Rusk County Community Foundation
Spring Newsletter
The Foundation fulfills its mission by
- Promotion of charitable giving and philanthropy. Assist donors in creating a family or individual legacy, and provide maximum tax advantage.
- Create endowments that grow and provide lasting benefits.
- Assist charitable organizations and other non-profits in fund management through sound investment practices.
- Provide professional management and administration of funds in an efficient and cost effective manner.
- Make grants to charitable organizations and non-profits that serve the Rusk County Community.
- Work in collaboration with donors, organizations, and professional advisers to improve the quality of life in Rusk County.
- Provide flexibility in its ability to meet unique needs and manage a wide variety of assets.
- Preserve donor intent through community and organization change
What's Happening at RCCF?
Bruce School Fund
The Bruce School District has announced that it is one of the beneficiaries of a local trust and will be partnering with the Rusk County Community Foundation to administer the gift.
The district has received $675,000 from the Joseph R. Geisler Trust to be used as a scholarship fund for Bruce High School graduates pursuing post-secondary education. An additional $50,000 is expected to be added to the fund, bringing the total to $725,000. The Bruce school board has decided to invest the gift through the RCCF to maximize the fund’s potential.
“This fund presents a huge opportunity for students at Bruce High School,” said district Superintendent Joni Weinert. “Many times financial issues prevent graduates from going on to further their education. Hopefully this can help take some of those barriers away.”
Under the provisions of the administrative agreement, money for scholarships will come not from the fund’s principal, but from the return on investment. With anticipated growth, it is expected that the fund will be able to award $25,000–$30,000 in scholarships annually. The school board is currently in the process of establishing a committee to draft guidelines for awarding scholarships, which are expected to begin with the class of 2017.
Joseph Geisler, a farmer and longtime resident of the Bruce area, was a 1944 graduate of Bruce High School and class salutatorian. Geisler passed away in December 2014 at the age of 88 and was preceded in death by his wife, Helen.
“This fund is a moving example of how one person can leave such a lasting and important impact on our community,” said RCCF Chairman Bev Dukerschein. “The Bruce school board’s decision to invest this generous gift with our foundation will ensure that Mr. Geisler’s donation will last in perpetuity and benefit so many of our county’s youth.”
Flambeau Forever Fund
Give 365 Rusk
The idea is simple. You give $365 – a dollar a day – to make our community better.
Each year, we pool all of the GIVE 365 members money. As a member of GIVE 365 you get a vote. Your vote helps decide which non-profit organization in Rusk County will receive the grant money.
- April 28 – Grant finalists make presentations to Give 365 members. For members that can't make the presentation night we will have videos of presentations uploaded to YouTube for your review.
Heart of Gold Winner
Presented by the Rusk County Community Foundation
Thursday, April 21
Tee Away Golf & Supper Club
5:30 pm Social Hour 6:30 pm Dinner
Community Awards Banquet
Presented by the Rusk County Community Foundation
Please join us at the Community Awards Banquet to honor the winners.