Waukesha County Community Foundation

What Waukesha County Community Foundation does

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation founded in 1999 and headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It serves Waukesha County by connecting individual, family, and corporate donors with nonprofits, students, and community causes through a platform of charitable funds, competitive grantmaking, and scholarship administration. As of January 2026, WCCF manages $84 million in total assets across 450+ funds and has distributed $88 million in grants and scholarships cumulatively since inception.

The foundation's product surface is organized around multiple fund types — Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), Donor Designated Funds, Field of Interest Funds, Organization Endowment Funds, Scholarship Funds, Artesian Funds, Project Funds, and Unrestricted Funds — each with distinct fee structures and minimum contributions. Underlying technology is conventional third-party nonprofit infrastructure: fcsuite.com handles donations and fund-advisor portals, Grant Interface manages scholarship applications, and Candid (formerly GuideStar) powers the nonprofit directory with IRS-verified data. The foundation operates a competitive Community Grants Cycle across five program areas (Arts & Culture, Health and Human Services, Community Development, Environment & Conservation, Historical Preservation) and administers scholarships directly to Waukesha County high school graduates, and via partnerships with seven local education foundations.

The business model is asset-fee driven rather than transactional revenue. WCCF charges annual administrative fees (0.3%-2% depending on fund type) on assets under management, supplemented by investment management returns through a professionally managed shared investment pool with Northern Trust as custodian. GTM is community-led: donor stewardship, professional advisor relationships, corporate partnerships (notably Network Health and WaterStone Bank, with combined corporate fund contributions exceeding $15 million), education-foundation channel partnerships, and signature events like the Giving Forward Breakfast and Celebration of Giving. The flagship initiative since 2021 is the Housing Opportunity Fund, an 11-partner coalition addressing safe and affordable housing as a designated community issue.

Name

Waukesha County Community Foundation

Legal name

Waukesha County Community Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://waukeshafoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Waukesha County Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation managing 450+ charitable funds and $84 million in assets to connect donors, nonprofits, and students in Waukesha County, Wisconsin through grantmaking, scholarships, and fund administration.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Foundation Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Charities & Grantmaking Intermediaries (BPAGAKAE), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC), College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits (BPAGADAE)

Keywords

• Community foundation services
• Charitable fund management
• Donor advised funds
• Grantmaking administration
• Scholarship administration

Headquarters

HQ city

Waukesha

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donor Contributions: The foundation receives charitable contributions from individual donors, families, and corporations into various fund types (Donor Advised Funds, Donor Designated Funds, Field of Interest Funds, Organization Endowment Funds, Scholarship Funds, Unrestricted Funds). These contributions form the core asset base.
2. Administrative Fees on Funds: The foundation charges annual administrative fees on funds held: Donor Advised Funds and Organization Endowment Funds: 1% on first $1M, 0.8% on next $3M, 0.3% over $4M; Donor Designated Funds: 1%; Field of Interest Funds and Unrestricted Funds: 1.5%; Endowed Scholarship Funds: 1.5%; Pass-Through Scholarship Funds: 2% on gifts; Project Funds: 2% on gifts.
3. Investment Management Returns: Funds are professionally managed through a shared investment pool. Returns on investments grow the fund balances, supporting perpetual community benefit.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Waukesha County Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) community foundation that pools and manages charitable contributions through multiple fund types (Donor Advised Funds, Donor Designated Funds, Field of Interest Funds, Organization Endowment Funds, Scholarship Funds, Artesian Funds, Project Funds, and Unrestricted Funds). It awards competitive grants to nonprofits through an annual Community Grants Cycle, administers student scholarships, runs the Housing Opportunity Fund as a flagship community-impact initiative, and offers planned giving/estate planning services and a professional advisor toolkit.

Product overview

The Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF) operates as a community foundation offering a comprehensive suite of philanthropic services. The core portfolio consists of fund management products including Donor Advised Funds, Field of Interest Funds, Donor Designated Funds, Organization Endowment Funds, Artesian Funds, Project Funds, and Unrestricted Funds. These are complemented by grantmaking through the annual Community Grants Cycle supporting Arts & Culture, Health and Human Services, Community Development, Environment & Conservation, and Historical Preservation. The foundation also manages extensive scholarship programs including the new UW Waukesha Legacy Scholarships (transferred 2024), having awarded over $1 million to nearly 600 students in 2026. The flagship initiative is the Housing Opportunity Fund addressing affordable housing, with a collaborative partners program. Additional services include a Nonprofit Directory (powered by Candid/GuideStar), Planned Giving/Legacy Society for estate planning, Professional Advisor Toolkit, and Corporate Philanthropy Services. The foundation communicates through its bi-monthly 'Community Matters' e-newsletter. The organization was founded in 1999 and holds CFNS Accreditation and a four-star Charity Navigator rating.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) Flexible giving vehicle allowing individuals, families, and businesses to actively participate in grantmaking. Donors recommend grants now while the fund grows for future giving. Minimum $25,000 to establish; annual fee 1% on first $1M, 0.8% on next $3M, 0.3% on balances over $4M.
• Donor Designated Funds Provides continued support to a designated nonprofit organization with reliable funding, investment management, and planned giving support. If the organization ceases to exist, funds redirect to continue the charitable intent. Minimum $10,000 to establish; annual fee 1%.
• Field of Interest Funds Funds that support the donor's chosen area of charitable interest. The Grants Review Committee evaluates organizations doing the best work in the selected field, and these funds support the annual Community Grants Cycle. Annual fee 1.5%.
• Organization Endowment Funds Offers nonprofits a simple way to build an ongoing source of income for their charitable goals. Endowments are professionally managed in a shared investment pool with administrative support. Annual fee 1% on first $1M, 0.8% on next $3M, 0.3% on balances over $4M.
• Unrestricted Funds Allows the foundation to direct philanthropic resources where they are needed most, providing the greatest flexibility to respond to current and future community needs. Annual fee 1.5%.
• Artesian Funds Allows donors to start small and make incremental contributions toward a fund goal, building toward an endowed fund over time.
• Project Funds Non-endowed option for community fundraising initiatives with a specific and short-term timeframe. Can be closed or transformed into another fund type upon project completion. Annual fee 2% on gifts.
• Community Grants Cycle Annual competitive grant process supporting ongoing and changing community needs in Waukesha County. Grants awarded after extensive review by the Grants Review Committee. Supports Arts & Culture, Health and Human Services, Community Development, Environment & Conservation, and Historical Preservation. Awarded $175,250 to 25 nonprofits in 2025.
• Scholarship Funds Educational opportunity funds supporting students in Waukesha County. Includes Endowed Scholarship Funds (1.5% annual fee) and Pass-Through Scholarship Funds (2% on gifts). Awarded over $1 million to nearly 600 students in 2026 through various scholarship types for technical/vocational programs, four-year degrees, and specific fields of study.
• Planned Giving / Legacy Society Estate planning services including bequests, IRA beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, charitable lead trusts, and charitable remainder trusts. The Legacy Society honors donors who include the foundation in their estate plans.
• Housing Opportunity Fund Flagship issue fund addressing housing barriers in the community. Removes barriers to safe and affordable housing through multi-year grants and collaboration with local housing-focused nonprofit partners including Community Action Coalition, Family Promise, Habitat for Humanity, Hebron Housing Services, Hope Center, La Casa de Esperanza, Revitalize Milwaukee, St. Vincent de Paul, The Women's Center, United Way, and Waukesha County Center for Growth.
• UW Waukesha Legacy Scholarships Scholarship program transferred from the UW Waukesha Foundation in 2024. Offers over 30 scholarship opportunities for Waukesha County residents attending Universities of Wisconsin, with more than $42,000 awarded in 2025.
• Nonprofit Directory Searchable online directory of nonprofit organizations in Waukesha, Milwaukee, and Washington Counties. Pulls IRS-verified data from Candid (formerly GuideStar), giving organizations credibility and visibility. Sponsored by WaterStone Bank.
• Professional Advisor Toolkit Comprehensive free toolkit with downloadable resources for professional advisors (financial planners, attorneys, accountants) to guide clients through philanthropic planning, including free consultations.
• Corporate Philanthropy Services Corporate Advised Funds and corporate philanthropy services allowing businesses to manage strategic community giving. Established partners include Network Health (Hometown Advantage Fund) and WaterStone Bank (WaterStone Bank Fund), with bank representatives on the WCCF Board of Directors.

Quantifiable outcome

• $84 million in total assets managed
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Wisconsin Policy ForumminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023The foundation collaborated with Wisconsin Policy Forum to commission the 2023 Building Blocks housing study addressing Waukesha County's housing affordability challenges. The study analyzed housing data, stakeholder interviews, and potential solutions.
• Network HealthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork Health has established the Network Health Hometown Advantage Fund at WCCF. In 2025, they contributed nearly $530,000 through their fund to 77 organizations. They also have employee volunteer programs and representatives on the WCCF Board of Directors. Network Health focuses giving on healthcare access, wellness programs, and social determinants of health including housing.
• WaterStone BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWaterStone Bank established the WaterStone Bank Fund at WCCF over two decades ago and has contributed nearly $15 million in support of local nonprofits. They sponsor the Nonprofit Directory on the foundation's website. Bank representatives serve on the WCCF Board of Directors. WaterStone Bank focuses giving on education, women and children, community development, and veterans initiatives.
• Community Action Coalition for South Central WisconsinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner focused on landlord engagement and eviction prevention. Part of WCCF's Housing Opportunity Fund initiative addressing safe and affordable housing as the foundation's flagship issue.
• Family Promise of Waukesha CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner providing flexible financial assistance to help families in crisis avoid homelessness through emergency aid and transitional housing programs with case management.
• Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha & Jefferson CountiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner working to bridge the construction gap as building costs have risen significantly. Supports affordable homeownership development.
• Hebron Housing ServicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner aiming to acquire and renovate multi-family housing units to increase affordable housing options and reduce reliance on external landlords.
• Hope CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner relying on community support to minimize poverty risk factors contributing to homelessness by providing free clothing, meals, and furniture.
• La Casa de EsperanzamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner providing HUD-approved housing counseling including budgeting, credit repair, fair housing education, and personalized guidance for renters and first-time homebuyers.
• Revitalize MilwaukeemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner providing critical home repairs for low-income seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities ensuring safety and accessibility.
• St. Vincent de Paul of Waukesha CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner investing in security deposits with supportive services like financial education and tenant training to help individuals achieve housing stability.
• The Women's CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner helping survivors of abuse and vulnerable clients secure and sustain housing with ongoing support as they work toward economic self-sufficiency.
• United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner expanding the Family Flex Fund to Waukesha to provide tiered case management with flexible financial aid to prevent family homelessness.
• Waukesha County Center for GrowthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing partner providing the GROW Fund which fuels new workforce housing with sustainable loans for developers ensuring at least 30% of units are affordable to households earning 120% or less of area median income.
• United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-commissioner of the Building Blocks housing study alongside WCCF, Waukesha County Business Alliance, and Waukesha County Center for Growth.
• Waukesha County Business AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-commissioner of the Building Blocks housing study. Also partner through the Nonprofit Executive Council for community leadership.
• Arrowhead Scholarship FundminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducation foundation partner managing their own scholarship portfolio. WCCF may host online applications for some partners.
• Education Foundation of New BerlinminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducation foundation partner managing their own scholarship portfolio.
• Elmbrook Education FoundationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducation foundation partner managing their own scholarship portfolio.
• Hamilton Education FoundationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducation foundation partner managing their own scholarship portfolio.
• Kettle Moraine Education FoundationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducation foundation partner managing their own scholarship portfolio.
• Menomonee Falls Scholarship and Education FoundationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducation foundation partner managing their own scholarship portfolio.
• Waukesha Education FoundationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducation foundation partner managing their own scholarship portfolio.
• Waukesha County Business AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWCCF participates in the Waukesha County Business Alliance's Nonprofit Executive Council as part of community leadership.
• Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWCCF participates in the Housing Action Coalition Board and has provided Donor Advised Fund advisors with information on housing nonprofits.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Greater Milwaukee Foundation: Wisconsin-based community foundation managing charitable funds, donor-advised funds, grants, and scholarships for the four-county Milwaukee region. Directly comparable as a regional community foundation with overlapping donor and nonprofit networks to WCCF.
• Racine Community Foundation: Southeastern Wisconsin community foundation administering donor-advised funds, scholarships, and competitive grants. Operates a similar fund menu and competitive Community Grants Cycle serving Racine County.
• Community Foundation for Southern Wisconsin: Regional community foundation offering donor-advised funds, scholarship administration, and competitive grants across south-central Wisconsin. Direct competitor for donor relationships in adjacent counties.
• Madison Community Foundation: Wisconsin community foundation managing donor funds, scholarships, and competitive grantmaking across Dane County. Comparable in scale, fund structure, and operating model to WCCF.
• Oshkosh Community Foundation: Wisconsin-based community foundation providing donor-advised funds, scholarship administration, and competitive grants to nonprofits in the Oshkosh region. Closely comparable operating model.
• Sheboygan County Community Foundation: County-level community foundation administering charitable funds, scholarships, and competitive grants in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Operates a near-identical fund menu and grant cycle.
• Fond du Lac Area Foundation: Wisconsin community foundation managing donor-advised funds, scholarship funds, and competitive grants for the Fond du Lac area. Comparable scale and product offering to WCCF.

Broad incumbents

• National Philanthropic Trust: National sponsor of donor-advised funds, endowments, and philanthropic giving vehicles. Competes for the same donor-advised fund dollars with national scale, lower fees, and a digital-first platform.
• Fidelity Charitable: Largest U.S. sponsor of donor-advised funds, with national reach and integrated brokerage assets. Competes for the same DAF donors as WCCF but at a vastly larger scale.

Others

• Northern Trust (Foundation & Institutional Services): Custodian and investment manager already serving WCCF's fund pool. Provides back-office investment, custody, and philanthropic advisory services to community foundations nationally.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@WaukFoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/waukeshafoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/waukesha-county-community-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/waukeshafoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Waukesha County Community Foundation