Door County Community Foundation

July 2025

Dear Bret,

As with any good charity, the Door County Community Foundation just completed its annual review of my performance. I’m now in my 18^th year as CEO. During my review, our board leadership offered a comment that was equal parts compliment and gentle warning.  They told me, with twinkles in their eyes, that they fully intend to squeeze every bit of usefulness out of me until the day comes when I finally retire.

The prayer I recite most often is paraphrased from Mother Teresa: “Lord, use me without consulting me.”  For years, I thought I was just talking to God.  I didn’t know the Community Foundation’s board was listening in.

If you look at community foundations across the country, you’ll find many CEOs who have served for 20 or even 30 years. Over time, a chief executive builds deep relationships within their community and develops a nuanced understanding of the organization’s history and abilities - why certain decisions were made, which strategies worked, and what to avoid.  A well-seasoned CEO is like the quarterback who’s played for so many years that he’s no longer surprised by the blitz.  You can still sack him, but you probably won’t catch him off-guard.

Leadership continuity engenders confidence among donors and partners.  It allows an organization to pursue ambitious long-term goals and fosters a culture where mission and purpose deepen over decades rather than flitting from one leader’s vision to the next.

But longevity does have its shadows. The same familiarity that allows a leader to operate effectively can lead to complacency.  It’s easy to assume that what worked yesterday will work again tomorrow.  Over time, an organization can slip into a comfortable rut, where innovation slows and habits ossify.

Learn more by reading "The Real Value of Non-Profit Board Term Limits..."

The Door County Community Foundation honored Dr. J. Eric Paulsen as the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year at its Celebration of Giving on June 25 at Gordon Lodge. Over 200 guests gathered to recognize Paulsen’s extraordinary commitment to service and community. 

An optometrist at Door County Eye Associates, Paulsen has provided free eye care around the world and has been a leader in countless local causes, from helping found the Community Foundation to mentoring youth and hosting exchange students. He and his wife Dee have also generously opened their home for events that advance local philanthropy.

“Eric and Dee are so modest about their approach to philanthropy,” said Community Foundation President & CEO Bret Bicoy. “Their modesty convinces others to follow their lead - it’s so inspiring and impactful on our community.”

The Women's Fund of Door County is excited to announce a new grant opportunity aimed at advancing the health of women and girls throughout Door County. This initiative is designed to support the development, expansion, or enhanced delivery of innovative programs that address critical health issues, including healthcare access, mental health, and public health services.

A grant award of up to $30,000 for one year is available to eligible nonprofit organizations serving Door County. Programs that demonstrate a unique approach - those that would not occur without this funding - will be given priority.

There is also potential for renewal for a second year, making the total possible investment up to $60,000 over two years.

“This new grant is in addition to the Women’s Fund of Door County’s biannual Community Grants and offers organizations the opportunity to create visionary programs that not only fill a need, but that are designed to create measurable and lasting change,” says Abby Grommet, Women’s Fund of Door County board of advisor member. “Our hope is that this grant will make a meaningful investment in the long-term health of women and girls in our community,”

Visit womensfunddoorcounty.org/grants for full details about the grant and to access the grant application. Applications must be submitted by October 20, 2025, and the grant recipient will be announced by the end of 2025.

Organizations with questions or those wishing to discuss their ideas are encouraged to contact the Philanthropic Services team at the Door County Community Foundation at (920) 746-1786 or via email at grants@givedoorcounty.org.

The Community Foundation kicked off our new Nonprofit Site Visit Series with a visit to the Peninsula School of Art on Monday, June 30. Community Foundation fund holders enjoyed an engaging behind-the-scenes tour of PenArt’s studios and facilities, followed by a thoughtful question-and-answer session with staff.

This curated visit offered a unique opportunity to learn more about PenArt’s mission, programs, and exciting future plans, including their vision for the recently acquired Ingwersen Property. 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.

Community Foundation Sustainability Grants:

Monday, September 22nd

Community Investment Fund Grants:

Monday, September 22nd

Women's Fund of Door County Community Grants:

Monday, September 22nd

Door County Service Club Coalition Youth Mini-Grants:

Wednesday, October 1st

Mental Health Support Fund Grants:

Monday, December 22nd