Tornado damage in Menasha seen from, July 28, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Community Response Fund announced that all $5 million donated by the community for Fox Valley tornado relief has been awarded to local nonprofits helping affected families and neighborhoods.
This week, fund leaders approved an additional $1.3 million for direct financial assistance, bringing the total dedicated to household assistance to $4.1 million.
Since Sept. 1, LEAVEN and People of Progression have helped more than 500 tornado-affected families, and assistance continues to go out. At the same time, more than 600 additional requests for assistance and scheduled appointments remain. Based on the number of people seeking help and what nonprofits now know about their needs, the Community Response Fund is seeking another $4 million so assistance can continue reaching tornado-affected families.
While all money donated to the Community Response Fund to date has been awarded to local nonprofits, not all of that money has yet been distributed to families.
The fund is comprised of donations given by more than 5,300 individuals, businesses, and organizations. The Community Response Fund is managed by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, and the tornado relief and recovery is in collaboration with United Way Fox Cities and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.
Of the $5,021,050 awarded to 33 local nonprofits:
- $4.1 million is supporting direct financial assistance through LEAVEN and People of Progression to tornado-affected households;
- $250,000 is supporting efforts to rebuild tornado-damaged housing;
- $671,050 supported immediate relief and helped nonprofits respond quickly to families seeking assistance.
In addition to home damage, families are facing lost income, damaged furniture and belongings, home and vehicle insurance deductibles, and more. According to reports from the nonprofits, the tornado made financial struggles families already faced even harder, including unemployment, disability, or living on a fixed income. Based on interviews with families and individuals, new needs emerged as insurance claims were processed, temporary housing arrangements ended, and the costs of replacing damaged belongings and transportation added up.
“The stories we’re hearing make clear why the need is so much greater than any of us could see in the first days after the tornado,” said Nikki Gerhard, executive director of LEAVEN. “Families aren’t coming to us with just a damaged roof. They’re dealing with lost income, totaled vehicles, temporary housing, insurance deductibles and belongings they have to replace—all at the same time. This assistance is helping families get over those immediate financial hurdles and take the next step forward, but there are many more families still waiting for that help.”
Both nonprofits have served hundreds of families and individuals, and tornado relief requests are continuing to come in. Based on scheduled appointments and inquiries, the nonprofits are currently working through more than 600 additional requests for assistance.
If your household was affected by the tornado and you need help, LEAVEN and People of Progression continue to work with families. Both nonprofits will meet with individuals to confirm how the tornado affected their lives. Households will need to provide proof of their primary address, which will be checked against the official list of tornado-affected properties. From there, the nonprofits will talk with families about their immediate tornado-related needs and the assistance that may help.
To get started, call or visit the organizations:
LEAVEN
- Initiate help through the website
- Call LEAVEN directly at (920) 738-9635 only if you do not have access to the internet.
PEOPLE OF PROGRESSION
- Open for in-person walk in help at 333 First Street, Ste A, Menasha, WI 54952.
- For more information, visit online or call 920-815-9487
HOW TO DONATE
- Donors are asked to visit the fund website at this link to help.
- 100% of all donations will go directly to tornado relief.
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