

GUIDE TO CHARITABLE FUNDS
at the Door County Community Foundation
The mission of the Door County Community Foundation is to inspire people to give back to sustain and advance the community we love. We do that by serving as a conduit for giving. We’re a charity whose purpose is to make giving simpler, easier, and more tax efficient so you can be as generous as possible to the charities and causes you care about.
We’ve published this Guide to Charitable Funds as a resource to help you with your giving. For a more complete listing of the nearly 400 non-profit and civic groups in Door County, visit us online at www.GiveDoorCounty.org – or just give us a call at (920) 746-1786.
Help us inspire people to give back to sustain and advance the community we love.
Board of Directors
Jim Vander Heiden, Chair of Egg Harbor
Retired Vice President/Principal, HGA Architects and Engineers
Stephen O’Hearn, Vice Chair of Sister Bay Retired, Partner and Global Insurance Leader, PwC
Vicki Wilson, Secretary of Sturgeon Bay President-Founder, Door County Coffee Co.
John McGinnis, Treasurer of Sturgeon Bay Retired Executive, Energy Industry
Jeff Ottum, Past Chair of Sturgeon Bay
Retired Senior Vice President Human Resources, Schreiber Foods, Inc.
Fred Anderson of Sister Bay Owner, Ashbrooke Hotel, Egg Harbor
Inge Alverson Bacon of Sevastopol Certified Public Accountant
Professional Staff
Bret Bicoy President & CEO
Jessica Holland VP of Philanthropic Services
Amanda Brooker Philanthropic Services Officer
Adam Peronto Philanthropic Services Officer
John Bykowski of Ephraim
Retired President and CEO, SECURA Insurance Companies
Natalie Gorchynsky of Egg Harbor Community Philanthropist
John Hauser of Sturgeon Bay Chaplain, Door County Medical Center
John Herlache of Sturgeon Bay Retired Surgeon
Kristen Jeanquart of Sturgeon Bay Owner, Door County Digital Communications
Keith Mutchler of Sevastopol
Retired, Paper and Packaging Manufacturing
Donna Scattergood, RN, PhD of Sister Bay Serial Entrepreneur/Holistic Nursing and Functional Medicine, Healthcare Organizational Behavior Consultant, Educator
Julie Haen Senior Business Officer
Jean Gothberg Business Officer
Heidi Copiskey Administrative Assistant
Dan Westbrook of Washington Island Retired, Consumer Paper Products Research, Manufacturing and Marketing
Dick Egan * Emeritus Director *Deceased



Budgeted Operating Costs as a Percentage of Assets:







COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
The Door County Community Foundation’s Board of Directors has launched and/or endorsed several community efforts that operate as a project or initiative of the Community Foundation. Please consider supporting these important initiatives. Visit them online to learn more.

Baileys Harbor Open Space Preservation Fund www.BaileysHarborOpenSpace.org

Door County Civility Project www.DoorCountyCivilityProject.org

The Ellie Helm Foundation www.EllieHelmFoundation.org

Mental Health Support Fund www.LittleEddieBigCup.org

Willie’s Cornerstone Foundation www.WilliesCornerstone.org
115 Club Ltd.
350.Org
Abington Friends School
ACLU Foundation
Active Senior Options
Adelante Mujer, Inc.
Aging & Disability Resource Center of Door County
Altrusa Club of Door County Foundation, Inc.
Alzheimer’s Association
Greater Wisconsin
Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
American Association of University Women
American Cancer Society
American Chemical Society
American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Foundation Inc.
American Heart Association
American Lung Association

Door County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Foundation www.SafeDoorCounty.org

Northern Door Children’s Center Essential Campaign www.EssentialDoorCounty.org

Door County Food Pantry Coalition www.FeedDoorCounty.org

DDC State Parks Challenge Funds www.DoorCountyStateParks.org

Muse Overture Initiative Campaign Fund musecampaign.org

Community Opportunity Investment Network www.InvestDoorCounty.org

GO BO! Foundation www.GoBoFoundation.org

Door County Scholarship Network www.DoorCountyScholarships.org

Door County Granary Fund www.SturgeonBayHistoricalSociety.org/ Granary

Workforce Housing Lending Corporation www.BuildDoorCounty.org
Scholarships Awarded to Students Attending the Following Universities:
Arizona State University
Bellin College
Edgewood College
Fox Valley Technical College
Harvard College
Iowa State University
Lawrence University
Martin Luther College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Northern Michigan University
Ripon College
St. Norbert College
University of Iowa
University of Mary
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
University of Notre Dame
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Washington University in St. Louis
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
Yale University
SERVICE CLUBS AND CIVIC GROUPS
100+ Women Who Care Door County Charitable Fund
www.100WWCDoorCounty.org
Order of the Eastern Star
American Museum of Natural History
American Red Cross
American Red CrossLakeland Chapter
American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania
AMIkids Inc.
Amnesty International USA
Anti Cruelty Society Arm in Arm
Art and Nature Center
Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin, Inc.
Back Roads Church
Baileys Harbor Community Association
Baileys Harbor Fire-Rescue Association Inc
Baileys Harbor Historical Society
Bart and Cherry Starr Foundation
Bartels Lutheran Home, Inc.
Bay View Lutheran Church
Beaufort County Open Land Trust
Bellin Health Foundation
Best Friends Animal Society
Bethany Kids
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Educational Foundation Inc
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin
Big Dog Ranch Rescue
Birch Creek Music Performance Center, Inc.
Blessings in a Backpack
Boy Scouts of America - Bay Lakes Council
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region
Boys Hope Girls Hope
Bradley University
Bright Focus Foundation
Brussels Wisconsin Lions Foundation Inc.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
BUG Firefighters, Inc.
Calvary and Zion United Methodist Church
Camp Manito-wish YMCA
Camp Zion
Campus Crusade for Christ Inc.
Capital Harmony Works
Capuchin Community Services
Carleton College
Carroll University
Carthage College
Casa Alba Melanie Hispanic Community Resource Center
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Extension
Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay
Catholic Relief Services
Center for Family Services
Central Asia Institute
Centurion Ministries
Development Dept
Children First Development Center Inc.
Christ Child Society
Christ Church Episcopal
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Citizens for Our Bridge
City of Sturgeon Bay
City of Sturgeon Bay
Municipal Services
City Relief Inc.
Clean Water Action Council of NE Wisconsin
Clean Wisconsin
Colin and Friends Concerts Inc.
College Possible Community Church Fish Creek
Honor Chapter #1 of the State of Wisconsin Charitable Fund www.sturgeonbayoes.com
Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay Charitable Trust Fund www.sturgeonbayrotaryclub.org
Jacksonport Women’s Club Charitable Fund
Rotary Club of Door County North Charitable Fund www.doorcountynorthrotaryclub.com
Henry S. Baird #174 F. & A.M. Charitable Fund www.HSBaird.com
Sturgeon Bay Breakfast
Rotary Charitable Fund www.facebook.com/sbbreakfastrotary
Copperleaf Charitable Foundation
Cornell University
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Crossroads at Big Creek, Inc.
Cycling Without Age
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
D & R Greenway Land Trust
Daughters of the Nile Foundation
Diabetes Foundation Inc.
Doctors Without Borders
Door Cancer, Inc.
Door Community Auditorium
Door Community Child Development Center
Door Community Non Profit Group
Door County Bookmobile Inc
Door County Charities, Inc.
Door County Environmental Council Inc
Door County Habitat for Humanity
Door County Historical Society Inc.
Door County Housing Partnership, Inc.
Door County Land Trust
Door County Maritime Museum
Door County Master Gardeners Association Inc
Door County Medical Center Foundation
Door County Secret Santa
Door County Sheriff’s Department
Door County Therapy Dog Teams Inc.
Door County Toys for Kids
Door County Veterans Service Council, Inc.
Door County YMCA
Door Garden Club Inc
Door Kinetic Arts, Inc.
Door Peninsula Detachment1130 Marine Corps League
Door Shakespeare, Inc.
Door-Tran Inc.
Ducks Unlimited
East Maplewood Beavers 4-H Club
Easter Seals Wisconsin
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Environmental Defense Fund
Ephraim Fire-Rescue Association, Inc.
Ephraim Historical Foundation, Inc.
Ephraim Men’s Club
Ephraim Moravian Church
Episcopal Church of Christ the King and Holy Nativity
Faith Hope & Love
Family Promise of Waukesha County
Family Services of Northeastern WI, Inc.
Father Flanagan’s Boys Home
Feed & Clothe My People of Door County
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
First Baptist Church
FISC Consumer Credit Counseling of Door County Inc
Grants Awarded from All Funds at the Foundation Continued:
Food for the Poor
Food Systems for the Future Institute
Forte Theatre Company, Inc.
Forward Theater Company Foundation for Children in Need
Francis Hardy Center for the Arts
Friends of PBS Wisconsin
Friends of Peninsula State Park
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands
Friends of Potawatomi State Park
Friends of Princeton Open Space
Friends of Rock Island State Park
Friends of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Friends of the Door County Park System Inc
Friends of the Elisha D. Smith Public Library Inc.
Friends of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
Friends of the Pavilion, Inc.
Friends of the World Food Program Inc
Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park
Gathering Ground
Gathering Waters Conservancy
Georgetown University
Germantown Community Library Board
Germantown School District
Giants of the Earth Heritage Center
Gibraltar Area Schools
Gibraltar Historical Association
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Inc.
Global Recognition
Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star
Greater Delafield Community Fund
Greater Escarpment Organization of Door County
Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Inc.
Greater Green Bay YMCA Inc
Green Bay Area Catholic Education Inc.
Green Bay Botanical Garden
Guardian Org Foundation
Guest House of Milwaukee
H S Baird #174 Masonic Lodge
Habitat for Humanity
Harry S Truman Library Institute
Heifer International HELP of Door County, Inc.
Hope for Haiti Inc
Hope United Church of Christ of Sturgeon Bay
Hopeful Horizons
Horseshoe Bay Farms Inc
Ice Age Trail Alliance
IEEE Foundation
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Impact Wisconsin
Interlochen Center for the Arts
International Focusing Institute
International Rescue Committee Inc
JA Worldwide
Jesuit Refugee Service
Kahilu Theatre Foundation
Kewaunee County Public Health
Knock Publishing Company
Kolberg Athletic Club Inc.
Lakeshore CAP, Inc.
Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership
Laurel House
Lawrence University League of Women Voters Education Fund
Legal Aid Society of Door County
Liberty Grove Historical Society
Life’s ConnectionMukwonago Center Inc.
Lighthouse Recovery Community
Literacy Door County
Low Country Habitat for Humanity
Lutheran Social Services
Maryknoll Lay Missioners
Mental Health America Lakeshore Inc.
Mercer Street Friends
Midsummer’s Music Ltd
Miller Art Center Foundation, Inc.
Miller Art Museum
Milwaukee Area Technical College FoundationMilwaukee PBS
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Modern Day Missions
Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc.
Mote Marine Laboratory
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Mount Vernon United Methodist Church
Muse Sturgeon Bay, Inc.
Museum of Wisconsin Art
Music on the Hill
Namur Belgian Heritage Center
National Audubon Society
National Geographic Society
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
National Park Foundation
National Parks Conservation Association
National Wildlife Federation
Natural Lands Trust, Inc.
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
Nature Conservancy
Neighbor to Neighbor
New York Public Radio
WQXR, WNYC, NJPR, NYPR
New York Times Communities Fund
Newark School of the Arts
Newport Wilderness Society
Northern Door Children’s Center
Northern Sky Theater
Northwoods Wildlife Center, Inc.
Norway House
Norwegian American Historical Association
Notre Dame de la Baie Academy
Ocean Conservancy
Oklahoma State University Foundation
Open Door Bird Sanctuary
Open Door Pride
Open Wings Learning Community
Our Daily Bread Food Pantry
Our Savior’s United Methodist Church
OXFAM America
Parker School
Parkinson’s Foundation Inc
PATH of Door County
Patriot Racing Project
Peninsula Chamber Singers Inc.
Peninsula Golf Association, Inc.
Peninsula Music Festival, Inc.
Peninsula Players Theatre, Inc.
Peninsula School of Art
Peninsula Symphonic Band
PFLAG Door County
Philadelphia Orchestra Association
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin
Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust Inc
Port Royal Sound Foundation
Prevent Suicide Door County
Nathan Wilson Coalition
ProHealth Care Foundation, Inc.
Purdue Foundation
Razom
Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Reins Inc.
Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society
Rogue Theater Inc
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin
Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
Salvation Army New Jersey Division
Salvation Army- Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Division
Senior Citizens Agency of Northern Door Inc
Sevastopol School
Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church
Shriner’s Hospital for Children
Sierra Club Foundation
Sister Bay Historical Society
Sister Bay Lions Club Foundation, Inc.
Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Firefighters Assoc.
Sisters of St Francis of the Holy Cross
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Skylight Music Theatre
Smithsonian Institution
Southern Door County School District
Southern Poverty Law Center
Special Olympics
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation
St Anthony on the Lake
St John Bosco Catholic School
St Joseph’s Catholic Church
St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Inc
St Patrick Center
St Pauls Lutheran Church
St. Joseph Catholic Church
St. Joseph’s Indian School
St. Katharine Drexel
St. Louis Life
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
St. Peters Lutheran Church
Stella Maris Parish
Stephens College
Stewards of the Bete Grise Preserve Inc
Strong Towns
Sturgeon Bay Girls Front Court Club Inc
Sturgeon Bay Historical Society
Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church
Sturgeon Bay School District
Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church
Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Sail Training Foundation
Sunshine Community Compost
Sunshine House, Inc.
Supreme Council Benevolent Foundation
Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Swarthmore College
Taliesin Preservation Inc.
The Clearing Folk School
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
The Fuller Center for Housing, INC.
The Heritage Foundation
The Land Institute
The League of Women Voters of Door County
The Libenu Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature ConservancyWisconsin
The Nature Conservancy in PA and DE
The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina
The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Philadelphia Corps.
Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Foundation Inc. GMRP
Third Avenue PlayWorks
Time of Grace Ministry
Town of Gibraltar
Town of Jacksonport
Town of Sevastopol
Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Trinity Lutheran Church
Tufts University, The Friedman School of Nutrition Science
Tunnels to Towers Foundation
Ukraine Partnership Foundation
Unbound
Underwater Society of America-USOA
Unicef
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County
Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota
United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO)
United States Association for UNHCR
United Way of Door County
United Way of the Low Country
Unity Hospice
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation
University of Wisconsin Eau
Claire Foundation
University of Wisconsin Foundation
University of Wisconsin
Stevens Point Foundation
University of Wisconsin
Superior Foundation
University of WisconsinGreen Bay Foundation
Urbanite Theatre Inc.
Village of Egg Harbor
Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Inc.
Warrior Homes of Collier County
Wartburg College
Washington Island Community Health Program
Washington Island Fire and Rescue
Washington Island Foundation
Washington University
We Are Hope, Inc.
WI Humane Society
Wild Ones Door Peninsula Chapter
Wilson and Carol Trueblood Performing Arts Center Inc.
Wisconsin Eastern Star Foundation
Wisconsin Foundation for School Music
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters
Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Television
Wisconsin Special Olympics
Wisconsin’s Green Fire Inc.
Workforce Housing Lending Corporation
World Central Kitchen, Inc.
World Food Program USA
World Vision
World Wildlife Fund
Write On Door County, Inc.
Yes Prep Public Schools Inc.
Zion Lutheran Church
CHARITABLE FUNDS SUPPORTING CAUSES IN DOOR COUNTY
Discretionary Endowment Funds offer you the best of both worlds – the opportunity to choose a broad area that interests you (such as children, the arts, or the environment) while relying on the Door County Community Foundation’s volunteer boards and committees to identify the organizations that will make the greatest impact on that issue. Your gift is endowed and will provide a permanent source of income to be granted to those organizations that are truly making a difference in Door County. We can even create a new Fund named in your honor or in memory of a loved one. Please consider donating today, or in your estate plans, to a Discretionary Endowment Fund.

Women’s Fund of Door County
www.WomensFundDoorCounty.org
For Good Forever Fund
www.GiveDoorCounty.org
We simply cannot know what issues or opportunities the future will bring, but we can be confident that the Community Foundation will be there to address it because of the For Good Forever Fund – the general unrestricted endowment for Door County. We’re here For Good. And we’re here Forever. This permanent pool of money is a flexible resource to fund our sustainability and advancement grants, invest in community projects, and support future programs of the Community Foundation.

Community Investment Fund
www.CommunityInvestmentFund.org
The Community Investment Fund, created in partnership with Destination Door County, uses a portion of the room tax dollars paid by visitors to offer grants to projects that meaningfully improve the quality of life for those who live and work in Door County. The unique granting program illustrates how tourism can build a better life for the residents of Door County.
The Women’s Fund of Door County builds, enriches, and nurtures the lives of women and girls through collective wisdom and philanthropy. The Women’s Fund invests in educational opportunities for women and girls and supports arts programs which enrich their souls. It makes grants to promote healthy activities for young girls and to provide support for seniors. It supports efforts to improve women’s health and invests in initiatives that promote equality. Because when she thrives, we all prosper.

Door County Green Fund
www.GreenFund.com
Door County is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. From our lakeshore to the wetlands, our orchards to the meadows, the open spaces and our rural roads – there is something about the beauty of this place that keeps us here or calls us back each year. The Green Fund supports land acquisition projects in our community and also invests in environmental education, funds land preservation, eradicates invasive species, and supports other types of “green” projects.

Healthy Water Door County
www.HealthyWaterDoorCounty.org
Door County’s unique geography makes our water vulnerable. As a peninsula situated on the Niagara Escarpment, our thin soil layer, combined with the vertical and horizontal fracturing common in our bedrock, makes protecting our water a priority. The mission of Healthy Water Door County is to protect our community’s human, environmental, and economic health by guarding against threats to our water.

Door County Arts Fund
www.GiveDoorCounty.org/arts
The “arts” describe a broad range of creative activities that can stimulate thought and inspire the soul. Therein lies the purpose of the Community Foundation’s Arts Fund. The Community Foundation supports creative charitable activities in Door County that use the arts to enrich the community and touch the lives of the people of Door County.

Door County Children & Youth Fund
www.GiveDoorCounty.org/children
If the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, then there is no greater gift to a child than to nurture their ability to believe in their own potential and promise. The Community Foundation supports charities that are working to ensure a brighter future for the community’s children – whether it be alleviating their burdens today or helping them realize the opportunities of tomorrow.

Door County Education Fund
www.GiveDoorCounty.org/education
Education must go beyond traditional schooling and formal education. It should include informal modes of learning and extend beyond traditional settings. It must be integrated into the home and throughout the community – and education is not limited to children. The Community Foundation believes that learning is a lifelong pursuit – and nurtures its incorporation into the many aspects of life in Door County.

Door County Growing Older
As our population ages, many of our residents face unique challenges that impact their health, independence, and overall well-being. The Door County Growing Older Fund invests in initiatives that work to address the diverse issues and opportunities associated with aging, foster intergenerational connections, and help build a supportive community where we can all enjoy growing older together.

Door County Health and Human Needs Fund
www.GiveDoorCounty.org/health
It’s difficult to appreciate the incredible beauty and quality of life here in Door County if the very basic needs of your life are not being met. The Community Foundation supports charities that are working to aid those who live in the shadows of society – those whose health or human service needs are not being adequately addressed.

Door County Historic Preservation Fund
www.GiveDoorCounty.org/history
People have been coming to Door County for generations, each bringing their unique culture and traditions to our community. Working in partnership with the Clifford and Clara Herlache Heritage Foundation, the Community Foundation’s Historic Preservation Fund supports the appreciation, enhancement, and preservation of historical landmarks and the cultural heritage of Door County, Wisconsin.
CHARITABLE FUNDS SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL CHARITIES
Many charities entrust the administration of their endowments and other funds to the Door County Community Foundation. It’s a safe and responsible way to manage endowed gifts, long-term assets, and operational reserves. The non-profit community also counts on the Community Foundation’s planned giving expertise to facilitate gifts into their funds. By aggregating these assets under the umbrella of the Community Foundation, economies of scale allow for a far more diversified investment portfolio and lower investment fees than any of the charities could achieve on their own.
As a donor, the Community Foundation makes it easy for you to leave a gift in your estate plans (or make a gift today) to as many of these charitable funds as you’d like. Simply name the Door County Community Foundation, Inc. as a beneficiary in your estate plans and designate the specific charitable fund (or multiple funds if you’d like) that should benefit from your generosity. If a charity you care about doesn’t have a fund at the Community Foundation, you can create one for them with your gift, or we can simply pass along your generosity to the charity directly. Our goal is to make it easy for you to give back to sustain and advance the community we love.
All contributions will be used consistent with the terms and conditions of the fund to which it was directed (if applicable). For more information, please contact us.
Bayside Cemetery Association
Bayside Cemetery Charitable Fund www.dcbaysidecemetery.com

Belgian Heritage Center Fund www.belgianheritagecenter.org (920) -825-7319

Building for Tomorrow Fund
Lifetime for Education Fund
Now & Forever Fund
Scholarships Forever Fund
www.birchcreek.org (920) 868-3763

Boys & Girls Club of Door County Fund
www.bgcblr.org/door-county (920) 818-1046
Since 1876, Bayside Cemetery has been a spiritual place, possessing a quiet dignity that honors and celebrates the lives of our loved ones. The Cemetery’s tranquil grounds offer not only finely sculpted monuments, but also an abundance of Mother Nature’s artistic handiwork. The natural beauty of these 27 acres imparts a serene feeling in all those who walk in this peaceful park-like setting.
Bayside Cemetery provides families with comprehensive cemetery services of the highest quality. Just north of the Sturgeon Bay city limits, beautiful grave sites and professionally maintained grounds distinguish Bayside as one of the finest cemeteries in Door County.
The Bayside Cemetery Charitable Fund provides an opportunity for the community to support the maintenance of the chapel, grounds, and other facilities of this historic cemetery.
Starting in the 1850s, groups of Belgians left the economic hardship of their homeland and ventured to northeast Wisconsin for better opportunity. Here, they faced the hardships of creating a new home in a harsh woodland. The Belgian Heritage Center aims to share the legacy of those more than 15,000 immigrants and their descendants who greatly influenced the culture of rural Door, Kewaunee and Brown Counties with a farming landscape and customs which included the Walloon language, unique architecture, ethnic Belgian foods and more.
Located in the heart of a rural district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Belgian Heritage Center offers programs, festivals, events, tours, traditional and interactive exhibits, as well as resources for genealogical and historical research. Oral history videos preserve stories in English and Walloon from Belgian descendants who have kept the language alive in Northeastern Wisconsin for more than 150 years.
Birch Creek Music Performance Center is a residential summer music academy. Founded in 1976, Birch Creek provides dedicated student musicians advanced training, mentorship, and the opportunity to perform publicly alongside top music professionals from the United States and abroad.
Four two-week academic sessions are offered in Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music; Symphony and Big Band Jazz. The Birch Creek “difference” is its student-to-faculty ratio of 2:1, ensuring personalized attention. To fulfill its mission, Birch Creek produces more than 70 summer concerts tied to its academic programs. World-class faculty artists and students showcase their talents before appreciative public audiences who have come to expect only the best from Birch Creek. Since its inception with an inaugural class of 12 students, 7,000 students have studied and performed at Birch Creek.
At the Boys & Girls Club of Door County, we are many things to the kids we serve because kids today need many things! Club provides caring mentors who meet each child where they are and guide them toward their goals. We offer safe spaces - after school and during summer - where kids can connect and flourish. Club delivers award-winning, high-quality programs that empower youth to excel at school and lead healthy, productive lives. With our experienced staff, safe environment, innovative programs, and distinctive experiences, the Boys & Girls Club of Door County furthers our mission of Inspiring Young People to Explore What’s Possible.

Crossroads at Big Creek Endowment Fund www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org (920) 746-5895

Door County 4-H Leaders Foundation (920)746-2260

Door CANcer, Inc. Fund www.doorcancer.com (920) 743-8492

Door Community Auditorium Fund
www.dcauditorium.org (920) 868-2728

Door County Folk Alliance
Door County Folk Alliance Endowment Fund www.dcfolk.com

Door County Habitat for Humanity Assurance Fund www.doorhabitat.org 920-743-2869
Once marketed as “an ideal place for a gas station,” Crossroads at Big Creek is a 200-acre nature preserve and learning center located within the city limits of Sturgeon Bay.
Crossroads’ mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through education, research, land restoration and outdoor recreation.
Support from the community helps us improve habitat for wildlife and people and allows our hiking and skiing trails to be open every day, all day at no charge for families, school groups and individuals.
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization. The 4-H movement is committed to providing youth development opportunities and promoting positive change for youth people. 4-H programming aims to engage youth in activities to increase their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. In Door County, the 4-H program is dedicated to providing Door County youth with opportunities to develop these skills and be involved with their community.
DOOR CANcer Inc. is a community based volunteer organization dedicated to help Door County families with cancer in times of financial need. They hope to alleviate some of the suffering through a financial aid program that is aimed to help families who are finding it a serious drain, not only in the areas of medical care but in other areas of their lives. DOOR CANcer assists with utility bills, food, gas, insurance, phone, and any other household expenses but does not cover any medical or doctor bills.
DOOR CANcer has given over a million dollars in assistance and it is because of the generosity of many people.
Door Community Auditorium (DCA) is Door County’s year-round, indoor venue for the performing arts, exhibits and community events presented by a diverse mix of professionals, regional performers and student artists. Recently, our stage has been graced by Lyle Lovett, Keb’ Mo’, Melissa Etheridge, Ira Glass, Ziggy Marley, Charlie Daniels and Joan Baez.
DCA is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization and is supported by Door County visitors and residents alike through ticket sales, sponsorship, advertising, membership and volunteer labor. Annually, over 220 performances, events, rehearsals and school assemblies take place within DCA’s walls.
DCA is home to the Peninsula Music Festival which draws professional musicians from all over the country to perform nine symphonic concerts each August. The musicians, hailing from some of the country’s top orchestras, are conducted by Maestro Victor Yamplosky.
In 1995 a group of folk musicians and dance enthusiasts, led by Cy Rosenthal of Sturgeon Bay, came together to play music and hold barn dances, bringing together multiple generations for fun and fellowship. Cy saw local folk bands as a way for musicians to play together, support each other, and improve their skills. Cy died in 2010, but the all-volunteer organization he founded continues his goal of building community through music and dance.
The central activity of the alliance is a series of monthly barn dances – all open to the public – with live music provided by the Alliance band, Sugar on the Floor. The Alliance coordinates regular music “sessions” to provide local folk musicians with opportunities to learn new music and hone their skills, as well as supplying music and dance for community and special events. Donations to the Door County Folk Alliance are used to pay for dance callers, rental of the dance hall, the organization’s insurance, equipment, outreach and educational materials.
Since 1994, the mission of Door County Habitat for Humanity has been to provide a hand up to help others acquire and own decent and affordable housing. We work with future homeowners to build new simple, safe, and decent homes to increase the inventory of affordable homes in Door County. We also work with existing homeowners to complete repairs they would otherwise be unable to afford or complete on their own. Our projects are done in partnership with the homeowners as they are required to both contribute time during the project and pay for material costs with a mortgage for home builds and a payment plan for home repairs. Door County Habitat for Humanity provides a hand-up, not a hand-out to current and future homeowners.

Door County Historical Society Endowment Fund www.doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org (920) 421-2332

Door County Housing Partnership
Door County Housing Partnership Charitable Fund
www.DoorCountyHousingTrust.org (920) 421-5090

Door County Land Trust Conservation Action Fund www.DoorCountyLandTrust.org (920) 746-1359

Door County Library Foundation, Inc. Fund
www.doorcountylibrary.org (920) 743-6578

Door-Tran Operating Fund
www.door-tran.org (920) 743-9999
Founded in 1926, the Door County Historical Society (DCHS) keeps history alive for future generations. The Society operates two interpretive sites: Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park and the Heritage Village at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay, and hosts several historical programs throughout the year.
Since 1960, the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse consisted of the keeper’s house and tower, oil house, privy, summer kitchen, and barn. The Society will begin another restoration effort to replace the barn and summer kitchen.
Heritage Village at Big Creek demonstrates the story of Door County settlers, their lives and sense of community. The Village includes buildings from the era post-Civil War to pre-World War I including a school, church, granary, blacksmith shop, general store, fish house, privy, period homes, a Norwegian Homestead, and a tool museum.
The Door County Housing Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization focused on providing permanently affordable home ownership opportunities for working households living year-round in Door County. We use a shared equity home ownership model, and work with the community to provide the subsidy that bridges the gap between what working families can afford and what it costs to purchase a decent home. Our homes are priced to be affordable to the working families that stable communities need, representing teachers, nurses, social workers, and municipal workers, to name a few. The DCHP’s unique approach allows us to create housing solutions that will stay affordable for generations.
Founded in 1986, the Door County Land Trust is dedicated to protecting Door County’s exceptional lands and waters...forever. The Land Trust’s work ensures that life thrives on the Door Peninsula, its islands, and surrounding waters. The Land Trust protects about 10,000 acres which are home to rare and threatened plant and animal species. Through a county-wide network of nature preserves and nearly 30 miles of public hiking trails, these protected lands are a resource for people to experience, research, and connect with the most scenic and ecologically important landscapes that grace Door County. But there is more work to be done!
The Door County Land Trust Conservation Action Fund is the operational backbone of the Door County Land Trust, a nationally accredited and highly respected, not-for-profit, member-supported, local land conservation organization. Your contribution to the Door County Land Trust Conservation Action Fund, enables the Land Trust to apply your donation to the highest and greatest needs in land protection and stewardship throughout Door County.
The Door County Library is an integral, physical, and virtual gateway to access information, ideas, knowledge, and enrichment. Its eight locations provide a welcoming atmosphere and skillfully connect people with the resources they seek.
The libraries provide materials in a variety of media: books, newspapers, magazines, online databases, music, and films. Year-round informational programs for adults and youth foster learning and reading. Public access computers and free wireless connections are available at all eight locations.
The Door County Library Foundation supports the Door County libraries in a variety of ways, making its vision possible with funding for important community learning projects. For example, it has recently approved grants for cooking classes at the Baileys Harbor branch and music history lectures at the Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay branches, along with funding for electronic resource Hoopla and community programs presented as part of Door County Reads..
Door-Tran is a non-profit organization located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin that is dedicated to connecting people to transportation services that are affordable, available and accessible. As an aging community it is important that there are options to keep people in their homes as long as possible. They provide volunteer transportation, half-price travel and fuel vouchers, no-interest vehicle purchase and repair loans, vehicle repair grants, referrals, and other services. Staff also offers transportation information and planning services in-person, by phone, online and in print through the Transportation Resource Guide.
Door-Tran partners with many transportation providers to ensure resources are shared and more trips are provided efficiently. They lead a 60-member Transportation Resource Improvement Partner (TRIP) committee and partner with over 40 volunteers to transport people to where they need to go. Funding from the Door County Community Foundation and others helps Door-Tran to continue its much-needed mission.

East Shore Industries Endowment Fund www.esiempowers.com (920) 487-3541

Egg Harbor Historical Society Endowment Fund www.eggharborwi.com

Ellie’s Fund Endowment www.elliesfund.org (920) 497-8463

Ephraim Yacht Club
Charitable Fund • Endowment Fund
Aaron R. Moore Sailing Scholarship Fund www.EYC.org (920) 854-7107

For over 50 years, ESI has served individuals with disabilities to obtain their personal independence and employment goals. ESI offers unique programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of each client. From employment opportunities to day services, the programs and services at ESI focus on developing life skills and fostering independence, allowing each individual the opportunity to contribute to his or her own well-being and the community in which they live.
Support from the community goes directly back into the programs and services offered to the individuals served. Together we are making a difference and changing live
The mission of the Egg Harbor Historical Society is “to make Egg Harbor history come alive for future generations through the collection, preservation, and sharing of the heritage of Egg Harbor.” Individuals and families have generously donated materials and oral histories for archiving and sharing. The Society’s immediate goals are two-fold: the digitization of these materials for storage and retrieval, and the restoration of Door County’s original bookmobile as a “history-mobile.” The history-mobile restoration is a long-term and expensive effort, but, as part of the mission of sharing Egg Harbor’s heritage, will facilitate bringing history to wherever people gather, in addition to the on-site displays and programs at the Kress Community Center in Egg Harbor.
Although she was just shy of two years old, Ellie was an incredible source of happiness for all who knew her. She was such a blessing to her family that they felt an obligation to carry on her legacy by spreading joy into the lives of others. That was the impetus for the creation of Ellie’s Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. The Fund provides grants to worthy projects to benefit the people of Northeast Wisconsin.
First, it provides assistance and opportunities to young people in Ellie’s memory. Whether it be providing enrichment activities or meeting human needs, Ellie’s Fund hopes to help. Second, celebrating Ellie’s love for the outdoors, Ellie’s Fund provides assistance to initiatives which celebrate and preserve the remarkable natural beauty of Northeast Wisconsin.
The Ephraim Yacht Club’s mission is to provide outreach programs, equipment, facilities, and funding for sailing education, training, and competition to help students learn the life skills and values important in being productive and active members of the community.
The Ephraim Yacht Club (EYC) was founded in 1906 and operates one of the oldest and largest sailing schools in the Midwest. EYC’s U.S. Sailing certified staff provides instruction to students from youngsters all the way up through senior citizens. Lessons are held mornings and afternoons, and races are held evenings and weekends so students can test and demonstrate their skills. Students learn teamwork and independence by sailing small and large boats. Instructors emphasize proper behavior, sportsmanship, racing etiquette and a Corinthian spirit during all activities. Since 1906, thousands of students have learned the sport of sailing at EYC as well as skills and behavior that will benefit them and their communities the rest of their lives.
The Friends of the Pavilion raises funds to strengthen and support the Kress Pavilion and Egg Harbor Community Center located in the heart of Door County. This year-round facility hosts free and low-cost programming for all ages.
Since it opened in 2018, the facility has hosted over 500 free and open-to-the-public programs and nearly 200 non-profit fundraisers. It is also home to the Egg Harbor Seed Library, Egg Harbor Branch of the Door County Library and Egg Harbor Historical Society. Funds raised by the Friends of the Pavilion help to support the building’s programs and continue to offer a space for the Egg Harbor library and Egg Harbor Historical Society.
Although tax dollars and private event rentals are the main source of revenue, the extra funding from the Door County Community Foundation account will support the level of services we offer to all of Door County in perpetuity.
Friends of the Pavilion Charitable Fund kresspavilion.org/donate (414) 640-1240

For Now and for the Future Fund
Peninsula State Park Research Grant Fund
www.peninsulafriends.org
(920) 868-6256

www.RunWild.org (920) 746-2890


Gathering Ground Charitable Fund www. gatheringgroundwi.org
The Friends of Peninsula State Park support the interpretive, historical, educational, and visitor service programs of Peninsula State Park. Over 1.2 million people visit the 3,776-acre park each year. All funds raised go directly to providing park enhancements. The Friends are in the process of raising $700,000 for phase I of new mountain bike trails at the park, and $125,000 for expanded parking at the Nature Center. Past projects supported by the Friends include raising $750,000 towards the rebuilding of Eagle Tower, $360,000 for an addition to the Nature Center, $75,000 for the Nature Center amphitheater with accessible walkways, and $120,000 for an all-inclusive playground at Nicolet Beach. Proceeds from merchandise sales are used to fund a summer naturalist position and to defray the cost of removing invasive plants.
Friends of Potawatomi State Park, Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed to assist with maintaining and improving Sturgeon Bay’s largest park. Projects that the Friends Group have recently accomplished include: Raising over $170,000 for a new all accessible fishing pier, new windows and doors for park shelter, new roof & lighting for bathroom near shore, new fire rings, park & trail clean up (on Earth Day), invasive species monitoring and control, planting of flowers in the campground and office flowerbeds, resurfacing the playground areas with wood fiber, funding of a new playground equipment, assisting Park staff in maintaining the ski trails, fully funding the Park Naturalist, and much more!
The Friends are now fundraising for an open air shelter to compliment the new accessible fishing pier and to be used for our annual Run Wild race.
The Friends of Whitefish Dunes, Inc. established the Carl Scholz Fund for Nature and Learning in memory of founding member and Sevastopol educator Carl Scholz. His love of Door County was evident in all that he did. His advocacy was paramount in establishing Whitefish Dunes State Park. Education and environmental issues were his passion and he guided the Friends group in the supporting themes of preserving the Park’s unique dunes habitat and the need to engage residents and visitors in learning about these habitats. This fund will be used for efforts to preserve and protect the Park’s unique environment and to aid visitors in learning about it through various Friends projects, including the support of an on-site naturalist and related programming.
Gathering Ground blends agriculture and conservation on its 40-acre working and teaching farm. With a vision for thriving communities connected to the environment and their food through work and play, we focus on sustainable farming practices with our diverse fruit and nut orchards, vineyards, and grazing sheep. We promote biodiversity, community composting, and support our local farms through our farmers market.
Gathering Ground offers an educational internship, Ground School, for young people interested in agriculture, conservation, and environmentalism, as well as programs for all ages, including our annual Dinner in the Vineyard, a celebration of local food and drink among our vines. The Grounds are open for walking tours and picnics. Join us in Planting for the Future!

The purpose of the Gibraltar Area Educational Endowment Fund is to provide a source of funding for Gibraltar Area School District. The intent of establishing this Fund was to provide an avenue for donors to make a tax deductible contribution to the district. Funds can then be used to support playground upgrades, technology upgrades, and grants that support the innovative, creative, entrepreneurial ideas of teachers. Funding can also be used to assist children and families in the district that are experiencing difficulty purchasing things like coats, hats, mittens, eyeglasses and school lunches. This list is not all inclusive, and consideration is given to where the funds are needed most.
As budgets get tighter and costs continue to increase, the need for a Fund such as this becomes extremely important. There is a need for this type of Fund to fill the gaps not provided by traditional funding.
The Friends of Potawatomi State Park Endowment Fund
Gibraltar Area School District
Gibraltar Area Educational Endowment Fund
(920) 868-3284 x231
Friends of Whitefish Dunes Carl Scholz Fund for Nature and Learning

Gibraltar Historical Association Endowment Fund
Gibraltar Historical Association Flagship Fund
Gibraltar Historical Association Operating Fund www.historicnoble.org (920) 868-2091

Francis Hardy Center for the Arts Fund www.thehardy.org (920) 854-2210
Harry Purinton Youth Sailing Fund www.sturgeonbayyachtclub.com/learntosail stf@sailtrainingfoundation.org (920)743-6934

Domestic Abuse Transitional Living Fund
Eliminating Domestic Abuse Endowment Endowment Fund Established by Connie & Bob Erickson
Thelma Windhauser Endowment Fund
Katie McConkey Memorial Fund www.helpofdoorcounty.org (920) 743-8785

Hope United Church of Christ Fund Hope Memorial Gardens Foundation www.hopechurchdc.org (920) 743-2701
The Gibraltar Historical Association was established in 1984 to collect, research and preserve objects and archival materials which directly reflect or illustrate Gibraltar Township history; to pass on from person to person, to advance history, and to educate residents and visitors about this history; and continue to work towards preservation of historical buildings and green space in the community of Fish Creek, Wisconsin.
The GHA maintains the Alexander Noble house built in 1875, the oldest frame residence in Fish Creek and completely restored and maintained as a functioning museum and an audio tour of 23 historic buildings in our town to share with visitors and residents alike
Preserving the past by operating a museum, providing historic walks, scheduling seasonal events and presenting a Gibraltar Talks series helps keep our mission alive. GHA is a 501(c)(3) and relies on memberships, donations, grants and fundraising to continue its work.
Established in 1962 in honor of Francis Howe Hardy, Ephraim’s historic Hardy Gallery is solely dedicated to supporting Door County’s extensive and vibrant visual art community.
Hardy envisioned the existence of a gallery that would support the development of a growing Door County art community, fostering its growth, and furthering the understanding and appreciation of the visual arts and most importantly, the artists of the Door Peninsula. Upon his passing in 1960, Hardy’s vision became a reality thanks to his wife Helen’s energy and financial contributions.
Today, the Hardy Gallery, as it is still affectionately known, has programs and initiatives that address the needs of the local artist community, creative enrichment of local youth, and is focused more than ever on Hardy’s original vision of educating the public and promoting the visual arts and artists of the Door County Peninsula.
Founded in 2023 in honor of Harry Purinton, a dedicated sailing instructor since 1953, the Harry Purinton Youth Sailing Fund aims to make sailing accessible to all children of Door County. Hosted by the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Sail Training Foundation, the fund ensures that no child is left ashore due to financial constraints. Sailing is more than a sport; it teaches self-reliance, boosts confidence, sharpens decision-making skills, and cultivates leadership and character. By donating to the Harry Purinton Youth Sailing Fund, you help young sailors navigate the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan and the challenges of life with equal prowess.
Since 1979, HELP of Door County has provided programs serving victims of domestic abuse – working to improve the well-being and dignity of individuals, families and intimate relationships. HELP works to reduce the incidence of violence and conflict within relationships by providing free and confidential victim services including: Crisis Intervention, Safe Homes, Legal Advocacy, Women’s Support Groups, Community Outreach (including workshops, training and speaking engagements), Prison Outreach, Older Adult Victim Services, Transitional Living Program, Violence Intervention Services, Visitation and Exchange, and Youth Advocacy.
Beyond Hope Church and its current vision, the Hope UCC Endowment Fund is today, tomorrow, and forever.
The Hope UCC Endowment Fund grants support to our community, both locally and worldwide. It has been used to support the “All Hands In” Destination Imagination team as it raised awareness of the GO BO! Foundation Family Assistance Program. The Endowment has provided care packages to local soldiers serving abroad and helped support conversational English language classes in Door County. It has supported food assistance programs, installed a hearing loop in its sanctuary, and refurbished the Hope Library.
Five percent of the total is granted annually while the balance is invested. Community needs today do not end when we move on. In your will, as a beneficiary of your retirement plans, life insurance, other accounts, or trusts – give back for today, tomorrow, and forever.

Horseshoe Bay Farms Preservation Fund www.PreserveHorseshoeBay.org

www.isadoora.com (920) 495-2777

Legal Aid Society of Door County Endowment Fund
www.legalaiddoorcounty.org (920) 743-3934

Miller Art Center Foundation, Inc. Fund www.millerartmuseum.org 920.746.7124

Midsummer’s Music Ltd. Endowment Trust Fund
www.midsummersmusic.com (920) 854-7088

In 2018, a group of community minded citizens came together to preserve Horseshoe Bay Farms. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was established with a mission to act as responsible stewards. Horseshoe Bay Farms’ goal is to preserve, rehabilitate, and activate this historic gem in Door County, ensuring its future for generations to come. With a dedicated board, a comprehensive master plan, and a group of passionate volunteers, Horseshoe Bay Farms is positioned for success well into the future. Horseshoe Bay Farms is open to the public, offering historic tours. The Farm provides engaging experiences for visitors of all ages and continues to rehabilitate its historic buildings. The Farm showcases stunning gardens that bloom throughout the year, along with Stickwork, a whimsical sculpture that adds a touch of joy to the community.
Isadoora was founded in 2002 as a company where anyone from the community could gain experience producing, directing, and acting in theatrical productions not typically accessible to amateurs. Our alumni have gone on to professional roles with Northern Sky Theater, Door Shakespeare, Peninsula Players, and Stage Door Theatre Co.
From humble beginnings as friends gathering to read scripts, to fully staged, high-quality production of deeply emotional shows such as Wit and Painting Churches. Funny and heartwarming offerings like She Loves Me and Striking 12. Provocative perspectives in Side Man, Waiting for Lefty, and The Laramie Project Examinations of the darker side of human nature with Assassins,Why Torture Is Wrong and The People Who Love Them. To large-scale productions like Chicago, Isadoora has gone to theatrical places over the course of twelve years that few small, non-professional companies dare to go.
Legal Aid Society of Door County was founded in 1989 by a group of local attorneys and human service providers who recognized that there was a growing number of unrepresented, low-income clients who could not afford family law services.
The mission of LASDC is to coordinate and improve access to civil legal services for low-income individuals in Door County. Most of these services are provided by volunteer attorneys. LAS operates as a screening and referral organization for potential clients who face legal issues that involve family law, landlord-tenant disputes, benefit entitlements, and other civil matters. The organization contracts with a local attorney who provides intake, screening and referral of eligible applicants at the Sturgeon Bay office. Legal Aid Society is an unusual nonprofit organization, in that the majority of administrative cost and much of the client service are provided by volunteer efforts.
Nestled in the heart of Sturgeon Bay, the Miller Art Museum stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic exploration. Established in 1975, this dynamic institution has been a cornerstone of the local community, fostering creativity and appreciation for the visual arts. With a diverse collection of more than 1,500 works spanning historical to contemporary along with regularly changing exhibitions, visitors are treated to a compelling and diverse array of art. From powerful exhibitions highlighting regional and national talent to thought-provoking exhibits that explore the depths, joys, and complexities of our world, the museum offers something for art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Beyond its exhibits, the Museum presents an array of educational programs, tours, performances, and events, engaging visitors in experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation for art. With a commitment to excellence and accessibility, the Miller Art Museum continues to foster connections between artists and community through the creation of opportunities to explore, appreciate, and advance the visual arts.
For over thirty years, Midsummer’s Music has brought world-class musicians to Door County, creating unforgettable chamber music experiences for audiences of all ages. Our concerts celebrate chamber music’s intimacy, vitality, and variety, performed in galleries, churches, schools, museums, memory cafés, and private homes.
The Griffon String Quartet, an essential part of Midsummer’s Music, educates with youth instruction, enriches with health and wellness programs, and excites with dynamic community outreach. From beloved classics to world premieres of commissioned works, every performance is a unique experience.
As Northeastern Wisconsin’s only full-time, year-round professional musical organization, we rely on tax-deductible donations to sustain our mission. Join us in sharing the transformative power of music!
The Northeastern Wisconsin Audubon Society was incorporated in 1954 and is one of more than 500 local chapters of the National Audubon Society. We have over 800 national and local member families that live in the seven counties and 55 communities we serve throughout northeast Wisconsin. The Board of Directors, members and volunteers work to support bird conservation, research, education, and habitat protection across this region of the state. This includes projects such as the Oneida Bird Monitoring Program, Project SOAR (Snowy Owl Airport Rescue), and research in understanding the movement of red-shouldered hawks in our area through radio telemetry.
Isadoora Theatre Endowment Fund

Open Door Bird Sanctuary Future Development Fund www.opendoorbirdsanctuary.org (920) 493-2473
The Open Door Bird Sanctuary raises avian awareness and inspires co-existence with the rich natural world of Door County, of Wisconsin and wherever people call home. Founded in 2010, the Sanctuary, situated on 34 acres, is the only facility of its kind in the area. It offers a unique combination of environmental and wildlife education featuring live birds of prey and interactive programming on site and off. Birds that are unable to be released back to the wild find safe haven at the sanctuary.
The facilities currently consist of a Nature Center and the Bird Care Center, used by staff, volunteers and birds. There are multiple program areas, outdoor aviaries, several trails and a picnic area. Contributions will help with the continued development of ODBS’s Master Plan which includes a new sister building to the Bird Care Center in 2025. Long range additions could include a pavilion, a walk-through aviary, an advanced show area and visitor center.

Peninsula Players Theatre Charitable Fund www.PeninsulaPlayers.com (920) 868-3287
Peninsula School of Art & Gallery
Peninsula School of Art Youth and Community Outreach Fund www.peninsulaschoolofart.org (920) 868-3455

The Richard Mauthe Center for Faith, Spirituality & Social Justice Endowment Fund www.mcenter.org (920) 465-5133
Peninsula Players Theatre, founded in 1935, is America’s oldest professional resident summer theater located in a unique setting along the cedar-lined shores of Green Bay. The theater’s mission is to support, without reservation, the most exciting theater company possible; to preserve the Theatre in a Garden’s natural beauty; to provide artists the freedom, tools, and facilities they require to entertain, uplift, and inform our audiences; to foster future generations of theater professionals through the internship program; and to maintain fiscal policies that ensure the future security of the theater.
A contribution to the Peninsula Players Endowment Fund helps protect the theater’s past, while securing its future. Your gift will support a tradition of theatrical excellence and fundamental programming such as the internship program, educational workshops, free public seminars and staged readings. Help ensure the future of Peninsula Players Theatre for generations to come.
Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) is Door County’s inclusive destination for art makers, admirers, students, and advocates – cultivating personal and community wellbeing through classes, programs, and discourse. Since 1965, PenArt has been a leading innovator of creative experiences and arts education for participants of all ages and abilities. Each year, PenArt offers over 2,000 hours of arts instruction to some 700 adult students, and more than 500 hours of instruction to over 300 youth. At the annual Door County Plein Air Festival, thousands of participants engage with world class artists as they paint the Peninsula’s most iconic outdoor scenes. Dynamic events, workshops, exhibitions, and artist residencies celebrate and support people at all stages of creative life while fostering a culture of belonging.
The Richard Mauthe Center for Faith, Spirituality and Social Justice is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus, but independent from the university system. Its mission is to provide opportunities for the UWGB community to explore faith, nurture their spiritual lives, and serve others.
Every year the Mauthe Center touches the lives of students by putting together events that inspire respect and peace, and promote justice. The purpose of its Endowment Fund is to ensure that the legacy of Rev. Richard Mauthe continues to flourish. Today, it is invigorated to work with the next generation of authentic leaders to write a new chapter – defined by an effort to find innovative ways to continue to transform the lives of students and community members we serve.

Rogue Theater Endowment Fund www.roguetheater.org (920) 818-0816
Rogue Theater is Door County’s community theater, dedicated to bringing high-quality productions and local talent to the stage. Since its founding in 2013, the company has performed at various locations across Door County. In addition to its productions, Rogue offers educational programs and theater camps for youth and young adults.
Their vision is to create a vibrant space where entertainment and art intersect, encompassing professional theater, music, dance, and visual arts while actively engaging the community. Located at the DC Arts Center in Sturgeon Bay, Rogue Theater is committed to developing a dynamic art center that serves as a hub for diverse community events.
As part of their ongoing efforts, Rogue Theater’s capital campaign aims to secure the DC Arts Center as a permanent home for the venue, with plans to include a dedicated set-building area, fly space, and enhanced lighting to elevate their productions.


Sevastopol Education Foundation, Inc.
Sevastopol Education Foundation www.facebook.com/SevastopolEdFoundation sevastopoledfoundation@gmail.com

History Center Building Fund
Endowment Fund • Operating Reserve Fund www.sisterbayhistory.org/museum/ (920) 421-0285

Athletes & Athletic Facilities Fund
Auditorium & Performing Arts Fund
Bleacher Reserve Fund • Booster Fund • Eagle Fund Education Committee Reserve
Endowment Fund • Library & Technology Fund Science & Agriculture Fund • Softball Fund Football Fund • Volleyball Fund www.southerndoorcommunityfoundation.org (920) 825-7373

Sunshine House, Inc. Fund www.sunshinehouseinc.org (920) 743-7943
The purpose of the Rushes Wilderness Foundation is to maintain, improve and provide access to the Rushes Wilderness Area while preserving its natural beauty. The Rushes Wilderness area is the 100-acre nature preserve adjacent to the Rushes on Kangaroo Lake.
Over the years the many volunteers and supporters of the Rushes Wilderness Foundation have accomplished this by; Maintaining and improving nearly five miles of trails in the preserve, planting and maintaining the Butterfly prairie, building the gazebo, planting and caring for memorial trees, maintaining the boardwalks, providing benches throughout the preserve, building and maintaining the observation deck, improved the area by removing invasive species.
This fund was started thanks to the generosity of long time Rushes owners Ruth and William Merkey.
The mission of the Sevastopol Education Foundation is to enrich the experiences of children for a stronger community! To provide support to the students, teachers, staff and programs of Sevastopol School.
Sevastopol Education Foundation, separate from the school, is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible. By supporting Sevastopol Education Foundation Inc. (SEF) you are providing a foundation for many to thrive. Schools need reliable revenues separate from restricted public funding in order to keep pace with advances in technology and to provide an innovative high quality educational learning environment. SEF is only able to carry out its mission of enhancing the Sevastopol Schools through the generous support of individuals, businesses and organizations. Teachers, Parents, Coaches or others may request money for projects, equipment or donations from SEF by writing Grants within Focus Areas.
The Sister Bay Historical Society is building for the future with current fundraising for its new History Center, next door to its Corner of the Past and Old Anderson House Museum. Located at intersection of Hwy 57 and Fieldcrest Rd. The 1875 Anderson family farmhouse is completely renovated, featuring late 1800s furnishings and artifacts. The authentic, historically-restored farm buildings are all from Sister Bay-area residents. Features a barn, granary, machine shop, log cabins, migrant’s cabin, summer kitchen, sawmill, blacksmith’s barn, and early tourist cottages. Machine Shop photo gallery has enlarged images dating back to early settlers, the fire of 1912, berthed steamships, early logging, ice cutting. Knowledgeable, docent-led tours (with Discovery Pen audio for independent exploring) are enlightening and fun. Admission: $10 Adults, Children FREE. Opening Day: Memorial Day weekend, then open Tues–Sat, 10 am–4 pm, June-July-Aug-Sept. Closed in winter. Reserve your family’s tickets online: doorcountytickets. com.
The goal of the Southern Door Community Foundation is to build its community and surrounding communities by providing financial support to the Southern Door School District to provide students with the opportunities to be productive members of their community. The foundation can also assist other supporting organizations of the school by providing a safe and responsible way to manage funds and activities.
Each Endowment Fund allows a donor to target their gift to the issues most important to them. The Endowment Funds of the Southern Door Community Foundation include: the Eagle Fund; the Auditorium and Performing Arts Fund; the Athletes and Athletic Facilities Fund; the Science, Agriculture and Industrial Arts Fund; the Library and Technology Fund; the Southern Door Athletic Boosters Fund; and a number of Southern Door specific scholarship Funds.
Sunshine Resources of Door County has been empowering individuals with physical and developmental disabilities since 1971. Its mission is to support meaningful lives and foster independence through day services, employment programs, life skills training, and social activities that promote inclusion.
The organization also offers Senior Adult Day Services to support families with loved ones managing Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, while Sunflower Cottage provides seniors with opportunities for socialization and companionship.
To ensure accessibility, Sunshine Resources offers transportation for all participants, eliminating transportation barriers. A production facility and resale store provide hands-on job training, while the Employment Services program supports workforce readiness with resume building, interview coaching, job matching, and placement to maximize success.
Ruth and William Merkey Fund

TAP Endowment Fund www.thirdavenueplayworks.com (920) 743-1760

United Way of Door County, Inc. Fund www.unitedwaydc.com (920) 746-9645

Molly’s Fund
Door County Humane Society Charitable Fund www.wihumane.org (920) 746-1111

Door County Connection Fund www.wpr.org (888) 909-4163

Write On, Door County Next Chapter Fund www.writeondoorcounty.org (920) 868-1457
Third Avenue PlayWorks is Door County’s premiere year-round, professional theatre, located in historic downtown Sturgeon Bay. Having just completed a $2.5 million renovation of our building, our mission is to explore, share, and celebrate our humanity through the power of wide-ranging and intimate theatre. We see a future where TAP is a center for cultural production and community connection, where everyone, no matter their background (cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, gender expression, etc.), is welcomed and affirmed in cutting edge theatre art. We hold fast to the Wisconsin Idea, and will not rest until we have a meaningful impact on everyone in our state. We hold fast to the Wisconsin Idea and strive to be among the leading arts organizations in the Upper Midwest.
United Way of Door County forges strong partnerships, focuses resources on what matters, and creates measurable results. Its vision is of a community where: family and community wellness are promoted; childcare and early education are available to working families; basic needs such as food, shelter, transportation, and clothing are met; the lives of special segments of the population including elderly, disabled, and mentally ill are enhanced; healthcare is available to all; and youth are provided with opportunities for positive development.
Its aim is to use its expertise to add value by assessing community needs; collaborating with and ensuring accountability of partner organizations; and identifying and raising funds. It is a leader in Door County by facilitating, promoting, and ensuring the availability of services that meet the needs of the community as an effective and efficient conduit for philanthropic resources.
The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness.
Founded in 1879, the Wisconsin Humane Society has been saving the lives of animals in need for more than 140 years. WHS is a 501(c)(3) organization and operates animal shelters in Door, Brown, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Racine Counties. WHS annually serves 40,000 animals, receives no general government funding, and is not part of any national umbrella organization.
The WHS Door County Campus provides safe haven for lost and homeless pets while working to reunite them with their owners or place them with a new loving family. All animals in their adoption program have as long as it takes to find a new home. WHS relies entirely on the generous donations of individual donors.
Since 1917, Wisconsin Public Radio has been a pioneer in radio broadcasting, providing strong, independent and meaningful public radio in Wisconsin. Educating, informing and entertaining have been at the core of WPR’s mission since its inception. Today WPR’s 34 radio stations, seven regional bureaus, three networks, website, online streams, and user-friendly apps serve local, regional, and statewide audiences.
WPR’s commitment to community engagement inspires programming that reflects the people and issues that impact Wisconsin. From thought-provoking discussions, to local and statewide news, to classical, folk and world music, WPR presents the highest quality programming available. Major gifts for specific projects as well as endowment gifts for long-term support also play an important role in funding one of Wisconsin’s most valuable assets.
The mission of Write On, Door County is to inspire and engage writers and readers of all ages, at all stages. Everyone has a story to tell. Write On serves year-round and seasonal residents as well as visitors. Free peer critique groups support writers just starting out. Monthly book discussions connect readers. Classes with published authors help writers advance to the next level of their career. Author events bring together readers and writers in a relaxed setting. These programs take place in a variety of locations, including the Writing Center in Juddville. The Writing Center is a gathering space and resource center for all readers and writers. Write On also offers an author residency program, bringing a diverse slate of authors to Door County to write, teach, and offer public readings. Visitors may enjoy the Writer’s Walk, 59 acres of groomed trails forming Write On’s campus.
At the Door County Community Foundation, we help build and strengthen community. We bring people and organizations together that want to make a difference in our world.
The Community Foundation makes philanthropy easy. We help individuals and families establish a customized charitable Fund without being burdened by the regulatory requirements, tax liabilities and administrative and fiduciary hassles associated with setting up a private foundation. Our donors can self-direct their contributions to specific charities, invest in broader areas of interest, or provide unrestricted gifts to a Discretionary Fund to address emerging community needs.
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, our donors qualify for the maximum tax deduction as allowed by law.
Since our founding in 1999, the charities of Door County have benefitted from more than $35 million that has been disbursed from the family of charitable Funds at the Door County Community Foundation. Our assets have grown to $54 million today, with more than $5 million in contributions and pledges last year alone.
Give today or through your estate plan. Give however it’s right for you.
Just remember to Give Door County.
Giving to Your Future Through a Discretionary Fund
She was a trailblazer, never shying away from a challenge, yet always exuding kindness,” reflects Sara Cassidy, daughter of the late Betty Jo “BJ” Cassidy. “For my mom, it was crucial to serve and give back—she fiercely believed in providing a hand up. That was her mission. She adored Door County, especially the initiatives of the Women’s Fund and the Community Foundation.
– Sara Cassidy, daughter of the late Betty Jo “BJ” Cassidy
Betty Jo Cassidy, affectionately known as “BJ,” began her journey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, she married her high school sweetheart, Tom. Together, they cultivated a life rooted in education, community service, and family.
BJ’s connection to Door County began through Tom’s family cabin on Clark Lake. While teaching in Milwaukee and later serving as the Director of Education for Wisconsin Public Service in Green Bay, she often returned to the area that captured her heart. In 1995, BJ and Tom built their own home on Clark Lake, becoming full-time residents after their retirement in 2002. They traveled extensively but always embraced the vibrant Door County community where BJ quickly became a beloved friend and a pioneering leader.
“For my mom, love was a verb; it was an action,” Sara recalls. BJ’s love was evident in her many roles—founding member of the Women’s Fund of Door County, Rotarian, PEO sister—always focused on uplifting others.


As she immersed herself in local organizations and initiatives, BJ forged deep, lasting friendships that thrived in both joyful moments and times of sorrow. Following the profound loss of her husband, Tom, in 2009, BJ channeled her grief into purpose, working alongside fellow founders of the Women’s Fund to create meaningful change.
“She always told me, ‘No matter what you do, make sure you can take care of yourself,’” Sara recalls. “Her mission was to empower women to be independent and self-reliant, ensuring they had the tools they needed.” This guiding principle inspired BJ and her fellow trailblazers to establish the Women’s Fund of Door County.
BJ passed away in 2022, leaving behind a vast network of beloved family and friends. She believed everyone was either a friend or someone she had yet to befriend. Her legacy of kindness enabled her to achieve so much for her community.
The Door County Community Foundation is honored to continue BJ’s legacy through the Thomas B. and Betty Jo “BJ” Cassidy Memorial Fund and the Cassidy Family Fund. These Discretionary
Funds allow BJ and Tom to perpetually support essential community initiatives aligned with their values.
Discretionary Funds enable families or individuals to contribute to the community in perpetuity. While donors select the causes, the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors decides which specific charities will receive grants each year.
Discretionary Funds serve as a crucial resource for addressing future community needs that we may not yet envision. A gift to a Discretionary Fund is an investment in the future. Though we cannot predict tomorrow’s challenges, we can be confident that the Community Foundation will be ready to meet them through the generosity of individuals and families like BJ and Tom Cassidy.
For more information on establishing your own Fund at the Door County Community Foundation, please visit www. GiveDoorCounty.org or call 920.746.1786.
Simplify your Giving with a Donor Advised Fund


Founded in 1989 by Door County resident Rick Jeanquart, Just In Time Corporation has evolved from a modest garage operation into a cornerstone of the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park. The company specializes in sourcing, warehousing, and distributing electrical wiring cable and custommanufactured components for equipment manufacturers. However, at its core, Just In Time embodies a deeper mission rooted in community and family values.
Rick Jeanquart has always emphasized the importance of giving back. His commitment to community engagement was instilled in his children, who not only learned the significance of exceptional customer service but also actively participated in supporting local nonprofits and community initiatives.
“Being part of the community and giving back has always been a priority for my dad,” explains Collin Jeanquart, current Just In Time Corp President & CEO and Rick’s son. From a young
We chose to partner with the Door County Community Foundation for Just In Time Cares because it simplifies the process. We can make a single contribution to the Foundation and then our employees can recommend donations throughout the year. Plus, the Foundation is a local organization that serves as a great resource.
– Collin Jeanquart, President & CEO of Just In Time Corporation
age, Collin recognized the value of contributing to local causes, whether through donations to their church, youth sports, or other worthy endeavors.
As Collin transitioned from sweeping floors to leading the company, his vision for community involvement expanded. One of his notable initiatives is Just In Time Cares, a monthly program that empowers employees to direct charitable donations to nonprofits of their choice.
“The people at Just In Time are integral to our success, just as much as the Jeanquart family,” Collin shares. “Just In Time Cares allows our employees to support the organizations that matter to them through meaningful donations made on their behalf.” Each month, a Just In Time Corporation employee directs a donation through the Just in Time Charitable Fund at the Door County Community Foundation which operates as a Donor Advised Fund.
Donor Advised Funds are valuable tools for individuals, families, and businesses
looking to engage in philanthropy. They offer convenience, flexibility, and lower administrative costs compared to family or corporate foundations. This structure allows donors to maximize their charitable impact while minimizing the complexities often associated with giving.
Additionally, bunching charitable contributions through a Donor Advised Fund at the Door County Community Foundation can serve as a powerful tax strategy for families and businesses. By consolidating multiple years of donations into a single tax year, donors can surpass the standard deduction, receive immediate tax benefits, and distribute funds to their chosen causes over time. Donor Advised Funds function similarly to private foundations, but without the associated operational burdens and regulatory requirements.
For more information on establishing your own Fund at the Door County Community Foundation, please visit www.GiveDoorCounty.org or call 920.746.1786.
Create a Philanthropic Legacy in Your Estate Plans
I learned about Community Foundations while transitioning into retirement. My accountants presented this easy avenue for philanthropy. It helped with my taxes, and we were able to support what we loved, like the theater. When we retired full-time to Door County, we knew we wanted to work with the Door County Community Foundation as the local philanthropic experts.
– Werner Krause
Werner Krause grew up in a lively, multi-generational household in downtown Milwaukee. From an early age, he displayed a natural talent for numbers, which eventually led him to earn an MBA from the University of Chicago and a successful career as an executive. During his undergraduate years, Werner met Sue, his cherished partner, and together they built a family, raising three children in southern Wisconsin.
The Krause family embraced the beauty of Wisconsin and especially Door County. Summers were spent boating and camping in Peninsula State Park, while winters brought the joy of cross-country skiing. Back home, they found a shared passion for community theater, a creative outlet where each family member honed skills, built confidence, and discovered their unique voices.
During one particularly stormy visit to Door County, Werner and Sue decided to purchase a condo as their family’s dedicated home base in the area they cherished so deeply. Over the years, it became a retreat for weekends and holidays, and later, Door County became their full-time residence in retirement. In Northern Door, the Krauses found peace and purpose, immersing themselves in civic engagement, church activities, and philanthropic efforts.


In the early 2010s, Werner and Sue launched the Susan M. Krause Scholarship, designed to support women who are the primary earners for their families and pursuing additional skills to enhance their earning capability and improve their self-esteem. This cause was especially meaningful to Sue, who understood its importance firsthand. Though she paused her own education while starting a family, Sue earned a mass communications and journalism degree after raising her children, leading to a successful career in consulting.
Building on their passion for supporting others, the Krauses also established a scholarship for high school graduates pursuing the performing arts. In honor of their grandson Will, a three-time cancer survivor, Werner and Sue, together with their children and grandchildren, created the Pediatric Oncology Angel Fund. This fund and its sustaining endowment at the Marshfield Clinic and Foundation provide financial assistance to families facing hardships due to pediatric cancer and its treatment. In more recent years, motivated by past experiences within and outside of his family, Werner has generously contributed to mental health initiatives, including support for the Door County Medical Center Behavioral Health Program and the Door County Mental Health Support Fund.
To ensure their legacy of giving endures, the Krause family has included the Door County Community Foundation in their estate plans. This thoughtful step guarantees continued support for mental health, women advancing their economic opportunities, and aspiring performing artists for generations to come.
Including the Door County Community Foundation in your estate plans is a simple yet powerful way to create a lasting impact. Whether you aim to support specific causes, establish a fund in your family’s name like the Krauses, or give back to your favorite charities, your gift will create an ongoing legacy. Contributions made through your estate plan can ensure that all future earnings become a permanent source of community support, benefiting others forever. With a fund at the Community Foundation, your charitable legacy is not just a gift – it’s an enduring act of generosity that shapes the future.
For more information about estate planning through the Door County Community Foundation, please visit www.GiveDoorCounty.org or call 920.746.1786.





















