The Connect People to Nature Endowment Fund supports local programs, equipment, and activities designed to get people of all ages outdoors and connected with their natural surroundings. Started in 2009 by JC and Arelene Pfieffer, the Connect People to Nature Endowment Fund started with just a few thousand dollars and was designed to grow over time by way of both investment earnings and additional donations. Because of the Pfeiffers’ gifts and others, as well as investment growth over the past fifteen years, the fund has awarded seven grants totaling $20,822 – and will continue to grow and give to local nature-based causes in perpetuity. Since 2009, these grants have supported a variety of local outdoor projects including trail improvements at Flyway and Sugar Loaf Trails, signage for Camp Wenonah owned by the Winona Family YMCA, and more. Other grants from this fund supported programs focused on environmental education in the Winona area, such as a recent grant supporting youth who normally lack access to nature.

JC and Arlene in 2020.

Thanks to another recent generous contribution from the Pfeiffers, the Connect People to Nature Endowment Fund received a boost, increasing the fund value to over $100,000. Their gift was made through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), a tax-advantaged way for individuals over 70 1/2 to donate to charity. Why did JC choose to make his required distribution to this cause? In his own words he shared, “If you don’t need [the distribution], why not give it to something you believe in and something you want to improve? It is a way to leave a legacy.”

The Winona Community Foundation has seen a surge in requests for both outdoor programming and infrastructure projects through their annual competitive Community Grant program. The Pfeiffers’ contribution will be instrumental in addressing this growing demand and expanding the fund’s impact on connecting people with the outdoors. However, the community is invited to join in growing this fund with donations.

It’s clear that JC Pfeiffer’s passion is not only the Winona area but the power of endowments. He also trusts the Winona Community Foundation work to steward charitable dollars. JC also hopes to encourage others to give and join him in “connecting people to nature.” If you feel compelled to support this fund’s purpose and honor JC and Arlene’s gift, here’s how:

QCD stands for “Qualified Charitable Distribution,” which is a way for individuals aged 70 1/2 or older to directly transfer money from their traditional IRA to a qualified charity, allowing them to donate a portion of their required minimum distribution (RMD) without having to include that amount in their taxable income; essentially, it’s a tax-free charitable donation from your IRA to a qualified charity.

JC was born in Rochester, Minnesota and raised on a farm near Mazeppa. He attended Winona State University and while studying in Winona, met his wife, Arlene Ledebuhr of Stockton, whom he wed in 1962. He and Arlene moved to California where he finished his degree at Long Beach State University and received his CPA license (certified public accountant) while starting their family. They eventually returned to the Midwest and JC joined his first Rotary Club. JC and Arlene moved around Wisconsin for his career and raised three children. Around 1985, JC decided to leave his accounting career and move into nonprofit work. He became the Executive Director of the St. Croix Area United Way for nine years and helped establish the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation.

JC has been a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Rushes Wilderness Foundation.

Longing to return to the beautiful Winona area, Arlene and JC moved back to Winona in 2000. At that time, JC knew exactly where he wanted to spend his time: the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, the Rotary Club of Winona and the Winona Community Foundation. He wanted to focus on organizations that make a direct impact on the local community. JC shares, “Everybody wins when they invest time, talent or treasure into their community.”

*Update 04/04/2025: We met with JC and Arlene on March 4, 2025 to write this article. JC passed away on April 1st. Our sympathies to the friends and family of JC Pfeiffer. When JC and Arlene retired to Winona in 2000, he chose to get involved with the Winona Community Foundation. We have several endowment funds that were started or inspired by him. JC shared with us at that March 4th meeting, “why not give to something you believe in and something you want to improve? It is a way to leave a legacy.” The Winona Community Foundation is honored to be a part of that enduring legacy, and we remain committed to stewarding the funds he helped establish with such care and foresight. JC Pfeiffer Obituary April 1, 2025 – Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home

The Winona Community Foundation is a catalyst for igniting generosity and building the vibrant and enduring place we call home. We offer a range of charitable options and funds for individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to accomplish their philanthropic goals. JC and Arlene appreciate how the Community Foundation will be there forever, leaving a legacy way beyond their lifetime. To make your impact on the causes you care about in our community, call 507-454-6511 or visit www.winonacf.org/give.