(WFRV) - The David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region awarded 22 grants totaling over $2,500,000, giving nonprofits and local municipalities a much-needed financial boost. The Nelsons, who lived in De Pere, made provisions during their lifetimes for a planned gift to benefit the region. Rita was a teacher, and David was the Chief Financial Officer for the Post-Crescent in Appleton and the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Taco Bell expands to Greenville, will offer free Taco Bell for a year After they passed, the Nelsons left over $100 million from their estate to create the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund. The gift was by far the largest ever received by the Community Foundation and one of Wisconsin's most significant charitable gifts. Rascal Flatts to bring “Life is a Highway Tour” to Green Bay "It’s a privilege and responsibility to carry forward David and Rita’s wish to impact the regionby supporting this year’s projects and experiences. Over the last seven years, the fund’sbecome a valued partner to the nonprofit agencies seeking to enhance the region’s qualityof life,” said Ann Engelhard, Donor Services Manager for The David L. and Rita E. NelsonFamily Fund at the Community Foundation. This year's support was awarded to the following projects: NonprofitGrant AmountFor WhatFriends of High Cliff State Park$500,000Remediation and restoration of the Lime Kiln Trail.Friends of the Fox River Trail$250,000Support trail expansion and pavement upgrades.City of Kaukauna$250,000Grignon Mansion Community Park ProjectCity of Kaukauna$240,000Replace the boardwalk and make other trail updates at 1000 Islands Environmental CenterCity of Menasha$200,000Enhance Jefferson Park, designated for the Boat LaunchThompson Center on Lourdes$200,000Celebration Life Capital Campaign, which will secure and refurbish a long-term facilityCommunity Early Learning Center$100,000Technology and furnishing upgrades to conference rooms used for professional developmental training, presentation, and virtual meetingsFirst Five Fox Valley$100,000Fox Valley Family Resource CenterFox Valley Literacy Council$100,000Research initiative gauging literacy needs in the areaAppleton Historical Society$100,000Support the purchase and renovation of a historic building, providing space for public displays, exhibitions, community programs, and archivesGordon Bubolz Nature Preserve$100,000Support sustainable trail restoration and infrastructureDivine Savior Holy Angels High School$75,000Rita E. Nelson Family Scholarship FundBrown County Historical Society$51,000Support restoration projects at the Hazelwood Historic HouseUnited Way of the Fox Cities$50,000Support the launch of the Fox Valley Data ExchangeAppleton Community Music$50,000Support the Mile of Music FestivalUs 2 Behavioral Health$50,000Support the purchase and renovation of an office building in Appleton, allowing the organization to expand its serviceWisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation$20,000Increase the endowment for their David L. Nelson Scholarship Fund, supporting students pursuing a career in mediaGirl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes$20,000Land survey at the East Service Center in Appleton, allowing the organization to strategically plan their outdoor spaces and for the purchase of outdoor educational suppliesPatriot Racing Project$20,000Restoration of the sailboat Stjanra, which will increase the organization's capacity to engage veterans to participate in weekly sailing races throughout the Bay of Green BaySCORE Fox Cities$10,000Support BIZ Talk, a radio show dedicated to educating people about small businesses and nonprofits in the Fox Cities areaGreen Bay Firefighters Historic Preservation Foundation$3,600Purchase of two historic Green Bay firefighter helmets GoFundMe page set up for Greenville family that lost a home and two pets in a fire Since its creation seven years ago, the Nelson Family Fund has provided over $27 million in grants.