The JEK Foundation Inc - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $1,632,750 (2023)
Total Assets: $33,538,247 (2023)
Grant Range: $3,500 - $150,000
Number of Grants: 37 grants awarded (2023)
Geographic Focus: Central Wisconsin, with emphasis on Oshkosh and Winnebago County
Foundation Type: Private Foundation

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
The JEK Foundation Inc
P.O. Box 49
Oshkosh, WI 54903

Website: https://technetwi.net/jektest/

Social Media: LinkedIn and Instagram presence

Overview

The John E. Kuenzl Foundation (operating as The JEK Foundation Inc) was established in 2000 to continue the philanthropic legacy of John E. Kuenzl, a prominent Oshkosh businessman and World War II Navy veteran. With total assets of approximately $33.5 million, the foundation distributed over $1.6 million in grants across 37 awards in 2023. The foundation's mission centers on "investing in the people, places, and opportunities across the state of Wisconsin" through financial support and strategic initiatives. Operating under the philosophy that "Good Lives Here," the foundation has awarded over 500 grants totaling millions in community giving since its inception. The foundation focuses on three primary areas: mental health (supporting individuals and building resilience), fine arts (encouraging creativity and artistic expression), and education (creating opportunities through educational empowerment).

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

Mental Health

Supporting individuals and building resilience
Mental health services and counseling programs
Recent example: Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services ($100,000 in 2023)

Fine Arts

Encouraging creativity and artistic expression
Support for cultural institutions and programs
Arts education initiatives

Education

Educational empowerment and opportunity creation
Youth development programs
School district and educational foundation support
Recent examples:
- Oshkosh Area School District Education Foundation ($20,000)
- Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh ($100,000 in 2023)

Additional Focus Areas (based on historical giving):

Healthcare initiatives, including nursing scholarships
Youth programs and development
Community infrastructure projects

Recent Grant Examples (2023)

Oshkosh Community YMCA: $150,000 (childcare facility expansion)
Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh: $100,000
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services: $100,000
Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh: $75,000 (housing expansion)
Oshkosh Area School District Education Foundation: $20,000
Friends of Oshkosh Parks: $3,500 (Celebration of Lights display)

Grant Types

General operating support
Project-specific funding
Capital campaigns
Program expansion

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

Jerry Stadtmueller - President & Chair of the Board
A lifelong Oshkosh resident and former Managing Principal at CLA (a national accounting firm), Stadtmueller provided tax advice to founder John E. Kuenzl and his business entities. He serves as a trustee and Executive Committee member of the Paine Art Center and Gardens and directs various Wisconsin-based closely held businesses.

Courtney Lasky - Trustee
A Wisconsin native with two decades of nonprofit work in Oshkosh, Lasky is passionate about "creating positive change and making a lasting impact." She focuses on researching community issues and collaborating with stakeholders, committed to making the Fox Valley vibrant and diverse.

Peter Lang - Trustee
Owner and partner in Lang Development Inc and The Morgan Partners, Lang is a UW-Madison graduate specializing in real estate sourcing, development, and brownfield remediation. He previously volunteered for the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, serving on finance, audit, and basic needs grant committees.

Cathy Luther - Trustee
A lifelong Oshkosh resident with an accounting degree and former Deloitte auditor, Luther is an emeritus trustee of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation and past trustee and president of the Paine Art Center and Gardens. She currently serves on the board of Nova Counseling Services, Inc.

Past Trustees (In Memoriam)

Michael J. Castle (2018-2022)
James J. Williamson (2002-2016)
David L. Lindemann (2000-2006, founding trustee)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The JEK Foundation appears to operate through multiple application channels. Based on available information:

Direct Foundation Applications:
The foundation's website (technetwi.net/jektest) references an application process with FAQ resources, eligibility requirements, and a grant schedule, though specific submission details are not publicly documented.

Through Oshkosh Area Community Foundation:
Some JEK Foundation grants are administered through the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation's grant portal, particularly for youth programs. These applications:

Are submitted online through the Community Foundation's grant portal
Typically support charitable projects furthering youth development in Winnebago County
Grant awards through this channel are typically less than $3,000
Applications become available 1-2 months before deadlines

Decision Timeline

For Community Foundation Channel:

Application Deadline: Late January (e.g., January 23)
Grant Decisions: Late February/Early March
Typical Decision Window: Within 90 days

Direct Foundation Timeline:
Not publicly specified; likely evaluated on a rolling basis or at regular trustee meetings.

Contact for Application Inquiries

Prospective applicants should contact the foundation directly at their mailing address (P.O. Box 49, Oshkosh, WI 54903) or visit their website for current application information.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment is Critical
The foundation maintains a strong focus on central Wisconsin, particularly Oshkosh and Winnebago County. Organizations outside this geographic area are unlikely to receive funding.

Alignment with Three Core Areas
Successful applications demonstrate clear connection to mental health, fine arts, or education. The foundation's website emphasizes these three pillars, and recent grant awards reflect this strategic focus.

Community Impact and Capacity Building
Recent large grants (e.g., $150,000 to YMCA for childcare expansion, $75,000 to Habitat for Humanity) suggest the foundation values projects that expand organizational capacity and create lasting community infrastructure.

Youth Development Focus
While education is a stated priority, the foundation shows particular interest in youth programs, as evidenced by support for Boys & Girls Club, school districts, and youth-serving organizations.

Range of Grant Sizes
The foundation makes grants across a wide spectrum—from $3,500 to $150,000—suggesting they support both small community projects and major institutional initiatives. Applicants should request amounts appropriate to their project scope and organizational capacity.

Established Organizations
Major grant recipients tend to be well-established institutions (YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Club), though smaller community organizations also receive support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Geographic focus is paramount: The foundation concentrates on central Wisconsin with heavy emphasis on Oshkosh; organizations outside this region should not apply
Align with the three pillars: Frame your proposal clearly within mental health, fine arts, or education—these are the stated strategic priorities
Scale your request appropriately: The foundation makes grants ranging from under $5,000 to $150,000; recent data shows 37 grants totaling $1.6 million (average ~$44,000)
Youth development is a sweet spot: Programs serving young people appear particularly competitive, especially when connected to education or mental health
Capital and expansion projects welcome: Recent large grants suggest openness to funding organizational growth and infrastructure, not just programming
Consider the Community Foundation channel for smaller requests: Youth-focused projects under $3,000 may be best routed through the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation
Build local connections: With board members deeply embedded in Oshkosh civic life (Paine Art Center, Community Foundation, local business), local reputation and relationships matter

References

Information accessed December 2025