About Us

Vision

The Northwest Alliance Community Foundation’s vision is to be recognized as a trusted partner with the knowledge and resources to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.

Mission

Northwest Alliance Community Foundation (NACF) nurtures the strength and well-being of our community by offering guidance and providing resources that support positive solutions.

 

We mobilize resources to nurture dreams and possibilities in northern Polk and Burnett counties.

Founded in 2013, Northwest Alliance Community Foundation (NACF) is a regional, non-profit community foundation made up of volunteers dedicated to improving and enriching the quality of life in northern Polk and Burnett Counties. Controlled and led by a local board of directors, this group has an in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and resources that shape our community. As an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation, we help individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations achieve their charitable and financial goals by offering tools and resources that make giving easy, flexible, and effective. We foster the development of new organizations and programs, support high-impact opportunities, and direct funds to meet community needs.

NACF carries out our mission…

As a Charitable Resource… by accepting gifts from donors wanting to meet community needs and leave a legacy

As a Steward… by managing and building assets and establishing endowment and legacy funds as an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation

As a Grant Maker… by making grants to serve the people and protect the environment in which we live

As a Catalyst… by nurturing nonprofits to become more efficient, effective and resilient

 

NACF is an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation. Follow the link to view the SCVF annual report: https://www.scvfoundation.org/publications

 

NACF GRANTS

NACF awards grants in the spring and fall to organizations in northern Polk and Burnett counties.

In addition to its regular grant cycle, NACF has grants available year-round through its Environment Fund with the belief that appreciation of nature leads to concern and care for nature and feelings of strength and well-being.

 

We stand at the intersection of need and generosity.

Thanks to our donors, in 2022 we have awarded $23,000 in grants which helped with rent, utilities, car repairs, food; school-based mental health supports for students and staff; transportation and companionship to our elders and those with disabilities; and youth mentoring.
An NACF environment grant helped preserve a local wildlife habitat.
NACF’s most recent grants will help introduce girls to the building trades, pay for chemical health assessments, establish training to provide mental health education and provide book supplies to toddlers.

Board of Directors

We are locally controlled; our board is a committed group of volunteers who have a passion for the future of our area. We allow for grassroots input through individual participation and contributions.

We need your talents! Become part of the Northwest Alliance Community Foundation.

We have a great story. We do great work supporting the many non-profit organizations in northern Polk and Burnett Counties, but we need you. Consider joining us as a member of our Board of Directors or by helping with special projects on a more limited time basis.

The NACF board is made up of people who live in the communities we serve. The board meets monthly both virtually and in-person. Our goal is to maintain a vibrant, talented board that represents all age groups and localities. New this year we are also welcoming individuals who would like to get involved with one NACF project or cause but lack the time to become a full-time board member. Please contact us to learn more about becoming involved.

NACF Board Members

We are proud to have a great Board of Directors at NACF

Chris Moeller photo 2023

Chris Moeller

Danbury, Wisconsin, Chair

In 2005, Chris relocated to Danbury following a corporate career in health care and foods primarily in the Chicago area.  She served as the Siren Chamber Executive Director for 10 years (2009-2019) and the Economic Development Director until 2020.

Current regional board positions include Diversified Services, Inc.; Loon Lake Property Owners Association; Polk-Burnett Propane Company; and co-founder of 100 Women Who Care – Polk/Burnett.

Chris is honored to be serving and looks forward to contributing towards the NACF community foundation’s initiatives.

 

Chris Byerly

Chris Byerly

Frederic, Wisconsin; Secretary

Chris enjoyed a career working with a variety of libraries and retired as director of Frederic Public Library.  She has always been interested in and volunteered for community service and educational groups and currently serves on the boards of her church, Frederic Arts, and NACF.

 

Jerry Tischer board pic for website

Jerry Tischer

Frederic, Wisconsin; Director

Jerry is a retired administrator of Frederic Public Schools.  He expects to draw upon his professional, volunteer, and life experiences as NACF plays a growing role in our greater community.  Spanning a number of communities, Jerry’s community experiences include serving on or leading a hospital board, ministerial association, American Legion, community service organization, American Heart Association, and township supervisor.

NACF (1 of 10)

Jennifer Turrentine

Webster, Wisconsin; Director

Jennifer is a retired independent information professional in the field of healthcare and health insurance.   In addition to her responsibilities as chair of NACF, her current activities include volunteering with Ruby’s Food Shelf in Siren and sitting on the board of Northwest Passage.

 

 

 

Steven Peterson

Steven Peterson

Danbury, Wisconsin, Director

Steven Peterson is an Organization Development consultant with 25 years’ experience specializing in Training & Development. He is active coaching and teaching photography students at Northwest Passage, volunteering at Forts Folle Avoine, and supporting area cross-country ski and nature activities.

Tammy Berg

Tammy Berg

Frederic, Wisconsin; Vice-Chair

Tammy moved to Polk County from the Twin Cities in 2010. She her husband John have owned property in rural Frederic since 2004. Tammy is retired from Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County where she worked as a communications professional. She enjoys cooking, reading and quilting. She continues to volunteer for Interfaith Caregivers. She is also a member of 100 Women Who Care in Polk/Burnett.

Ann W

Ann Wolgamot

Frederic, Wisconsin; Treasurer

Ann is a retired bookkeeper who moved to the area in 2019.  Her volunteer activities include 100 Women Who Care, Frederic Arts Board, dog foster and invasives species monitor for Ward Lake.

 

 

 

 

Dick's Photo

Dick Schwab

Webster, Wisconsin; Director

Dick Schwab worked in corporate America for 25 years at both Medtronic and NCS. Dick is an avid outdoors person enjoying activities in all seasons in our beautiful northland. Dick and his wife, Katherine Burford, live just west of Webster. He is an active volunteer in the Northwest Alliance Community Foundation, the Burnett County Historical Society and ScholarshipAmerica

 

2024 EVENTS

FEBRUARY/MARCH

Spring Grant Cycle - Vibrant Communities - Mental Health Initiatives

MARCH

March 21 - Nurturing Your Nonprofit - Building Resilience, Polk County Govt Center, 2-4pm

APRIL

April 10 - Nurturing Your Nonprofit - Round Table - What's Happening in Your Nonprofit - Health and Wellness, Frederic Arts Center, 2-4pm

April 24 - Nurturing Your Nonprofit - Round Table - What's Happening in Your Nonprofit - Youth and Families, Frederic Arts Center, 2-4pm

MAY

May 13 -Personal Advisors Breakfast

May 21, 2-4pm Nurturing Your Nonprofit - Panel Discussion - Tips for Good Grant Applications, Northwest Passage Gallery, Webster

SEPTEMBER

September 7, 6-8pm A Celebration of Philanthropy Gala, Northwest Passage Gallery, Webster

OCTOBER

October 17, 5-7pm Know Your Nonprofits Expo co-hosted by 100 Women Who Care, Zhashagiins Event Center, Siren

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Fall Grant Cycle - TBD