CV Council Endowment Fund

Chippewa Valley Museum

Chippewa Valley Museums Endowment Fund

CVM - Wisconsin Logging Museum Fund

Wisconsin Logging Museum Endowment Fund

Eau Claire Children’s Theatre Endowment Fund

Foundation for the Endowment of the American Birkebeiner, Inc.

Bidwell Engebretson Tusen Takk Volunteer

Support Fund

Forerunner Fund

Priority Fund

Richard Pierce (Torstein) & Sandy Lampman Trail Support Legacy Fund

Schwartz Miller Scholarship Fund

Family Promise of the Chippewa Valley Fund

Feed My People Endowment Fund

Flying Eagles Ski Club Endowment Fund

Giniigaaniiminaang! For our Future

Goodwill Industries Fund

Hope Gospel Mission Endowment Fund

Landmark Conservancy

Landmark Conservancy Fund for Mary E. Fitz Memorial Park

Chippewa River Watershed Fund

L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library Agency Fund

Story Builder Campaign for the L.E. Phillips Memorial

Public Library Expansion Fund

L.E. Phillips Senior Center Agency Fund

LV-CV Legacy for Literacy Fund

Mega Charities Foundation Fund

United Cerebral Palsy Endowment Fund

Young Men’s Christian Association of Eau Claire Endowment Fund

Fiscal Sponsorship Funds

Carson Park Baseball Stadium Renovation Fund

Confluence Building Fund

Story Builder Campaign for the L.E. Phillips Public Library Expansion

Pass-Through Funds

Ann Gunderson Thornburg

Cindy Schlosser & Paul Wagner

Cody and Molly Filipczak

Compeer Financial Rural Collaboration Project

Dan & Debbie Market

Dean and Susan Olson

Dr. James and Holly Iwakiri

Jack and Lois Postlewaite

John Moseng & Sandee Kosmo

Jon and Maureen Homstad

Kristo Family Foundation

Mental Health Support for Law Enforcement

Michael & Jane O’Meara

M&J Employee Impact

Pat and Sue Quinn 2025 Fund

Phillip and Barbara Fey

Roberta Vance

Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development

Scobie Family

Thomas and Kathleen Edwards

Women’s Giving Circle Grants

Women’s Giving Circle Operations

Designated Scholarship Funds

These Funds allow fundholders to support the post-secondary education of students from a high school of their choice.

Alvin and Marcia Lechleitner Scholarship Fund

Arnold and Marie Maliszewski Memorial Scholarship Fund

Clarence and Isabel Berger Family Scholarship Fund

Cody and Molly Filipczak Scholarship Fund

Doris J. Bautch STEM Scholarship Fund

Draper Hills Scholarship Fund

Eldon and Josephine Hill Scholarship Fund

Elk Mound High School Alumni Scholarship Fund

Ida B. Fischer Scholarship Fund

Independence Public School Memorial Scholarship Fund

Isaacs Memorial Scholarship Fund

Larry E. Fischer Scholarship Fund

Laura Graul Memorial Scholarship Fund

Memorial High School Class of 60 Scholarship Fund

My Dad-Milton and My Mom-Elnora Siker

Endowed Scholarship

RAPS DOC Scholarship

Stromwall Family Scholarship Fund

Talha Aslam Memorial Scholarship Fund

2023 Community Grant Cycle

Giving Categories

Create Culture

Supports programs and organizations that enhance the quality of life in our community through music, literature, visual arts, performing arts, and museums.

$17,570

Give Green

Supports programs that engage children and adults in activities that improve environmental quality or provide fitness, health, and wellness opportunities. It also includes support for animals and wildlife.

$21,700

Grantee Highlight Power of Perception

Power of Perception (POP) has utilized funding from ECCF to make a significant difference in Eau Claire’s black and biracial youth community. From providing gear for the South Africa trip, to supporting their twice-weekly mentoring sessions with free dinners, the grant has enabled POP to create opportunities for positive change.

Grant funds also contributed to the Self-Care with a Diverse Twist community event. This initiative, featuring food, beverages, and self-care supplies and services, further demonstrates POP’s commitment to empowering youth within the Eau Claire community.

Learn more at www.powerofperceptioninc.org.

Enhances learning opportunities for children and adults in the Eau Claire area. Form Futures grants may also provide community development opportunities.

$47,410 Form Futures

Offer Opportunities

Provides children, adults, and families with basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, health services, veterans’ programs and disability assistance.

$76,777

$49,802 Operations

Helps nonprofits meet operating expenses during times of transition, unexpected revenue loss, or unusually high expenses.

Legacy Society Legacy

The Eau Claire Community Foundation established the Legacy Society to recognize individuals who have made provisions in their estate plans to provide a gift to ECCF for the causes they care about. By becoming part of the Legacy Society, you join a distinguished group of visionaries who extend their gaze beyond the present, to the future well–being of the greater Eau Claire area.

Ways to Leave Your Legacy

• Include ECCF in your will.

• Establish a charitable remainder trust.

• Name ECCF as beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

“ ”We believe in the transformative power of giving, and through our bequest to ECCF, we envision a future where our values endure, inspiring positive change and enriching the success of our community.

-Chris Hasenberg

Mark & Lois Helland Lawrence Henkel

Dr. Eldon Hill* Bernard & Karla Hoefgen

and Ann Hoffmann

Jon N. & Maureen S. Homstad Edna Hood* Duane & Laura Hookom

Rev. Kurt M. Jacobson

and Shelly Janke Al & Peggy*

Tom Larson, Chair Larson Management Inc.

Jeff Kowieski, Vice Chair Wipfli, LLP

John Satre, Treasurer Retired, Bauman Associates & Advisors

Grant Beardsley Royal Credit Union

Cindy Hangartner, Secretary Crivello Carlson, S.C.

Greg Bremer OneDigital

Mike Conner** PESI, Inc

Amelia Daniels Personal Trainer

Cody Filipczak C & M Properties and Construction Inc.

Paul Kulig BMO Harris Bank

Julia Kyle, MD Confluence Health

Jason Beckermann, MD Mayo Health Systems

Katie Murphy RB Scott Company

Jackie Rasmussen U.S. Bank

Andy Schlafer** Baird Private Wealth Management

Dale Wood* Retired McMahon, Schleifer & Wood

Linda Danielson, Past Chair Ruder Ware

2023 Financial Highlights

ECCF’s Operations Fund

Financial Preparation

• ECCF assets are in a balanced portfolio of pooled investments that maximize fund growth and encourages, facilitates, and manages long-term philanthropy. Both the Diversified Portfolio and the Socially Responsible Portfolio are managed by Morgan Stanley.

• The Intermediate Portfolio is managed by Badgley + Phelps Wealth Managers.

• Financial Statements are prepared by CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, the Audit is completed by Olsen Thielen CPA’s and Advisors, LTD, and the 990 returns are prepared by Wipfli, LLP.

Looking ahead to 2024

May 13

WGC Spring Gathering

September 19

Autumn Social

October 17

Professional Advisor Event

November 4

WGC Annual Meeting

ECCF Staff Members

Wesley Escondo – President & CEO

Erin Dayton – Operations Director

Sue Bornick – Donor Services Director

Brenna Lindsey-Schrupp – Development & Scholarship Coordinator

Rebecca White Body – Program Coordinator

Monica Olson – Financial Assistant

Connor Lindahl – Graphic Design Intern

November 12-18

Community Foundation Week

December 3

WGC Gift of Giving

Content

ECCF Staff

Layout & Design

Connor Lindahl

Photography By

Connor Lindahl

Connor Miller

Tanner Thompson

Printed By

Badgerland Printing, USA, Inc.