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Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.1M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M

Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4.1 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $116.7 million (2024)
  • Average Grant Size: ~$57,000 (based on 2022 data)
  • Number of Grants: 38-44 grants annually
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Northcentral Wisconsin, especially Wausau and Marathon County area
  • Application Method: Invitation only - no public application process

Contact Details

Address: 500 N 1st Street, Suite 55003, Wausau, WI 54403

Phone: (715) 393-4572

Contact Persons: Jeff Stubbe (Executive Director) or Amanda Sahr

LinkedIn: Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation

Overview

Established in 2009 by Dwight E. Davis and Linda Davis, this private independent foundation has experienced remarkable growth over its 15-year history. From modest beginnings with $5.8 million in assets and $151,722 in charitable disbursements in 2011, the foundation has grown to hold $116.7 million in assets and distribute $4.1 million in grants annually as of 2024. Dwight Davis is a former CEO of Greenheck Fan Corp and had a distinguished career in education and insurance before leading the company to nearly triple in size during his tenure from 2001-2011. The foundation's mission centers on supporting nonprofits in the communities that have been important to the Davis family, particularly Wausau and the Northcentral Wisconsin region. Executive Director Jeff Stubbe notes that "the Davises' generosity provides the opportunity to enhance the communities they serve, especially Wausau."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee discretion rather than formal grant programs. Grants are made to preselected charitable organizations identified by the foundation's leadership.

  • Typical Grant Range: Based on 2022 data, grants averaged approximately $57,000, though individual grant sizes vary
  • Annual Distribution: 38-44 grants per year totaling $4.1-$4.5 million

Priority Areas

Based on documented grants, the foundation supports:

  • Community Recreation & Wellness: Notable support for YMCA facilities, including The Landing at the Woodson YMCA, a best-in-class activity center for 55+ adults
  • Education: Reflecting Dwight Davis's 19-year career in academia
  • Health & Human Services: Community-based organizations serving Northcentral Wisconsin
  • Arts & Culture: Support for local arts organizations
  • Youth Development: Programs serving young people in the region

Geographic Focus

Primary focus on Wausau, Marathon County, and Northcentral Wisconsin, reflecting the areas where the Davis family built their careers and community connections.

Governance and Leadership

Dwight E. Davis - President: Native of Plymouth, Wisconsin, and 1966 graduate of UW-Stout with a B.S. in technology education. Career highlights include:

  • 19 years in education, including Director of Northcentral Technical College (starting 1977)
  • 15 years at Wausau Insurance Companies in senior executive positions (1985-2000)
  • President and CEO of Greenheck Fan Corp (2001-2011), during which the company nearly tripled in size
  • Founding director of the Northcentral Wisconsin Community Foundation
  • Director of the Judd Alexander Foundation since 1987
  • Now resides in Sister Bay, Wisconsin with Linda

Linda Davis - Vice President: Met Dwight at UW-Stout where she served as editor of the student newspaper while Dwight was president of the Stout Student Association. Active in the foundation's philanthropic vision alongside her husband.

Jeffrey Stubbe - Executive Director: Compensation of $245,520 (2024). Stubbe describes his role as "building a world class philanthropic organization" and states that the Davises' generosity allows him to "enhance the communities they serve, especially Wausau."

The foundation also employs Amanda Sahr in an administrative capacity.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grants are awarded through:

  • Trustee discretion
  • Existing relationships with community organizations
  • Proactive identification of projects by foundation leadership

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation's approach to identifying grantees centers on deep community connections in Northcentral Wisconsin, particularly Wausau and Marathon County. Organizations that have received support tend to be well-established community institutions with track records in their respective fields.

Specific strategies based on this foundation's profile:

  • Community presence in Wausau/Marathon County: The foundation's giving is concentrated in areas where the Davis family has historical ties and community involvement
  • Connection to foundation leadership networks: Dwight Davis has extensive board experience with organizations including the Northcentral Wisconsin Community Foundation, NTC Foundation, and Judd Alexander Foundation - organizations in these networks may have visibility
  • Focus on 55+ adults and wellness: The foundation showed particular passion for The Landing at the Woodson YMCA, a facility serving adults 55+, suggesting interest in projects serving this demographic
  • Executive Director relationship: Jeff Stubbe serves as the point person for foundation activities and community engagement

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation operating on trustee discretion, decisions are made throughout the year rather than on fixed cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept public applications, traditional success factors do not apply. However, organizations that have received support share these characteristics:

Based on documented grants and foundation priorities:

  • Deep community roots in Northcentral Wisconsin: The foundation focuses on enhancing communities important to the Davis family, with Wausau at the center
  • Alignment with Davis family values: Education, community wellness, and quality of life improvements appear as recurring themes given Dwight's career in education and the foundation's support for projects like The Landing YMCA facility
  • Projects with community-wide impact: The YMCA project was described as having "powerful" community stakeholder support, suggesting the foundation values initiatives with broad community benefit
  • Established organizational track record: As a foundation supporting "preselected" organizations, they appear to work with known entities rather than emerging groups
  • Strong project leadership and vision: The foundation's passion for The Landing project was noted as "a powerful driver in bringing this space to life," indicating they respond to compelling vision and leadership

Quote from leadership: According to Jeff Stubbe, the foundation's work is about using "the Davises' generosity to enhance the communities they serve, especially Wausau."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant applications - they identify and select grantees proactively
  • Geographic concentration critical: Focus is squarely on Northcentral Wisconsin, particularly Wausau and Marathon County where the Davis family built their legacy
  • Relationship-driven grantmaking: With 38-44 grants annually from $116.7 million in assets, this is selective, relationship-based philanthropy
  • Community infrastructure focus: Documented support for major community facilities (YMCA) suggests interest in lasting community assets
  • Executive leadership connection: Jeff Stubbe and Amanda Sahr serve as the foundation's operational team - community visibility with them may matter
  • UW-Stout connection: Both Dwight and Linda are UW-Stout alumni, and Dwight has maintained connections with the university throughout his career
  • Significant growth trajectory: Assets have grown twentyfold since 2011, suggesting increasing grantmaking capacity in future years

References

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