Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation Celebrates Growth

The Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation (BDACF) proudly hosted its annual Celebration of Giving on April 15 at Bayside Supper Club, bringing together donors, partners, grant recipients, and friends to reflect on the Foundation’s growth and honor those who help strengthen communities across Dodge County.
The luncheon celebrated the Foundation’s progress since its inception in 2019, highlighting significant growth and impact, now stewarding 103 charitable funds totaling more than $4 million in assets to support local priorities. To date, 92 dedicated Dodge County nonprofits have collectively received nearly $400,000 in community grant funding, strengthening programs and services across the region.
Recent milestones include the launch of Beaver Dam Area Giving 100, which brings donors together to make a powerful collective impact, and the Foundation’s first-ever Impact Grant cycle, designed to support mini construction and improvement projects for local nonprofits.
During the event, the Foundation gratefully accepted a $25,000 gift from National Exchange Bank & Trust, supporting BDACF’s first-ever Impact Grant Cycle. This transformational contribution will help launch a new chapter of community-driven grantmaking.
The Celebration of Giving also recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership and generosity have played a vital role in advancing the Foundation’s mission:

-Mike Kuzniewicz – Recognized for his generosity and community spirit, Mike’s generosity to the Foundation maximizes event proceeds for community grants and strengthening local philanthropy.
-Zach Carlson – Honored for his creativity and dedication in telling BDACF’s story, Zach has produced the Foundation’s annual impact video since 2019 and exemplifies philanthropic leadership as an early fundholder and strong community supporter.
-Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse – Recognized as one of BDACF’s first agency partners, Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse helped define the Foundation’s service area through strong advocacy and meaningful programs that support children and families.
-Mayville Open Door – Honored as an early partner that helped shape BDACF’s regional reach, Mayville Open Door continues to strengthen Dodge County families through impactful community services and leadership.
-Clausen Park – Recognized for its dedication to renovating Clausen Park, enhancing quality of life for Fox Lake residents and visitors. The project stands as a strong example of community partnership supported through BDACF grantmaking and fund administration.
-Beaver Dam Police Department – Honored for thoughtful stewardship of charitable funds within the Foundation’s fund family, ensuring responsible management, transparency, and effective support of community-focused initiatives.
-Beaver Dam Fire Department – Recognized for its responsible management and oversight of charitable funds, helping advance public safety and community-focused initiatives through accountable stewardship.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to believe in the power of local philanthropy,” said President Tom Heffron. “The Celebration of Giving is a reminder that when our community comes together, we can create lasting impact across Dodge County.”
Looking ahead, the Foundation remains committed to expanding philanthropic opportunities, growing community partnerships, and investing in innovative grantmaking that will continue to enhance the quality of life in the Beaver Dam area for generations to come.
For more information about the Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation, visit www.beaverdamacf.com.