Thanks to the vision and seed money of some of West Bend’s committed citizens, led by the late Clifford Nelson and R. Douglas Ziegler, the West Bend Community Foundation was established in 1999. This unique organization is dedicated to supporting and promoting programs in education, arts & culture, environment, health and human services, including capital projects, located in the greater West Bend area. The WBCF is a partner to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation which handles administration, information, and the safekeeping of funds.
West Bend Community Foundation donors can establish named funds within the Foundation with a gift of $25,000 or more in cash, securities, property or insurance. These funds may operate much like a private foundation with donors recommending grants. Donors may recommend grants from their individual funds or donors may request that the Foundation board make grants to meet the most pressing needs of the community.
The Foundation has a fund for donors who would like to contribute, but not necessarily establish a named fund. Gifts of less than $25,000 will be pooled in this general fund. Grants will be made from it by the West Bend Community Foundation’s board to address the community’s most pressing needs.
The West Bend Community Foundation provides donors with a way to create permanent charitable funds dedicated to local causes of the donor’s choice.
For more information on how to start your own fund to benefit West Bend and Washington County organizations, contact the Greater Milwaukee Foundation or call 262-306-7395.
Jim Spella and the creation of the West Bend Community Foundation.
Johnson Family and Charitable Giving in West Bend, WI.