Events

NACF is Accepting Grant Applications for its Fall Grant Cycle!

The Northwest Alliance Community Foundation (NACF), serving Burnett and northern Polk counties, is accepting nonprofit applications for its fall granting cycle.  In keeping with the mission of “nurturing the strength and well-being of our community by offering guidance and providing resources that support positive solutions," the focus will be on health and wellness for seniors (65+).  The online submission process opens September 1 and grant applications are due by October 16.   The maximum grant award is $5,000 and funds will be distributed November 15.

 

The senior population in Polk and Burnett counties is escalating and brings with it a number of challenges to how we can best address the needs of this increasing age group.  Polk County’s senior population currently stands at 23%, while Burnett County is at 32%, and the statistics have already reached the numbers predicted by the state for 2040.  NACF will consider applications for support of current and future projects that meet the broad definition of health and wellness for seniors.

 

The application portal link is http://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=scvf. The portal is also located on the NACF website at http://nacommunityfoundation.org.  Applications must be submitted by October 16.

 

Northwest Alliance Community Foundation is an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation.  We support our local nonprofits in several ways, including grant funding.  Since 2016, NACF has awarded over $122,000 in 72 grants to 48 nonprofits.

 

 

Thanks for helping us celebrate 10 Years at our Gala Fundraiser!

Thanks to everyone who joined us at our 10th Anniversary Celebration.

 

See the grants we've given out to local nonprofits at Grants

Sandhill Cranes and their Habitat

Lauren Finch, Natural Resources Educator, WI DNR

Did you know that sandhill cranes are considered to be dinosaurs of the bird world?  They have not changed in millenia.  That and so much more cool information on cranes and Crex Meadows was shared by Wisconsin DNR Educator, Lauren Finch, during the final 2023 Nurturing Nature talk.

 

 

Join us again in 2024 for a new set of environmental talks. Enjoy your summer!

 

 

Backyard Gardening 

 

A warm, summer evening surrounded by beautiful plants and an interesting talk on plants.  What more could one ask for?  Local residents gathered at Wood River Gardens to hear Dean Faulhaber talk about plants that attract birds and butterflies, mulching tips and so much more.

 

 

Chris Byerly introduces Dean Faulhaber, speaker for talk on Backyard Gardening.[/caption]

 

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Dean Faulhaber presents information on Backyard Gardening.

 

Join us for our next talk on Sandhill Cranes and their Habitat. This will be on Thursday, June 29, from 6-7 at Crex Meadows Wildlife Education & Visitors Center. Lauren Finch, Natural Resources Educator, WI DNR will speak.

First Environmental Talk of 2023 a Success!

Native Americans learned to “follow the water with food.”  This meant to go where wild rice was growing.  On Thursday, June 15, 20+ people gathered at Crex Meadows for the first of 3 talks in NACF’s Nurturing Nature series.  Conrad St. John, St. Croix Tribal Member, and Jeremy Bloomquist, St. Croix Tribal Land & Water Resources Manager gave a fascinating talk on wild rice and its growing conditions.  We all left the 1 hour talk wanting to know even more!

 

Join us for our next talk on Backyard Gardening. This will be on Thursday, June 22, from 6-7 at Wood River Garden Store.  Dean Faulhaber will speak on protection and restoration of our natural environment beginning in our own backyards.

 

NACF in the News

Nurturing Community – Burnett Area Arts

May 3, 2023

NURTURING COMMUNITY As published in the Intercounty Leader on May 3, 2023 Burnett Area Arts (BAA) is a membership driven, volunteer-based 501(3)c nonprofit organization established in 2004. We serve the creative community of Northwest Wisconsin, primarily, but not limited to, Burnett County. Membership is not restricted to artists; we welcome anyone who is interested in…

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Nurturing Community – Burnett County Family Resource Center

April 19, 2023

  NURTURING COMMUNITY As published in the Intercounty Leader on April 19, 2023 The Burnett County Family Resource Center (FRC) mission is to serve all families by providing opportunities and activities that promote healthy families and safe communities.   FRC has been a treasured local resource for the last 15 years by offering play and…

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NACF Receives donation from Webb Lake Community Club

April 13, 2023

NACF representatives Chris Moeller and Dick Schwab receive a $1,000 donation from the Webb Lake Community Club (WLCC) on April 11, 2023. The funds will be used towards our 2023 ‘Know Your Nonprofits Expo’ to be held in early October in Siren.  The public is invited to this evening event, co-hosted by NACF and 100…

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Nurturing Community – Northwest Passage

April 5, 2023

  NURTURING COMMUNITY As published in the Intercounty Leader on April 5, 2023   Northwest Passage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope through innovative mental health services for children and families. Northwest Passage has become a national leader in residential mental health assessment and treatment for youth experiencing severe and complex emotional and…

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2022 Nurturing Nature Environmental Series

March 6, 2023

2022 Nurturing Nature Series An ‘environmental series’ of events designed to nurture the passion with each of us…to think and act in support of our natural environment…to promote increased environmental stewardship within the St. Croix Watershed…to take steps to improve the ecosystem we share!  

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Northwest Alliance Housing Study

November 11, 2022

Northwest Alliance Housing Study By: Gary Gerds To better understand the needs of the communities we serve in Polk and Burnett counties, the Northwest Alliance Community Foundation (NACF) recently conducted a study with key local community members who have lived and worked in this area for a number of years.  We asked them to name…

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Why Am I on the Board?

March 15, 2022

By:  Jennifer Turrentine Nonprofits exist through the hard work of an executive director, a staff, a board, many volunteers and generous donors.  We understand that the director runs day-to-day operations with the help (perhaps) of staff, and we know that the majority of nonprofits in our area would fade away if not for the many…

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Graduation Day

February 17, 2022

NACF NOTES Column, Intercounty Leader, May 26, 2021 Did you know May is Foster Care Awareness Month?  May is traditionally associated with graduations, parties, and well-meant, but usually unsolicited advice on further education and career choices.  Most graduates are supported by family as they take the next steps in their lives – however, many teens…

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NACF Presents $7,000 to Area Schools

December 12, 2020

Fall, 2020 With the ongoing challenges due to COVID-19, the Northwest Alliance Community Foundation (NACF) took a different approach to our Fall Grant cycle. In response to our outreach to the 7 local school districts in our giving area, NACF donated $1,000 to each of these school districts for the purpose of helping teachers and students…

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NACF founder Renee Nanez steps down as board chair

October 21, 2020
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