Welcome friends to the Dudley Foundation! My name is Andrew “Andy” Dudley Shannon, and I am the foundation’s Executive Director! I’ve had the opportunity to perpetuate the philanthropic legacy of my grandpa “Dickie” and our whole family, all while being able to make incredible relationships with the magnificent members of our donor, funder, and non-profit community. For that, I am thankful. Our foundation has a history of grant-making that has legitimately impacted the lives of numerous Wisconsinites, and to continue that adventure and have that as a part of my own story is magical.
My dual role includes being both an overseer of the foundation’s internal and external operations, and a director on the foundation’s Board of Directors. Our board has massive experience in identifying and evaluating emerging developments, needs, hurdles, and opportunities within our community, and we meet many of these ventures head on to improve the quality of life for those in the central Wisconsin community. Administratively, the foundation has the luxury of being fluid in its grant-making approach, so no need is too small nor too large.
Externally, I am energized and devoted to building strong relationships with community partners, city officials, and local leaders, to maximize organizational impact. By fostering collaboration both with, and between our non-profit partners, and by courageously leveraging the strengths of our collective efforts – creativity, development, innovation, and wellness will thrive!
Funders are up to the challenge and have been working diligently for a very long time through some very difficult times. Especially in Wausau, where an almost superhero-like headquarters exists for some of our community’s largest foundations at the Dudley Tower. A lot of people have been helped through my grandfather’s initiative, and his vision of a philanthropic “lightning rod” was spot on.
Once again, being in this position is outstanding, and it is my hope that the Dudley Foundation continues its successful legacy, and that we can all feel the warmth of requital generosity. If you are interested in learning more about the Dudley Foundation and our application process, please don't hesitate to reach out! I look forward to working with you!
Andrew Dudley Shannon, Executive Director, Dudley Foundation, Inc.
"Andrew Dudley Shannon AKA "Andy", has been the acting director of the Dudley Foundation in Wausau, Wisconsin since August of 2018. Upon graduating from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, the opportunity arose to become the director of his family's foundation, which was started by his grandfather Richard David Dudley. Since then, Andy and the foundation’s board have awarded 113+ grants, with over $1.12 million awarded to nonprofits in Wausau, Marathon County, and the State of Wisconsin. It is estimated (provided by the foundation’s grantees) that the Dudley Foundation has directly served over 950,000 individuals in the central Wisconsin region since 2020."
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Dudley Foundation website. At the Foundation, our number one priority is to carry on Dick Dudley’s entrepreneurial and philanthropic legacy. Dick was an inspiration to many and he truly loved Wausau, Marathon County, and the entire State of Wisconsin. He clearly wanted the good people of this area to have the same opportunities—exceptional schools, a strong economic base, a vibrant arts and culture scene, fun and exciting recreational venues—that he had experienced. In other words, a community that residents are proud to call home.
The Board of Directors of the Dudley Foundation is committed to identifying community challenges and opportunities and to develop strong working relationships with our nonprofit partners and our fellow foundations. Community development issues of today have become quite complex and, through meaningful collaboration, we can seize opportunity and solve challenges that impact all of us.
If you are a grantee seeking funding, we encourage you to read through our application guidelines and contact us with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you and sincerely welcome your input as we continue to perform our duties. Thank you.
Ann Dudley Shannon, President, Dudley Foundation, Inc.
Standing (Left to Right): Paul Schliendwein II, Jeffrey Stubbe, Andrew Dudley Shannon,
Ann Dudley Shannon, Mary Catherine Dudley, Chad Kane
Sitting (Left to Right): Robert Dudley, John Dudley
Why Dick Dudley Started the foundation.
Richard Dudley Memorial