The Kiefer Family Fund was established by David and Ellen Kiefer to give back to the community they came to call "home" when they moved to Chippewa Falls in 1978.

"This is a community we care about very much," said Ellen when recalling their motivation for creating an endowment. "The idea of perpetual assistance through funds at the Community Foundation was attractive to us."

David worked in computer engineering for 35 years before retiring as Vice President at Cray Research, Inc. Ellen served as the domestic violence program director at Family Support Center for 17 years. For a time, David served as chairman of the board of directors for HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Hospitals and Ellen was President of the Partners of St. Joseph's Hospital. Through service and volunteerism, they became familiar with critical needs in the county, particularly in the areas of health and human services.

"Working with victims of domestic violence, you have to be aware of assets, allies and friends that can help," said Ellen. "I went to the jail and the prison, leading classes on domestic violence. I would meet victims at the hospital and the treatment center. I would take clients to the Rutledge Foundation to find resources. All of this helped me understand how wonderful this community is in helping people."

The Kiefer Family Fund is a donor-advised endowment, where the couple directs grants to programs that will continue to benefit the community, such as Hope Village, Family Support Center and the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology, among others.

"We like that it's something that will carry on and be transferred for our children, Rob, Joe and Emily, along with their families, to manage after we are gone," said Ellen.