Door County Community Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $7 million+
• Total Assets: $65 million+
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 5-7 weeks
• Grant Range: $200 - $150,000+ (varies by program)
• Geographic Focus: Door County, Wisconsin
• Founded: 1999

Contact Details

Address: 222 N 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone: (920) 746-1786
Email: applications@givedoorcounty.org (grant applications)
Email: grants@givedoorcounty.org (program inquiries)
Website: www.GiveDoorCounty.org

Pre-Application Support: Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the foundation before submitting a formal application to discuss project ideas.

Overview

Founded in 1999, the Door County Community Foundation has grown to become the premier vehicle for community philanthropy in Door County, Wisconsin. With more than $65 million in assets under administration, the foundation distributes over $7 million annually to charities serving the region. Under the leadership of President & CEO Bret Bicoy since 2008, the foundation has expanded from its original mission to become a comprehensive grantmaker addressing diverse community needs. The foundation's mission is to inspire people to give back to sustain and advance the community, receiving and administering charitable endowment funds to award grants to social, educational, scientific, religious, and other charitable organizations in Door County. The foundation awards grants across multiple sectors including human needs, the arts, the environment, education, mental health, water conservation, sustainability, women's initiatives, and youth programs. In 2025, Vice President of Philanthropic Services Jessica Holland was honored with the Anne Kok Social Justice Award, recognizing the foundation's commitment to community impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Community Investment Fund
Grant Range: $2,000 - $150,000+ (average: $100,000)
Funded through room tax dollars, this program supports projects that improve quality of life for Door County residents and benefit visitors. Recent grants include the Friends of Peninsula State Park mountain bike trails ($150,000) and City of Sturgeon Bay pedestrian/bicycle trail ($100,000).
Application Method: Email submission; reviewed quarterly

2. Sustainability Grants
Grant Range: $2,500 - $5,000 (typical)
Provides critical operational support for charities that sustain Door County's quality of life. Grants distributed from various funds including Arts, Children & Youth, Green, Health & Human Needs, Education, and Historic Preservation.
Application Method: Rolling basis; four cycles per year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Deadlines: 4th Monday of March, June, September, and December at 4:00 PM

3. Bargains Unlimited Charitable Fund
Grant Range: Up to $100,000 (average: $25,000)
Supports programs for working people and enriches quality of life for seniors throughout Door County. In February 2026, awarded $106,000 across six organizations in its inaugural cycle.
Application Method: Email submission
Deadlines: 4th Monday of December and June

4. Women's Fund of Door County Community Grants
Grant Range: Typically $5,000 (no minimum or maximum)
Supports projects providing education, building self-esteem, and offering solutions for critical issues affecting women and girls. Prioritizes research-based, data-driven programs addressing healthcare, mental health, and public health needs.
Application Method: Email submission
Deadlines: March and September

5. Mental Health Support Grants
Grant Range: Average $5,000
Promotes mental health awareness, supports education, and provides healthcare for people in Door County.
Application Method: Email submission
Deadlines: March and December

6. Healthy Water Door County Grants
Grant Range: No minimum or maximum
Protects human, environmental, and economic health by guarding against water threats. Supports initiatives like well-testing programs and water conservation education.
Application Method: Monthly review; rolling basis

7. Laird Educational Mini Grants
Grant Range: Varies
Assists school personnel seeking to improve educational experiences for Door County students. In 2025-2026, awarded 11 grants totaling $6,498.
Application Method: Fall application cycle

8. Youth Mini Grants (Youth as Resources & Youth in Theater)
Grant Range: Maximum $500 (average $200); exceptional projects may receive more
Supports youth-led projects benefiting Door County and theatrical productions involving youth.
Application Method: Email submission
Deadlines: 1st of March, May, October, and December

Priority Areas

• Community Infrastructure: Trails, parks, accessible facilities, historic preservation
• Working People & Seniors: Programs supporting employment and quality of life for seniors
• Environmental Conservation: Water quality, sustainability, natural resource protection
• Education: Student enrichment, educational innovation, teacher support
• Health & Human Services: Mental health, healthcare access, human needs
• Arts & Culture: Cultural programming, arts access and education
• Women & Girls: Education, self-esteem building, health needs, removing barriers
• Youth Development: Youth-led community service, theater arts, skill-building

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals or groups that are not qualified public charities (501(c)(3)) or units of government (for Sustainability Grants)
• Activities that advance a particular religious belief (religious organizations should contact the foundation to discuss specific projects)
• Projects that do not serve people of Door County or improve Door County quality of life
• Applications from organizations without Chief Executive approval

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO

Bret Bicoy has served as President & CEO since 2008. Previously served as President of the Nevada Community Foundation and President & CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation. In the 1990s, he was Senior Foundation Officer of the Green Bay Community Foundation, where he helped launch the Door County Community Foundation. Named a Fellow of the Council on Foundations in Washington, D.C. for his work promoting philanthropy in diverse communities. Has 30 years of experience in philanthropy and community-building.

On Philanthropy: "Simply writing a check is not sufficient for a person to become a philanthropist... A philanthropist is one who gives generously of both" time and money. "A philanthropist is born when a donor's passion compels them to give more of themselves than merely money."

On Community Impact: "Charity is essential to Door County's quality of life. It enriches our lives with music and art and preserves our environmental treasures... giving back to Door County's charities both sustains and advances this community we love."

Vice President of Philanthropic Services

Jessica Holland serves as Vice President of Philanthropic Services, with a background in Social Work and music. Has provided anti-violence education and advocacy for area youth and delivered crisis intervention for aging adults. Works with the Philanthropic Services Officers to engage donors and serve as philanthropic advisor. Administers granting operations including discretionary grantmaking programs and Donor Advised Funds. Received the 2025 Anne Kok Social Justice Award from HELP of Door County.

Board of Directors

Board Officers:

• Jim Vander Heiden, Chair - Retired Vice President/Principal, HGA Architects and Engineers
• Stephen O'Hearn, Vice Chair - Retired Partner and Global Insurance Leader, PwC
• Vicki Wilson, Secretary - President-Founder, Door County Coffee & Tea Co.
• John McGinnis, Treasurer - Retired Executive, Energy Industry
• Jeff Ottum, Past Chair - Retired Senior Vice President Human Resources, Schreiber Foods, Inc.

Additional Board Members:

• Fred Anderson - Owner, Ashbrooke Hotel, Egg Harbor
• Inge Alverson Bacon - Certified Public Accountant
• John Bykowski - Retired President and CEO, SECURA Insurance Companies
• Natalie Gorchynsky - Community Philanthropist
• John Hauser - Chaplain, Door County Medical Center
• Greg Diltz - Retired Paramedic, Former Owner of Northern Door Communications

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted via the Common Grant Application, sent by email to applications@givedoorcounty.org. The Common Grant Application form is available on the foundation's website.

Critical Requirement: The Chief Executive of your organization must review the entire application and sign the form. This is generally the highest-ranking paid staff person, such as the Executive Director or President & CEO. The foundation requires Chief Executive review because applications have occasionally been submitted without senior management's knowledge.

Pre-Application Consultation: Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the foundation before completing a formal application. Email grants@givedoorcounty.org or call (920) 746-1786 to schedule an appointment to discuss project ideas.

Decision Timeline

Application Confirmation: You should receive an email confirmation within 3 business days of the foundation receiving the application. If you do not receive confirmation, call (920) 746-1786 to confirm receipt.

Decision Notification: Applicants will be notified of a decision about 5-7 weeks after the application deadline, depending on the program:

• Most programs: 7 weeks after deadline
• Women's Fund grants: 5-7 weeks after deadline
• Green Fund grants: 6 weeks after deadline

The foundation does not specify the exact method of final notification (email, phone, or letter) in public materials.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose success rates, number of applications received per cycle, or percentage of applications approved. For information about competitiveness of specific programs, contact the grants team directly.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply. Charities may submit applications in successive grant cycles or to other granting programs of the Community Foundation that might be open at the same time. For Sustainability Grants, each charity is limited to one application per grant cycle, but organizations can apply again in future cycles. The foundation offers four Sustainability Grant cycles throughout the year, providing multiple opportunities for reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Guidance

1. Address Multiple Priorities
The foundation explicitly states: "The more priorities that are addressed by an application, the more likely it is that a project will receive a grant." Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their project serves multiple community needs or aligns with several of the foundation's priority areas.

2. Pre-Application Conversations Are Critical
The foundation "strongly encourages" prospective applicants to bring their ideas for a conversation before completing a formal application. This suggests that successful applicants often build relationships and receive input before submitting. The foundation wants to partner with organizations to refine proposals.

3. Demonstrate Community Impact for Door County
All programs require that "proposed activities should serve the people of Door County or improve the quality of life in Door County." Be specific about who will benefit and how quality of life will improve. For Community Investment Fund grants specifically, projects must "meaningfully improve the quality of life for residents of Door County."

4. Balance Visitor and Resident Benefits (Community Investment Fund)
Since Community Investment Fund grants are funded by room tax dollars, Wisconsin State Statutes require that these funds "must be used in ways that benefit visitors." Applications should demonstrate both resident quality-of-life improvements and visitor benefits.

5. Chief Executive Buy-In Is Essential
The foundation requires Chief Executive review and signature because "on occasion applications have been submitted without the knowledge of the charity's senior management." This signals that successful applications have full organizational commitment from the top down.

6. Creative Thinking Is Encouraged
For the Community Investment Fund, the foundation explicitly states: "creative thinking that pushes the envelope is strongly encouraged." They are "willing to have conversations about innovative ideas that don't fit neatly into categories." Don't be afraid to propose novel approaches.

7. Research-Based and Data-Driven (Women's Fund)
For Women's Fund grants, priority is given to projects that "are research-based and data-driven." Applications should include evidence of need and demonstrate that proposed solutions are backed by research.

8. Establish Your Own Success Benchmarks (Women's Fund)
Nonprofit organizations applying for Women's Fund grants "will be asked to establish their own benchmarks of success to measure progress and impact." Be prepared to articulate how you will measure outcomes.

Recent Successful Grant Examples

• Friends of Peninsula State Park: Mountain bike trails ($150,000) - Community Investment Fund
• City of Sturgeon Bay: Pedestrian/bicycle trail ($100,000) - Community Investment Fund
• Cycling Without Age Door County: Electric-assist tandem bicycle for Serenity Spring seniors - Bargains Unlimited
• Door County Medical Center: Memory Care programming expansion to Northern Door County - Bargains Unlimited
• County of Door: Park pavilion at John Miles County Park - Community Investment Fund
• Sturgeon Bay School District: ADA accessible playground - Community Investment Fund
• Friends of Potawatomi State Park: Accessible kayak launch - Community Investment Fund

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Schedule a pre-application meeting: The foundation strongly encourages conversations before formal submission—take advantage of this to refine your proposal and demonstrate relationship-building
• Multi-priority alignment wins: Explicitly show how your project addresses multiple foundation priorities (e.g., serves seniors AND promotes sustainability)
• Door County focus is non-negotiable: Every aspect of your project must demonstrate direct benefit to Door County residents or quality of life improvements
• Chief Executive engagement required: Ensure senior leadership is fully involved from the start; applications without CEO signature will not be considered
• Multiple programs, multiple chances: With quarterly Sustainability Grants and various specialized programs, you have year-round opportunities to apply and reapply
• Be innovative for Community Investment Fund: Don't shy away from creative, envelope-pushing ideas—the foundation explicitly welcomes them for this program
• Seven-week decision cycle: Plan your project timeline around the 7-week notification period; you'll know within two months

References

• Door County Community Foundation Official Website: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Door County Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Page: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/grants-scholarships/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Door County Community Foundation Board of Directors: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/board-of-directors/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Door County Community Foundation Professional Staff: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/professional-staff/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Bret Bicoy Biography: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/bret-bicoy/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Community Investment Fund Page: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/community-investment-fund/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Sustainability Grants Page: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/sustainability-grants/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Women's Fund of Door County: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/womens-fund-of-door-county/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Youth Mini Grants: https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/youth-mini-grants/ (Accessed March 2026)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/39-1980685 (Accessed March 2026)
• Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/door-county-community-foundation,391980685/ (Accessed March 2026)
• WisBusiness: "Door County Community Foundation: Bargains Unlimited awards $106,000 in grants in first grant cycle" (2026)
• WisBusiness: "Educational Mini Grant awards announced by the Door County Community Foundation" (2026)
• Door County Pulse: "Jess Holland Honored with Anne Kok Social Justice Award" (2025)
• Door County Pulse: "Bret Bicoy: Giving Made Easy" (Accessed March 2026)
• Destination Door County: Community Investment Fund information (Accessed March 2026)