For over 30 years UW–Madison Extension has been providing local nutrition education throughout our state that has been funded by the federal SNAP-Ed grant program. Our FoodWIse educators have been a cornerstone of Extension’s mission to improve the health and well-being of Wisconsin residents. FoodWIse reaches over 133,000 people with nutrition education and community-based strategies to support healthy eating and active lifestyles – partnering with schools, food pantries, farmers markets, and community centers to engage children, families, and seniors. Despite extensive advocacy efforts by Extension, UW–Madison’s University Relations, and partners such as the Wisconsin Counties Association, the congressional budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 eliminated all SNAP-Ed funding effective September 30, 2025.

FoodWIse is one of six SNAP-Ed implementing agencies in the state, and Extension is currently navigating the difficult process of winding down our SNAP-Ed-funded programming including a layoff notice process for affected employees. We will continue FoodWIse programming through September 30, 2025. We will also be exploring all possible pathways to sustain some of the program’s capacity through alternative funding sources, including leveraging our infrastructure, expertise, and remaining EFNEP funding. 

This is not just a loss of funding – it is a loss of services that have been vital to communities across Wisconsin. FoodWIse’s staff of more than 90 educators across the state have directly helped families with limited incomes make a healthier choice for their future. The impact will be felt in schools, food pantries, and community centers where our educators have helped families make healthier choices and stretch limited food dollars.

FoodWIse has always been about more than just nutrition education. It’s about empowering communities to thrive. We know that SNAP-Ed makes Wisconsin healthier. We are proud of the work we have done and the lives we have changed for the better. Thank you for supporting our staff, our programs and our mission. 

Extension’s commitment to your community remains and we will continue to bring university resources to residents in your area across our program areas. Please reach out to your Nutrition Administrator, Liliana Ramirez at liliana.ramirezgonzalez@wisc.edu or Kathleen McKee Area Extension Director, with your questions.  

Liliana Ramirez shared the FoodWIse program funding update with WBAY-2 on August 6th. 

Do you have a business, service, or product idea? This fall you will have the opportunity to pitch your business, service, or product for a cash award towards your business, publicity, and assistance in how to describe your business, service, or product to a potential investor or customer.

UW-Madison Extension Kewaunee County, Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation, and the Door County Economic Development Corporation will again partner with NEW North to offer the Lighthouse Launch Pitch Event.  Winners at the Lighthouse Launch Pitch Event will receive a cash prize towards their business or organization and be able to compete at the regional NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event. 

This competition is open to entrepreneurs in the NEW North region or intend to locate in the NEW North region. Further information and dates of the event will be available in September and October, watch for information from Extension, KCEDC, and DCEDC.  Information will also be available on the Extension Kewaunee County website, the KCEDC website, and the DCEDC website.  

If you are interested in the pitch contest or would like assistance with your business or organization contact Ben Nelson at the KCEDC, Devin Vandertie at the DCEDC, or Patrick Nehring at Extension.

UW-Madison Extension offers custom educational programs live online or in-person at your location or at the Brown County STEM Innovation Center on a variety of topics related to nonprofit operation from starting a nonprofit, board roles and responsibilities, meeting operation, fundraising and grant proposals, organizational and strategic planning, volunteer inclusion, partnering with others, personality temperaments (Real Colors), team building, and other topics. 

Contact Community Development Educator/Professor Patrick Nehring, (920) 391-6160 or patrick.nehring@wisc.edu for more information and to set up a program.

Another year at the Brown County Fair is in the books! Held August 13–17, the fair was a wonderful opportunity for Brown County 4-H youth to showcase their hard work, creativity, and dedication. From impressive project exhibits to the demonstration of excellent animal husbandry skills, 4-Hers proudly displayed the results of their year-long efforts.

The fair serves as an annual highlight for the Brown County 4-H program, celebrating the talents and achievements of local youth. 

Live online on September 16, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Registration is $39.

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is more essential than ever—especially for mission-driven organizations. This engaging and interactive online workshop is designed specifically for nonprofit leaders and managers.

You'll gain practical strategies, actionable insights, and effective tools to build a supportive, high-performing workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to succeed.

Live online Wednesdays, July 30-August 27, 1:00 – 2:30. Registration is $75. 

Join this series to learn how to develop strong relationships with potential donors and cultivate effective fundraising strategies that align with your organization’s mission and goals.

You will learn the principles of donor stewardship, including communicating effectively with donors, recognizing their contributions, and building long-term relationships with them.

Extension can provide custom education training for your organization, so you can bring in someone from the University of Wisconsin to help you bring what you learn to your board, committee, or membership.  Contact Community Development Educator/Professor Patrick Nehring, (920) 391-6160 or patrick.nehring@wisc.edu.

By completing five live online courses and a capstone project, you can obtain a Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership from UW-Green Bay. By completing six live online courses, you can obtain a Fundraising Management Certificate from UW-Green Bay.  

Are you a nonprofit, business, or government leader in Wisconsin in need of grant writing skills? Sign up for this informative and hands-on virtual training on grant writing. 

Extension has a Grant Writing Basics Workshop that will be held live online on September 22 from 6:00-8:00 and again on September 23 from Noon-2:00.  The workshops are the same, so you can attend either time. The workshop will cover characteristics of grants, where to look for grants, researching funders, and writing a grant proposal.

Experienced Extension Educators will co-lead the workshop to make it informative, fun, and interactive! 

Language interpretation is available upon request.

Course Dates: September 7-December 6, 2025

An online, complete-at-your-own-pace introductory course where you learn key concepts for selecting, growing, and maintaining plants – from trees to houseplants to vegetables (and everything in between!) 

September 11, 2025 | 8:30 AM | Online via Zoom

Having volunteers can add a lot to an organization, lead people to be more involved and supportive, and connect with the community. Join us for a discussion with Matt Hohner from the Volunteer Center of Brown County on how to plan for incorporating volunteers in to your organization

September 25, 2025 | 8:30 AM | Online via Zoom

Should that dog be here? Join Bailey and Nicole Bigler from Lakeshore Comfort Dogs in a conversation about having a pet, service, therapy, facility, or emotional support dog at your workplace or activity.

Ongoing | Online via Zoom

Join University  for interactive virtual workshops on important topics that will help your nonprofit succeed and grow. Low-cost, high-impact courses will be taught via Zoom in engaging 90-minute sessions.

Extension Brown County
2019 Technology Way
Green Bay, WI 54311
920-391-4610

extension@browncountywi.gov