(Appleton, WI) – July 14, 2026 – The Basic Needs Giving Partnership is pleased to announce Natalie Bomstad, MPH, as its new Executive Director. A respected local nonprofit leader and champion of community voice and collective well-being, Bomstad brings more than a decade of experience advancing equity, cross‑sector collaboration, and community‑driven solutions across Northeast Wisconsin.
Supported by funds raised through the U.S. Venture Open, the Basic Needs Giving Partnership continues to invest in community-led solutions that address poverty across Northeast Wisconsin.
Bomstad most recently served as the Executive Director of Wello, a regional nonprofit recognized for its innovative, community‑rooted approach to improving well‑being. Under her leadership, Wello evolved from a fiscally sponsored initiative into an independent 501(c)(3), secured more than $5 million in multiyear grants, and achieved national recognition, including the 2024 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize.
“I am honored to join the Basic Needs Giving Partnership and to continue advancing the systems-change work that has been central to my career and leadership at Wello,” said Natalie Bomstad. “Northeast Wisconsin is home, and I remain deeply committed to this region, its people, and the partners working together to strengthen collective well-being. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to build on that momentum—aligning resources, elevating community voice, and advancing equity and economic well-being for all across the region. I am excited for the work ahead and for the impact we can create together with communities and partners across Northeast Wisconsin.”
A skilled convener, Bomstad is known for bringing together researchers, business leaders, funders, government partners, and community members to co‑design initiatives that shape policy, systems, and investment. Her work establishing Brown County’s first subjective well‑being measures and leading the countywide declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis reflects her commitment to addressing root causes rather than symptoms.
Bomstad’s leadership extends beyond her organizational role. She serves on statewide and national networks, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Re‑Imagining Collective Well‑Being team, and has been recognized with numerous awards, including as a 2026 Wisconsin Titan 100 CEO, 2025 Brown County United Way Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award, and the 2024 University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Community Service Award.
As she steps into the Executive Director role at the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, Bomstad brings a deep understanding of the region and a long‑standing connection to the organization’s mission.
“We are thrilled to welcome Natalie to Basic Needs Giving Partnership,” said Dawn Ruchala, Board Co-Chair of the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. “Her collaborative leadership style, commitment to equity, and track record of driving meaningful change make her the right leader for our next chapter. We look forward to the impact we’ll achieve together as we continue working to end poverty in Northeast Wisconsin.”
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About the Basic Needs Giving Partnership
The Basic Needs Giving Partnership envisions thriving, equitable communities across Northeast Wisconsin. We invest in local and regional solutions that address the root causes of poverty in alignment with our shared values of trust and collaboration, curiosity and learning, and equity with a systems-based approach. The funds raised through the U.S. Venture Open from generous corporations, family foundations, and individuals are granted to support nonprofits providing critical services as well as organizations working to change the systems that hold poverty in place. For more information about the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, please visit our website, bngpwi.org.
U.S. Venture Open
The U.S. Venture Open is the nation’s single largest one-day charitable event dedicated to ending poverty. Funds from the event support the Basic Needs Giving Partnership with a vision to build thriving, equitable communities across Northeast Wisconsin through regional collaborative grants and advocacy. The U.S. Venture Open started in 1986 with 100 golfers and has grown to 1,300 attendees representing 628 partners who golf at regional courses to raise money for programs that help end poverty. Follow the event on Facebook, Twitter, or visit the U.S. Venture Open website.
Contact Information:
Dawn Ruchala
Senior Manager, Community Engagement
920-243-2529