The OAF has been meeting the changing needs of Oconomowoc for nearly 25 years
by Rebecca Seymour
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
We are into the first few months of 2025 and it seems the world is once again, careening toward chaos. Sensory overload from a 24/7 news cycle and social media doomscrolling through “breaking news” headlines of unprecedented political unease, nations at war, and unmitigated natural disasters like Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the L.A. wildfires can leave us feeling overwhelmed and helpless as we ask ourselves – “What can I do?”
How can we turn it off, step away and still feel engaged? Experts suggest focusing our efforts on making positive changes within our own communities.
“The ‘shop local’ campaign has become a popular national effort to support small businesses. Well, I’d say the same for charitable work. If you want to make a difference in the world, start with your neighborhood. Give local,” wrote Robert L. Woodson Sr., community development leader, author, and founder of The Woodson Center in Washington DC.
Investing in the quality of life within our community offers a way to directly make a difference in the lives of our most needy and vulnerable neighbors. Helping local causes through financial donations and volunteering gives a sense of belonging and paves the way for future generations to continue our efforts in making meaningful impacts right here in Oconomowoc.
Making a bigger impact together
The idea to establish The Oconomowoc Area Foundation to partner with generous givers invested in perpetuating this spirit of giving into lasting legacies was set in motion in 2002, and since then has awarded more than $5 million to 125 local nonprofit organizations.
The OAF offers numerous ways to fulfill your family’s philanthropic goals. One example is the OAF Signature Club. Becoming a member means that sometime during your lifetime, you are making a promise to donate a minimum of $10,000 to the OAF Signature Club General Endowment Fund.
By becoming a member of the OAF Signature Business Club, your business has made a commitment to give a minimum of $10,000 to the General Endowment Fund within eight years. For more information on how to make a bigger impact in your community through The OAF, visit our Giving page
The OAF Impact Team
We are blessed to have many nonprofits with deep roots in the greater Oconomowoc area. They have achieved unparalleled success in transforming lives because they are dedicated to meeting the greatest needs within the community they serve.
The OAF Impact Team offers ways for community members to learn more about the local nonprofits we serve, as well as engage in meaningful hands-on service projects that support organizations funded by the OAF. Volunteers serve as ambassadors and increase the visibility of the OAF while working to further the mission of the organization.
As we continue to grow and change to meet the needs of the greater Oconomowoc area, we’re hoping new members will be inspired to join the OAF Impact Team. We are reaching out to Oconomowoc residents who have expressed interest in the OAF or who are looking for ways to make a difference in our community.
“What makes a city a treasure is its people and how we as a community care for one another. The OAF is an extension of that idea and we are proud of the heritage we represent and mission we are committed to serving. It is in that spirit that we look for ways to make the next generation a little better through shared efforts of talent and time,” explained Glenn Hanon, chairman of the OAF board of directors.
For more information about how you can give locally through the Oconomowoc Area Foundation, visit theoaf.org or email Rebecca Seymour, foundation coordinator or call 262-751-9142.
