Inspiring People to Give Back to Sustain and Advance the Community We Love | | |
Door County Community Foundation
August 2025
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Greetings!
When we think of the word philanthropist, our minds often conjure images of immense wealth, but at the Door County Community Foundation, we believe that being a philanthropist is about far more than the size of one’s bank account or the headline-grabbing gifts that occasionally dominate the news. True philanthropy is rooted in the heart. It is a way of living, of seeing the world, of choosing - day after day - to care about something greater than oneself.
When I first met Dick Egan more than a quarter century ago, I was just a young man starting out in the field of community foundations. Back then, community foundations were seen by many as mere managers of charitable assets - executors of transactions for wealthy families. But Dick helped me to see what philanthropy could and should be. He understood that generosity is most powerful when it is thoughtful and intentional. Dick taught me that a true philanthropist doesn't simply write a check - they seek to understand, to learn, to invest in change, and to help build a better future.
For the last 19 years, the Community Foundation has presented the “Philanthropist of the Year” award as Door County’s highest civic honor. In 2016, Dick and his beloved wife Annie received the award for their inspirational service to our community. In recognition of their remarkable commitment to Door County, and in particular Dick’s incredible leadership at the Community Foundation itself, I’m pleased to share that our Board of Directors has henceforth rechristened this great honor as the “Richard D. Egan Philanthropic Leadership Award.”
Learn more by reading "The Richard D. Egan Philanthropic Leadership Award..."
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Bret Bicoy
President & CEO
Door County Community Foundation
| | Crime Prevention Foundation Continues Community Support for School Resource Officers and K-9 Programs | | |
In 2017, the Door County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Door County Community Foundation to launch the Crime Prevention Foundation. The goal was simple: support creative programs that prevent crime and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community. Today, the Foundation continues to play a key role in building a safer, more connected Door County.
Thanks to community support, the Foundation helped bring a county-wide School Resource Officer program to life. These officers aren’t just present to respond to emergencies, they’re in schools every day, building relationships with students and staff, mentoring young people, and helping them navigate challenges before they turn into larger problems. The goal is to ensure students see law enforcement as a positive presence and a trusted resource.
The Foundation also supports the Sheriff’s Department K-9 and Therapy Dog programs. K-9 TJ, a Dutch Shepherd, works with Deputy Tina Spaulding in narcotics detection and tracking. In March, they took first place in a national building search competition. TJ is also a regular at school visits and community events and when he’s off duty he loves to swim and chase tennis balls. K-9 Rosie, a German Shepherd who works with Deputy Mitch Tlachac, is also trained in narcotics detection and patrol work and serves on the SWAT team. She’s all business when she’s working, but still loves a good game of tug-of-war.
Finn, a certified therapy dog, joined the department in 2024. He’s handled by Coordinated Response Specialist Kyanna Francour and Investigator Ellie Williams. Whether he’s offering comfort at the Justice Center or greeting kids at the Door County Fair, Finn plays a quiet but important role in supporting emotional wellness across the community.
To learn more about about how the Crime Prevention Foundation ensures law enforcement remains a trusted and visible part of community life, or to support their efforts, visit safedoorcounty.org.
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Tickets Available for this Year's Celebrate Women Luncheon | Northern Sky Theater Site Visit | |
The Community Foundation continued our new Nonprofit Site Visit Series with a visit to Northern Sky Theater on Tuesday, August 5. Community Foundation fund holders and friends enjoyed an engaging behind-the-scenes tour of Northern Sky’s Gould Theater and facilities, followed by a thoughtful question-and-answer session with Managing Director Holly Feldman.
This curated visit offered a unique opportunity to learn more about Northern Sky’s mission, programs, and exciting future plans. Attendees left with a deeper appreciation and understanding for the incredible impact this organization has on our community.
The Community Foundation is looking forward to continuing the series with visits to other nonprofits across Door County.
| | Door County Medical Center Receives Three Community Foundation Grants | | |
Recently awarded grants from the Door County Community Foundation’s Sustainability Grant Program, Mental Health Support Fund, and Women’s Fund are supporting three important efforts to improve health and well-being in Door County.
Through the Ministry Fund, the hospital provides one-time financial assistance to help people stay on their feet during a crisis. This support can prevent eviction, keep the lights on, or cover the cost of necessary medications, with payments made directly to service providers.
To address the area’s growing mental health needs, the hospital is expanding its Behavioral Health Services by adding staff, opening satellite clinics, and increasing outreach in schools. These efforts aim to reduce wait times and make care more accessible for people of all ages.
As the county’s only birthing center, Door County Medical Center is also strengthening support for new families by providing additional breastfeeding supplies and comfort items for mothers during labor. Each of these initiatives helps create a healthier, more supported Door County.
| | Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines | | Endowments in Action: Gibraltar Area Educational Endowment Fund | | |
It is the mission of the Gibraltar Schools, in partnership with the family and community, to strive for excellence in educating each of our children to live responsible, creative, and fulfilling lives in a global society.
The Gibraltar Area Schools serve the northern Door County, Wisconsin communities of Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, and Ellison Bay. The Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and District Offices are located on a common campus in Fish Creek.
Both U.S. News and World Report and Newsweek Magazine have declared Gibraltar High School to be among the “Best in America.”
| | Give Door County Publications Available for Download | | |
The Community Foundation produces several publications and information sheets to help you craft a strategy to give back in the most effective - and tax efficient - way possible. There are also wonderful ideas of where you might choose to give.
Download them from the Community Foundation website.
Our Guide to Charitable Funds highlights different charities so families have options to consider when giving back - either today or through their estate plans. You can download an Introductory Brochure that explains the most popular charitable Funds at the Community Foundation - along with information sheets for Donor Advised Funds, Discretionary Funds, Scholarship Funds, and more.
Download any of these documents and more, or contact us and we'd be glad to send them to you. And if you're an attorney, accountant, investment adviser, or trust officer, we'll send a supply of Guides, Introductory Brochures, or other materials (and display holders) for use in your office. Just contact us at the Community Foundation.
This is just another way the Community Foundation is encouraging people to give back to sustain and advance the community we love!
| | Community Foundation Board of Directors | | | | |
