Marshfield Area Community Foundation Inc.

10/07/2026

The Marshfield Area Community Foundation has completed yet another record-breaking year through the Community Grants program, awarding 29 projects across our community.

To read more, visit: https://www.marshfield.foundation/community-grant-recipients-2026/

10/06/2026

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09/23/2026

Community Grant Update
Second Chances Thrift Shop: Helping Families in Crisis

"There's a whole lot of connection."
Volunteers, donors, churches and partners like House of Mercy help Second Chances Thrift Store meet urgent needs in the Loyal area. The Foundation is proud to support this work through our Community Grants program.

To read more, visit: https://www.marshfield.foundation/second-chances-thrift-shop-rural-resource/

09/16/2026

Project Fund Update

“This whole playground concept was bigger than all of us,” fundraising team member Lindsey Safford reflected. “It was possible because the community pitched in, saw the vision and believed that we could do it.”

The group described being “completely blown away” by the generosity they encountered in the Marshfield area—from major donors who helped launch the campaign to many individuals who contributed $10 or $20 simply because they wanted to be part of creating something lasting for local children and families.

The Marshfield Area Community Foundation is proud to take part in this community effort through housing the Griese Park Playground Renovation project fund.

To read more, visit: https://www.marshfield.foundation/griese-park-playground-forward-fun-zone/

09/09/2026

“We hope people see this as proof that when a community comes together around a shared vision, it can create something truly lasting.” - Griese Playground Renovation Fundraising Team

The 2025 Leadership Marshfield group, Abby Meyer, Bill Thomas, Connie Michalski, and Lindsey Safford, celebrate the completion of the new Griese Playground. Through long hours, community support, and a project fund to house the fundraising campaign at the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, the “Forward Fun Zone” came to fruition.

To read more, visit: https://www.marshfield.foundation/griese-park-playground-forward-fun-zone/

08/28/2026

Community Foundation Internship

We were delighted to have Ava Conrad join us this summer as an intern. Through her time with the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Ava developed “Connecting Classroom to Community,” an educator toolkit designed to help teachers connect more students with local scholarship opportunities. Informed by student and educator perspectives, the project offers practical resources and timely prompts to make scholarship conversations more accessible throughout the school year.

To read more, visit: https://www.marshfield.foundation/community-foundation-internship/

08/13/2026

The Marshfield Area Community Foundation is pleased to introduce the “We All Gotta Go” Fund, established by Jason and Natasha Tompkins, which fills an unglamorous yet important recreational need in the Marshfield community: a toilet. The new endowment fund will annually support a porta potty in Forest Ridge Park each spring to fall.

As Jason said, “This isn’t a GoFundMe—it’s a fund-the-go!” Every donation brings us closer to expanding this essential service to parks across the city.

To read more, visit https://www.marshfield.foundation/we-all-gotta-go/

07/29/2026

One of the seven endowment funds established through Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting's legacy gift benefits the Opportunity Development Center, a nonprofit that empowers individuals with mental and physical disabilities by creating new pathways to connection and independence.

This fund tangibly benefits people like Mark, who started working through the ODC in a small role helping keep the Staab Construction Company shop area clean. Now, a decade later, he maintains multiple areas, operates specialized equipment, and is considered an essential part of the team.

The ODC serves over 1,500 individuals in similar ways, helping them progress personally, connect socially, and positively impact local businesses. Legacy gifts like the Heitings’ can provide the support that allows organizations like ODC to continue and expand their services.

Read more on our blog: https://www.marshfield.foundation/legacy-giving-kenneth-and-ardyce-heiting/

07/22/2026

Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting dedicated much of their lives to bettering their community. Their generosity reflects a long-standing personal investment in the Marshfield area. Following their passing, Kenneth and Ardyce’s legacy was formalized through the remarkable establishment of seven endowment funds: Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting Fund for Children, Hewitt Immanuel Lutheran Church Fund, Marshfield Immanuel Lutheran Church Fund, Our Lady of Peace Church Fund, Opportunity Development Center (ODC) Fund, Sacred Heart Church Fund, and Scholarship Fund.

Read more on our blog: https://www.marshfield.foundation/legacy-giving-kenneth-and-ardyce-heiting/

Photograph: Executive Director Kaelie Gomez, delivering the first gift to Our Lady of Peace Church.

07/15/2026

Community Grant Update
Operation Horses Heal: Mobile Outreach Unit

Operation Horses Heal’s new mobile outreach unit brings horses and veteran-led support directly to VFW posts, VA centers, long-term care facilities, and community events, helping veterans and military families find connection, calm, and community where they already gather. A grant from the Marshfield Area Community Foundation makes this innovative, barrier-reducing model of equine-assisted services possible for veterans across Wisconsin.

To read more, visit https://www.marshfield.foundation/operation-horses-heal-mobile-outreach-unit/

Grant applications are open until July 17th.
Visit our website to apply!