In the News

As 2018 comes to a close, the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation is humbled and grateful for the amazing year we’ve had thanks to our wonderful donors and supporters. This past year, we celebrated 90 years working to improve the lives of all who live in the communities we serve.

With the support of our gracious donors,the Foundation granted out nearly $6.5 million this past year to organizations and programs throughout Winnebago County, Waushara County, Green Lake County and city of Ripon.

A few highlights include the installation of the Riverside Park Ice Rink in Oshkosh behind the Convention Center on Ceape Avenue, which was funded entirely by private dollars and donors. With the help of the Oshkosh Parks Department, the ice rink opened in January and hosted community events that included music, food and fun. Check out VisitOshkosh.com for upcoming events at the rink.

More than $50,000 was granted to the Boys & Girl Club of Oshkosh for its Trees from Seeds program. In partnership with Catalpa Health, the program encourages mental health and wellness of all club members ages 5 to 18 by providing therapy and case management services at the club. The program also provides club staff in-service trainings on mental health as well as emotional wellness programs for all members.

Additional support from the Foundation was provided to programs and events such as the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights, TEDx Oshkosh, the Oshkosh Holiday Parade, SOAR (Special Opportunities for Artist Residencies), the Oshkosh High School/West High School Veterans Honor Wall, and the Oshkosh Fast Club Community Improvement Fund for the new baseball diamond at Rainbow Park.

These examples of past grants are just a small sample of the amazing work being done in our communities thanks to our generous donors, affiliates and partner agencies. If you’d like to make an impact in your community, consider a gift to the Good Samaritan Fund. The Foundation is looking to raise dollars to match the $150,000 gift generously donated by the John E. Kuenzl Foundation.

The Good Samaritan Fund is unrestricted, which allows the Foundation to support impactful projects like the renovations of the Downtown Oshkosh YMCA, the Oshkosh Convention Center and the Leach Amphitheater. Click here to donate and give a gift that will make a difference in our communities today and in the future.