The 41st annual U.S. Venture Open raised $5.4 million to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin in addition to more than $1.1 million dedicated to tornado response and rebuilding efforts in communities impacted by this year’s devastating storms.
This year brought 1,008 golfers and 1,300+ dinner attendees gathering for the nation’s largest one-day charitable event dedicated to ending poverty, joined by guest of honor, Tim Tebow.
Since its inception in 1986, the U.S. Venture Open brings together hundreds of partners, golfers, and volunteers on the second Wednesday in August. For more than four decades, the event has raised more than $80 million and granted $63 million through the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, supporting innovative solutions to address the root causes of poverty.
“This year’s event reached full capacity for the first time in 12 years,”  said Greg Vandenberg, Director of Giving and Community Engagement at U.S. Venture. “It is a powerful reminder of the generosity and commitment that fuel this work and helps create lasting change for individuals and families across Northeast Wisconsin.”
This year’s dinner program, held at Van Abel’s of Hollandtown, featured Tim Tebow, athlete and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation. He shared his personal story of faith, purpose, and the legacy and impact he wants to leave behind. The conversation was moderated by Emmy award winning ESPN broadcaster Laura Rutledge, a former Miss Florida and current host of NFL Live.
In 2007, the J. J. Keller Foundation partnered with U.S. Venture to form the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. In 2025, the Basic Needs Giving Partnership awarded $4.8 million in new grant commitments and $4.2 million in grants distributed to nonprofits throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
The grantmaking match of $600,000 this year from the J. J. Keller Foundation leads this effort along with lead partner matches of $200,000 from Oshkosh Corporation, ThedaCare and Thrivent.
