Community Fund

Grantee Spotlight, Bolton Refuge House, Inc.

Bolton Refuge House, Inc. (BRH) creates a safe space through programs and services for all persons impacted by domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, dating violence, and sexual assault; it also advocates for social change.

The funding BRH received compensated for some of the revenue lost due to COVID-19 and supported BRH’s Mental Health Intervention Project. This project provides a range of support services and resources to victims and their children. It helps them develop safety planning and healthy coping skills that will allow them to end the cycle of violence.

Through this project, BRH Advocates looked for fun and creative ways to interact with clients. The experience built trust and created happiness during a time of stress.

One Advocate taught a client how to decorate a cake. She shares: “Together, we were able to create the fondant pieces for a cake for the first birthday her child was able to spend with her in over two years. She made a beautiful cake for her child.”

COVID-19 has opened up opportunities to provide advocacy services differently, a change that has created many positive and teachable moments. BRH intends to adapt and embrace these changes going forward.

Mary Mills Falkner and Robert John Falkner Memorial Fund

Unrestricted Fund Spotlight

What is a Memorial Fund? When a loved one passes away, many families and friends wish to create a lasting legacy in honor of his or her life and support the causes they care about.

A Memorial Fund can be designated to specific nonprofits, a general area of interest, or be unrestricted to address the community’s greatest needs. No matter what you choose, a Memorial Fund will support your loved ones’ passions and interests forever. The Mary Mills Falkner and Robert John Falkner Memorial Fund not only honors two remarkable lives; it will also continue their legacy of generosity by addressing the community’s greatest needs for years to come.

“My sisters and I decided to establish an unrestricted fund to continue the Legacy of our parents and their love for Eau Claire,” Craig Falkner explained. “So much of their happiness occurred within this great city. It is only fitting that their legacy continue to benefit and strengthen the place that was so dear to them and provided so much happiness in their lives.”

Unrestricted Funds like this one support ECCF’s annual Community Grant Cycle, giving grant reviewers flexibility to recommend funding that addresses the community’s greatest needs. Through these grants, the Falkners’ memory— and their generosity—will live on.