Preserving the past, powering the future
When the Greater Cedarburg Foundation began in 2000, its founders rallied behind the phrase “Cedarburg … now and forever,” words capturing the civic spirit the community has embodied ever since it was established in the 1840s.
GCF’s founders wanted to preserve the community’s rich heritage and historic identity while simultaneously contributing to its progress.
Twenty-five years later, the community foundation has not only done just that, but it has become the go-to place for local philanthropists interested in giving back to their community. GCF has grown to include $8.5 million in assets and 16 affiliated funds, and it has awarded nearly $1.9 million in grants.
“The generosity of GCF’s donors helps keep Cedarburg an amazing place we can all be proud to be a part of,” said Katie Pipkorn, GCF board president and a seventh-generation Cedarburg resident.
The preservation of the city’s unique charm and the creation of community foundations locally — in Oconomowoc and West Bend — were driving forces behind GCF’s creation. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation issued a $100,000 challenge grant to GCF organizers to help them build an initial endowment. A total of more than $550,000 was raised within the first few years. GCF became a partner foundation in 2011, once its assets reached $1 million.
Strong partnership equals strong community
Mal Hepburn, a longtime Cedarburg resident and civic leader, one of GCF’s founding donors and its second board president, was an ardent supporter of having GCF affiliate with the Foundation. Leadership within the community and organizations change, he said, but the community foundation model was designed to forever support the goals of its donors.
“There is a permanence that comes with working with the Foundation that I find very appealing,” said Hepburn, who has three Foundation funds, including a supporting organization for his family.
GCF’s core mission has been to support projects that maintain and enrich Cedarburg’s cultural and historic heritage, programs that enhance its artistic and aesthetic experiences and organizations that provide educational, recreational and community service opportunities. Grants have helped create the Cedarburg History Museum and Cedarburg Art Museum in the downtown historic district as well as community gathering spots such as the library, playgrounds and the Cedar Creek Park bandshell, home to the popular 10-week Summer Sounds music series. GCF has also supported programs at area social service agencies.
While its grants have ranged in size, the impact on organizations has been profound, grantees say.
“Their contributions have made a lasting impact on our community,” said Sue Schrader, executive director of the Cedarburg Cultural Center, which was GCF’s first grant recipient.
Over the years, GCF has helped pay off the center’s mortgage, install a new façade and signage and install lighting for its parking lot.
“They’ve kept Cedarburg’s creative spirt alive and will for years to come,” Schrader said.
Silver anniversary gives cause for applause
This September, GCF will host a free, communitywide celebration to mark its milestone anniversary. The event will include a parade, band performances, a kid zone and a nonprofit fair where organizations can showcase their missions.
“Our hope is to celebrate how far GCF has come over the last quarter century and to make sure the next generation is aware of both what we’re doing and what resources are available to community,” Pipkorn said.
Moving forward, Pipkorn said she hopes GCF can continue to amplify the impact of the community’s many wonderful local organizations and continue to be a go-to partner for nonprofits.
“I want to have anyone feel in our area that they can come to us and see us as a partner,” Pipkorn said.