by Natasha Winkler
In the heart of the Fox Valley, local vitality isn’t measured solely by the energy along our main streets, the historic beauty of our riverfronts, or the peaceful neighborhood streets stretching across our cities, towns, and villages. The true measure of our region lies in the invisible, resilient threads of care woven through it every single day. As readers of Appleton Monthly, you already appreciate what makes our community extraordinary. Yet behind our economic growth and rich heritage lies an indispensable engine powering our high quality of life: our vibrant nonprofit sector. The organizations featured within this directory are far more than local charities — they are the vital safety nets, visionary educators, and dedicated stewards that keep the Fox Cities strong, compassionate, and connected.
The sheer diversity of these nonprofits mirrors the dynamic needs of our neighbors. When families hit unexpected crossroads, organizations like LEAVEN step in to prevent homelessness and stabilize households during acute financial crises. For those who served our country, Wisconsin Veterans Village offers a groundbreaking, veteran-centric community, designed to deliver affordable housing and tailored support. Meanwhile, specialized residential providers such as Agape of Appleton ensure individuals with complex needs live with dignity and independence, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin provides the transformative mentorship that empowers local youth to reach their full potential. These programs do far more than offer temporary aid; they uphold the fundamental dignity of every person who calls this Valley home.
Beyond essential basic needs, our nonprofits nourish the mind, spirit, and environment. Cultural gems like the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass and the creative spark of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center enrich our lives with world-class artistry and performance. Concurrently, environmental guardians like the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance work tirelessly to protect our precious waterways and natural habitats for future generations. None of these initiatives operate on good intentions alone; they depend on the active generosity of residents and vital lifelines like mobile drives hosted by The Community Blood Center.
As you explore this directory, we invite you to view it not merely as a reference guide, but as a roadmap for meaningful engagement. Whether you choose to pack shelf-stable meals at the St. Joseph Food Program, fund academic opportunities through the Appleton Education Foundation, or donate your time to a local shelter, your involvement fuels a powerful effect. When we strengthen our nonprofit sector, we invest directly in safer neighborhoods, healthier families, and richer educational experiences for all. Turn these pages, discover a mission that speaks to your values or needs that you can help meet, and take your next step in shaping the future of the Fox Cities.
A
Agape of Appleton Inc.
Agape provides specialized residential, vocational, and adult day care services tailored for individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.
920-734-9871
7 Tri-Park Way, Appleton
agapeinc.org
Appleton A Better Chance – ABC
Sponsored by the Appleton Area School District, A Better Chance places high-achieving young men of color into supportive residential housing while they attend local public high schools.
920-852-5300
P.O. Box 424, Appleton
facebook.com/appletonabc
Appleton Community Music Inc.
Appleton Community Music fosters local creative arts by backing original music performances, education initiatives, and grassroots musician support throughout the area.
120 N. Morrison St.
appletoncommunitymusic.org
Appleton Education Foundation
Founded to enhance public education in the area, the Appleton Education Foundation grants vital funding for creative learning projects across the Appleton Area School District.
920-832-1517
122 E. College Ave., Suite 1B, Appleton
appletoneducationfoundation.org
B
B.A.B.E.S. Inc. Child Abuse Prevention Program
B.A.B.E.S. Inc. offers free, nonjudgmental respite care and educational workshops designed to prevent child abuse and reduce parental stress.
920-733-6886
1331 E. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton
babeshelp.org
Beaming Inc.
Beaming leverages equine-assisted services and adaptive riding lessons to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being for participants of all ages.
920-851-6160
2692 County Road GG, Neenah
beaminginc.org
Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass
Located along the shoreline of Lake Winnebago, the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass presents world-class paperweight and art glass exhibitions to the public free of charge.
920-751-4658
165 N. Park Ave., Neenah
bmmglass.com
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin
Big Brothers Big Sisters ignites the innate potential of youth by pairing them with adult volunteer mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships.
920-231-2442
1331 E. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton
bbbsecw.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley provides safe, engaging after-school environments where youth can access academic tutoring, healthy meals, and leadership development.
920-731-0555
160 S. Badger Ave., Appleton
bgclubfoxvalley.org
Building for Kids Children’s Museum
Situated in downtown Appleton, the Building for Kids Children’s Museum features two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and STEM-focused discovery zones.
920-734-3226
100 W. College Ave., Appleton
buildingforkids.org
C
CASA of the Fox Cities
CASA of the Fox Cities recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers who act as court-appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children.
920-257-4733
1500 N. Casaloma Drive, App Suite 200, Appleton
casafoxcities.com
Casa Hispana Inc.
Casa Hispana advocates for and empowers the Hispanic and Latinx community through awareness, education, and celebration of these diverse cultures to ensure current and future generations thrive in the Fox Valley.
920-257-5699
1475 Opportunity Way, Menasha
casahispanawi.org
Center for Suicide Awareness
The Center for Suicide Awareness offers immediate crisis support, suicide prevention education, and postvention resources to individuals and families in distress.
920-475-4748
centerforsuicideawareness.org
Child Care Resource and Referral
Child Care Resource and Referral connects parents with verified local childcare options tailored to their family’s specific financial and scheduling needs.
920-886-1211
1001 W. Kennedy Ave., Suite A, Kimberly
ccrrfoxvalley.org
Community Benefit Tree Inc.
Community Benefit Tree provides strategic guidance and practical support to families enduring severe financial hardship caused by sudden medical crises.
920-422-1919
1734 Ken Dale Drive, Kaukauna
communitybenefittree.org
Community Blood Center Inc.
The Community Blood Center collects and supplies vital blood products to dozens of regional hospitals and medical facilities across the Midwest.
800-280-4102
4406 W. Spencer St., Appleton
communityblood.org
Community Clothes Closet
The Community Clothes Closet supplies free, high-quality clothing, shoes, and household linens to individuals and families in need throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
920-731-7834
1465 B Opportunity Way, Menasha
communityclothescloset.org
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region manages hundreds of charitable donor funds and endowments to enhance local quality of life.
920-830-1290
4455 W. Lawrence St., Appleton
cffoxvalley.org
D – F
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin – Appleton Center
Serving as the primary food distribution hub for the region, the Appleton Center of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin supplies millions of pounds of food annually to local hunger-relief programs.
920-202-3690
2911 W. Edgewood Drive, Appleton
feedingamericawi.org
Fox Cities Festival of Lights Inc.
Fox Cities Festival of Lights brings the community together each winter season by designing and erecting free public holiday light displays in Darboy Community Park.
920-421-5483
P.O. Box 693, Menasha
fcfestivaloflights.org
Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity
Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity partners with local low-income families to construct safe, decent, and affordable housing through sweat equity and zero-interest mortgages.
920-954-8702
921 Midway Road, Menasha
foxcitieshabitat.org
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center enriches the community by serving as a premier venue for live arts including theater, music, dance, educational opportunities, and cultural programs.
920-730-3760
400 W. College Ave., Appleton
foxcitiespac.com
Fox Valley Humane Association
The Fox Valley Humane Association cares for thousands of homeless, abandoned, and neglected companion animals each year while facilitating adoptions into loving homes.
920-733-1717
N115 Two Mile Road, Appleton
foxvalleypets.org
Fox Valley Memory Project
Fox Valley Memory Project creates vibrant social connections and support networks for individuals living with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s Disease.
920-225-1711
1800 Appleton Road, Menasha
foxvalleymemoryproject.org
Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance
The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and advocating for the water resources throughout the Fox-Wolf River basin.
920-858-3982
526 W. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton
fwwa.org
Friends of High Cliff State Park
Friends of High Cliff State Park works to preserve, enhance, and support the natural and historical assets of High Cliff State Park along Lake Winnebago.
920-989-1106
N7630 State Highway 114, Sherwood
friendsofhighcliff.org
Friends of the Grignon Mansion
Friends of the Grignon Mansion is responsible for preserving, restoring, and interpreting Kaukauna’s historic 1837 Grignon Mansion site.
920-766-6106
1313 Augustine St., Kaukauna
grignonmansion.org
G – K
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes builds courage, confidence, and character in young girls through skill-building activities, outdoor camping, and community service.
888-747-6945
4693 W. College Ave., Appleton
gsnwgl.org
Girls on the Run of Northeast Wisconsin
Girls on the Run combines dynamic running activities with character development lessons to empower young girls in third through eighth grade.
1806 Bond St. Suite 163, Green Bay
girlsontherunnew.org
Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin
Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin converts retail donation store revenue into vocational training, employment services, and human support programs for individuals facing workplace barriers.
920-731-6601
1800 Appleton Road, Menasha
goodwillncw.org
Harbor House
Harbor House serves as the safety umbrella for victims of domestic abuse across Outagamie and Calumet counties by providing emergency shelter, crisis intervention, and legal advocacy.
920-832-1666
720 W. Fifth St., Appleton
harborhousewi.org
History Museum at the Castle
Housed in a historic Masonic Temple in downtown Appleton, the History Museum at the Castle presents interactive exhibits documenting Fox Valley history, local culture, and Harry Houdini’s legacy.
920-735-9370
330 E. College Ave., Appleton
myhistorymuseum.org
Jake’s Network of Hope
Formerly known as Jake’s Diapers, Jake’s Network of Hope collects and distributes essential hygiene items, cloth diapers, and necessities to families and nonprofit partners in need.
920-502-0002
2396 Industrial Drive, Neenah
jakesdiapers.org
King’s Daughters Charity Circle of Appleton
King’s Daughters Charity Circle is a local volunteer organization committed to funding and supporting health, welfare, and youth initiatives across the Fox Valley.
kingsdaughterswi@gmail.com
kingsdaughterswi.weebly.com
L – O
LEAVEN – Local Emergency Assistance Network
LEAVEN provides crucial financial aid, case management, and resource navigation to area residents facing sudden housing, utility, or financial emergencies.
920-738-9635
1475 Opportunity Way, Menasha
leavenfoxcities.org
Missions of Honor
Missions of Honor organizes free, dedicated flights for military veterans to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C. Supported entirely by donations and volunteers, the organization offers local veterans a memorable day of honor, reflection, and community gratitude.
920-257-2563
321 S. Nicolet Road, Suite A, Appleton
missionsofhonor.org
NAMI Fox Valley
NAMI Fox Valley offers free mental health peer support groups, public education courses, and stigma-reduction programs to individuals living with mental illness and their loved ones. The organization also operates Iris Place, a nonmedical crisis peer respite center serving the community.
920-954-1550
211 E. Franklin St., Appleton
namifoxvalley.org
Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust
The Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust works to preserve, protect, and restore vital natural areas, forests, wetlands, and shorelines across 12 counties.
920-738-7265
14 Tri-Park Way, Suite 1, Appleton
newlt.org
Nonprofit Leadership Initiative
Hosted within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative delivers professional development, board training, and executive coaching to local nonprofit organizations.
920-830-1290
4455 W. Lawrence St., Appleton
npleadershipfv.org
P – R
Peaceful Purpose Inc.
Peaceful Purpose Inc. provides end-of-life care planning, grief education, and compassionate emotional support services to individuals facing terminal illness and their families.
920-515-4004
peacefulpurposeinc.com
Pillars Inc.
Formed through the merger of local shelter agencies, Pillars operates adult and family emergency housing shelters while guiding clients toward permanent housing.
920-734-9192
605 E. Hancock St., Appleton
pillarsinc.org
Prevent Suicide Fox Cities
Prevent Suicide Fox Cities focuses on community-wide suicide prevention training, public education, and support for those impacted by suicide loss.
211 E. Franklin St., Appleton
preventsuicidefoxcities.org
Project SIX Wisconsin
Project 6 supports local police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, military, dispatch, and correctional officers during emergencies, disasters, and personal hardships.
Quad Communities Crime Stoppers
Quad Communities Crime Stoppers coordinates anonymous tip reporting to assist law enforcement agencies in Kaukauna, Kimberly, Combined Locks, and Little Chute.
facebook.com/QuadCommunitiesCrimeStoppers
Rawhide Youth Services
Rawhide Youth Services provides comprehensive residential care, mental health counseling, special education, and job skills training for youth overcoming severe trauma and behavioral challenges.
920-982-6100
E7475 Rawhide Road, New London
rawhide.org
Riverview Gardens
Riverview Gardens transforms a former golf course into a nonprofit urban farm and social enterprise providing job-training programs for individuals facing unemployment and poverty. 920-378-8527
1101 S. Oneida St., Appleton
riverviewgardens.org
S
Saving Paws Animal Rescue
Saving Paws Animal Rescue is a dedicated volunteer-driven shelter that rescues, rehabilitates, and places homeless or abandoned pets into loving homes.
920-830-2392
N3141 Meade St., Appleton
savingpaws.com
SOAR Fox Cities Inc.
SOAR Fox Cities empowers individuals with developmental disabilities through inclusive social, recreational, educational, and adaptive sports programs.
920-731-9831
211 E. Franklin St., Suite A, Appleton
soarfoxcities.com
Spierings Cancer Foundation
The Spierings Cancer Foundation grants direct financial assistance to local cancer patients enduring treatment-related costs while funding cancer research and care facilities.
920-706-1117
P.O. Box 171, Little Chute
spieringscancerfoundation.org
St. Joseph Food Program Inc.
St. Joseph Food Program distributes fresh, nutritious groceries to thousands of low-income families, seniors, and individuals across the Fox Valley.
920-734-9461
1465 A Opportunity Way, Menasha
stjoesfoodprogram.org
St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates local thrift stores while providing emergency financial aid, furniture vouchers, and food assistance to neighbors in need.
Appleton
1924 W. College Ave., 920-739-1679
svdpappleton.org
Neenah-Menasha
1425 S. Commercial St., Neenah, 920-727-1766
svdpneenah.org
T – Z
The Boys & Girls Brigade
Operating out of Neenah, The Boys & Girls Brigade engages fifth- through 12th-grade students in character development, leadership training, hobby clubs, and summer camping trips.
920-725-3983
109 W. Columbian Ave., Neenah
bgbrigade.com
The Salvation Army Fox Cities
The Salvation Army Fox Cities provides essential emergency housing assistance, food pantry support, disaster relief, and youth enrichment programs to community members in need.
920-886-3648
1525 Appleton Road, Menasha
salvationarmyusa.org/wi/menasha/appleton-road-corps
Tri-County Dental
Tri-County Dental provides comprehensive oral healthcare and dental treatment to low-income, uninsured, or Medicaid-eligible individuals across Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties.
920-882-5500
9 Tri-Park Way, Appleton
tricountydental.org
United Way Fox Cities
United Way Fox Cities unites community resources to tackle root causes of local social issues across education, health, and financial stability.
920-954-7210
1455 Midway Road, Menasha
unitedwayfoxcities.org
Vets and Friends of Wisconsin Inc.
Vets and Friends of Wisconsin was formed to offer food support, social gatherings, and peer networking resources specifically for military veterans and their families.
920-422-7706
100 W. Capitol Drive, Appleton
vetsandfriendsofwisconsin.org
Volunteer Fox Cities
Volunteer Fox Cities mobilizes volunteers and connects individuals with meaningful service opportunities across dozens of area nonprofit agencies.
920-832-9360
1455 Midway Road, Menasha
volunteerfoxcities.org
Wisconsin Veterans Village Association
The Wisconsin Veterans Village Association operates a community campus in Appleton designed to provide affordable, permanent housing and integrated support services for military veterans.
920-574-3350
2919 W. Glenpark Drive, Appleton
wisvva.org
Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region
The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region awards targeted grants to local programs that empower women and girls, fostering long-term economic security and leadership.
920-830-1290
445 S. Olde Oneida St., Appleton
womensfundfvr.org
YMCA of the Fox Cities
The YMCA of the Fox Cities operates multiple full-service family wellness branches offering youth sports, aquatic training, licensed childcare, and health programs across the region.
920-739-6135
218 E. Lawrence St., Appleton
ymcafoxcities.org
Visit volunteerfoxcities.org/member-nonprofits for additional listings and volunteer opportunities.
This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
