The Fox Cities are becoming even more connected this fall, making it easier for people, nonprofits, and businesses to get involved in the community. Beginning Nov. 1, 2026, Volunteer Fox Cities will join United Way Fox Cities, bringing together the strengths of both organizations to help our communities thrive.
Volunteer Fox Cities has long connected people who want to volunteer with nonprofits that need their time and talents. United Way Fox Cities brings nonprofits, businesses, donors, and other community partners together to support local organizations, connect people with services and support, and address challenges facing the community.
The integration brings those strengths together, making it easier for nonprofits to identify volunteers and connect with community partners, for businesses to engage their employees in local service, and for individuals to find meaningful ways to give their time and talents.
The goal is to retain as many Volunteer Fox Cities staff as possible through the integration, although roles and responsibilities may change as part of the United Way Fox Cities team.
The Get Connected volunteer portal will also remain available to volunteers and nonprofit partners. Carolyn Desrosiers, Volunteer Fox Cities CEO, will become Vice President of Volunteer Engagement and continue leading volunteer strategy and overseeing all volunteer efforts.
“This next chapter builds on the 33-year history of Volunteer Fox Cities. For the United Way this is an impact strategy that brings the experience of two service organizations together to strengthen volunteerism in our community,” added Lisa Kogan-Praska, United Way Fox Cities President & CEO.
The Fox Cities has already experienced the value of Volunteer Fox Cities and United Way Fox Cities working together. During the recent tornado response, the organizations worked alongside community partners to connect volunteers through the Volunteer Coordination and Assignment Center at the former UW Fox campus. In the six days the center was open, more than 6,800 volunteers contributed over 30,000 hours helping with debris cleanup, supply delivery, and neighborhood recovery efforts. The Center also served as a distribution pickup point for donated tornado relief supplies. More than 1,000 pallets of donated items were received, sorted, and distributed. The response demonstrated how coordinated volunteer engagement can help a community grow stronger together, even in a crisis.
“People across the Fox Cities are willing to step forward when they see a need,” said Carolyn Desrosiers, incoming Vice President of Volunteer Engagement. “This integration makes it easier for them to do so, and for organizations to find people who want to contribute their time and talents. We look forward to this opportunity for growth and collaboration that will ultimately enable us to provide stronger service to the community.”
For more information about the integration, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. Questions about the integration can be directed to Lisa Kogan-Praska at Lisa.KoganPraska@unitedwayfoxcities.org.
About Volunteer Fox Cities
Volunteer Fox Cities is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the social fabric of the Fox Valley by connecting individuals and businesses with meaningful nonprofit volunteer opportunities that make a difference. For more information about Volunteer Fox Cities and its programs, visit www.volunteerfoxcities.org.
About United Way Fox Cities
United Way is a tax-exempt, donor-supported organization that mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. For over 75 years, United Way Fox Cities has partnered with the community to co-create solutions to people's most pressing challenges. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, United Way is working towards a future where every person can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit unitedwayfoxcities.org.