Honoring the Grief Process
A new chapter in how we care for one another
Important Announcement:
February 10th, 2026
On behalf of the Grief Services Project, we are pleased to share that Eau Claire Community Foundation has chosen Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) as the recipient of the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment Fund (which is a 3 year grant). The award is the result of a competitive Request for Proposals released in October 2025 to identify a grant fund recipient to lead implementation.
LSS was selected from a strong pool of applicants for its proven regional infrastructure, deep commitment to holistic care, and a forward-looking implementation plan. As the designated recipient of the grant, LSS will launch key activities, including the development of a centralized grief services information platform and the coordination of a regional network of grief service providers.
This award is the direct result of the work that was initiated in June, 2024, as the Grief Services Research Project. The year-long study sought input from a variety of perspectives — those experiencing grief, volunteers and professionals providing grief support services, and others in the community with informed perspectives on the importance of accessible grief support services. With responses from more than 800 individuals, businesses, and organizations, the results of the study were the basis for an RFP process that sought a nonprofit organization to carry out the identified priority activities.
On behalf of AMK Nonprofit Coaching and its partners, I wish to express our gratitude to all those who have subscribed to the Grief Services Project, supporting and contributing to the study and the RFP process. LSS will now take on leadership and communications for this process. Any email communication to info@griefservicesproject.org will be passed along to the LSS team. LSS will create a project website in the future.
This project has been especially meaningful to me personally because of my time serving the donors who established these funds. The funds, their oversight, and the resulting work are transferring to capable and caring individuals and organizations. I have no doubt the spirit of these gifts will carry into the future to provide compassionate care to those who are experiencing grief and loss.
All the best -
Ann Kaiser, CFRE
Owner and Consultant
AMK Nonprofit Coaching, LLC
Learn More:
The Future is Clear, And You Can Be a Part of It
After a year-long, community-wide research study involving more than 8OO individuals, the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF), in partnership with AMK Nonprofit Coaching, is moving forward with next steps to ensure grief support services are accessible, coordinated, and sustainable for all in our region.
Soon to be announced a nonprofit sponsor to carry out a shared vision:
To strengthen and expand grief support in our community—starting with a centralized information hub, coordination among providers, and a foundation for sustainable, community-based services.
The path ahead is clear, and funding is available to help make it happen.
An organization was chosen that has the infrastructure, capacity, and alignment to implement this work.
The fund beneficiary has been chosen and will be announced in the first week of February by Eau Claire Community Foundation.
What’s Happening Next
From June 2O24 to April 2O25, AMK Nonprofit Coaching led a comprehensive study to evaluate the state of grief support services across Western Wisconsin. The Grief Services Research Project included input from more than 8OO individuals, including those who have experienced loss, service providers, volunteers, and community advocates.
The research identified four priority needs:
A centralized information hub to improve access to existing grief support resources
Coordination among grief service providers to strengthen and sustain current efforts
Training and support to enhance provider quality and long-term sustainability
Expanded access for populations who remain underserved
With the research complete, the Eau Claire Community Foundation is now leading a new phase of implementation: investing a portion of the $4.8 million in endowed funds transferred from Sacred Heart Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital into a strategic, community-driven solution.
Thank you to all who responded to the RFP for the Grief Services Project, to be the fund beneficiary for the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment at Eau Claire Community Foundation. The fund beneficiary has been chosen and will be announced in the first week of February by Eau Claire Community Foundation.
Your Voice Shaped This Vision
Your stories, insights, and lived experiences shaped the path forward and helped us design a model that reflects our region’s unique needs.
Whether you shared your personal loss, offered professional expertise, or spoke on behalf of a loved one, thank you.
We appreciate YOU!
Be a Part of the Solution
Soon, a nonprofit sponsor will be announced to implement this vision starting in 2026.
The selected organization will:
Host the Grief Services Project Manager as a member of their team
Oversee the implementation of a regional information hub
Coordinate a provider network to support, strengthen, and sustain services
Receive an annual grant (currently estimated at $17O,OOO+ for up to 3 years to support this work
Work collaboratively with ECCF and follow all required reporting expectations
Build capacity for future service expansion, training, and innovation
FAQs
For Community Members & Donors
Why was this project started?
As part of the transition of charitable gifts held by the Foundation formerly associated with Sacred Heart Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Eau Claire Community Foundation received approximately $4.8 million in designated grief-support funds. These funds were entrusted with the intention of supporting community grief services. A year-long study, the Grief Services Research Project, was conducted to ensure that future funding decisions reflect real community needs.
What will this project do, exactly?
This next phase will fund a nonprofit organization to lead efforts around:
Creating a central information hub for grief resources
Coordinating providers across the region
Supporting sustainability and access to existing services
Building capacity for future training and grief support expansion
Will The Healing Place be reopening?
No. The Healing Place was a department within Sacred Heart Hospital and does not exist as a standalone nonprofit. This project is about preserving and evolving grief care in our community through a new nonprofit partnership model.
What happened to my donation to The Healing Place or the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment?
Your gift is still serving our community. All designated funds are now held safely at the Eau Claire Community Foundation and will only be distributed through annual grants aligned with donor intent and informed by the study findings.
Who will oversee the use of these funds?
The selected nonprofit sponsor will implement the work and provide quarterly and annual program/financial reports to ECCF.
How can I stay involved or informed?
You can join our mailing list to receive updates or reach out directly to Ann Kaiser at Ann@AMKCoachingWi.com.
Hi, I’m Ann
Founder and Consultant of AMK Nonprofit Coaching.
As the founder of AMK Nonprofit Coaching and a former Foundation Director at Sacred Heart Hospital, I’ve dedicated over two decades to supporting community health and nonprofit leadership.
This project is deeply personal. It’s about honoring the healing work that has come before and creating a sustainable, community-rooted approach to grief care going forward.
Our team has collaborated with ECCF and numerous community partners to develop this path thoughtfully. Now, we’re looking for the right partner to carry it forward.
If you know a nonprofit that may be a good fit, or if you’re ready to help lead this next chapter, we invite you to submit an RFP or share this opportunity with your network.