The Eau Claire Chamber Educational Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports Chamber educational programs and projects including Leadership Eau Claire™ (LEC), Real Life Academy and Youth Leadership Eau Claire (YLEC).

Many of the Foundation's programs involve our youth, because they will make a difference in the future of our communities. They are our future workforce, our future leaders and our hope for a better tomorrow.

There are the following opportunities for contributions.

Friends of the Foundation
$100, $250, $500, $1,000 or more
Friends of the Eau Claire Chamber Educational Foundation provide for the overall administration of the Foundation as well as support unique educational opportunities such as Real Life Academy. The Foundation has partnered with the Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek, Memorial, North and Regis high schools to present the Real Life Academy, an interactive, hands-on financial literacy event. In the fall and spring of every year, nearly 400 juniors and seniors participate in this event. The Friends of the Foundation make this event, as well as other works by the Foundation, possible.

Connie Glenz Memorial Scholarship Fund and Ray Spies Memorial Scholarship Fund for Leadership Eau Claire™
The Leadership Eau Claire™ program, also is funded through the Foundation. Donations to the Connie Glenz Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Ray Spies Memorial Scholarship Fund provide scholarships for participants who need tuition assistance.

LEC is responsible for some of the good things happening in the community. Each year, the Leadership Eau Claire™ class completes five community service projects benefiting local non-profit organizations. Most of our graduates go on to become involved in the community in many capacities, including volunteering for non-profit agencies, serving on local government boards and working for the overall betterment of our community.

Youth Leadership Eau Claire Sponsors
The Foundation’s Youth Leadership Eau Claire program gives 30 area high school juniors a chance to enhance their knowledge and develop leadership skills that will empower and motivate them to become involved and committed to their community. The program costs more than $650 per student. Sponsors contribute $500 to help offset the cost for students to participate. The Foundation pays the remaining expenses as well as provides a scholarship for any student who cannot afford the $100 tuition.

Youth Leadership Eau Claire Endowment Fund
The Eau Claire Chamber Educational Foundation Board created an endowment fund for the current Youth Leadership Eau Claire program and/or future leadership development programs. YLEC is made possible largely by the generous support of sponsors. Gifts to the fund will help ensure that this valuable program will continue well into the future. Donations may be made over a three-year period. All donors contributing $1,000 or more will be recognized in a YLEC Society of Founders plaque, which will be displayed in the Chamber office. To completely endow the program, $300,000 is needed.

Foundation Board of Directors

Mark Faanes
Wipfli LLP
President
 
Tim Olson
Royal Construction
Vice President 

David Minor
Secretary​

Tim Benedict
Benedict Refrigeration

Bill Eklund
Sharp Photo & Portrait

Bob Forsberg
Walmart
​
Dr. Jeff Jones

Marianne Klinkhammer
Gator Garb Promotions

Bob McCoy

Darin McFadden

John Mickelson
RB Scott Company

Honorable Lisa Stark

Laura Talley
BMO Harris Bank

Sue Tietz
McDonough Manufacturing Company