The idea for the organization that developed into the Chippewa Valley Fund Raising Professionals (CVFRP) began with an informal discussion in 1992 among the resource development directors of several area institutions. They were Joe Dahle, UW-Eau Claire Foundation; Kathy Frank, Chippewa Valley Technical College Foundation; Pat Reisinger, UW-Stout Foundation; and Bert Swanson, St. Joseph’s Hospital. Aware of the benefits of professional associations such as the National Society of Fundraising Professionals (now Association of Fundraising Professionals), they believed that an organization modeled after NSFRE chapters would benefit those working in the development field in the Chippewa Valley.

These four developed an initial mailing list of 20-some names and called a meeting for the purpose of presenting the idea and testing its viability. Those who attended that October 2, 1992, meeting expressed interest, and organizational work began. A mission statement was adopted and continues to guide the activities of CVFRP to the present. The idea was to provide regular occasions when professionals in the fund raising arena and others whose responsibilities in part included generating philanthropic support could meet for educational and networking opportunities. The idea took hold, and additional names continued to be added to a growing mailing list. Quarterly meetings were regularly scheduled in various Chippewa Valley cities, and members and guests from well beyond Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire Counties began to attend. As the only organization of its kind in this region, CVFRP has served experienced professionals and newcomers to the field and many in between over the ensuing years.

A representative Steering Committee has, since the group’s inception, provided leadership for programming and services to members. Past presidents of CVFRP include:

Joe Dahle – UW Eau Claire Foundation

Bert Swanson – St. Joseph’s Hospital

Mary Knight – Luther Hospital

David Lystra – American Heart Association

Patty Dahl – Stout University Foundation

Jen Rudiger – Stout University Foundation

Heidi Fisher – Chippewa Valley Literacy Volunteers

Matt Schneider – Marshfield Clinic

Patrick Rebman – Red Cedar Hospital

Michelle Dingwall – Feed My People Food Bank

Ann Kaiser – Sacred Heart Hospital

Darcy Way – Children's Museum of Eau Claire

CVFRP began the annual observance of National Philanthropy Day in November in 1995. This event is the singular Chippewa Valley-wide celebration of philanthropy. In 1999, CVFRP began the practice of presenting the Outstanding Philanthropist Award at this annual luncheon to an individual, couple, or family representing exemplary leadership in philanthropy in this region and beyond.