The Erica P. John Fund (EPJ Fund) was founded in 1992 by Erica P. John through a grant from The De Rance Foundation. Erica had helped run the De Rance Foundation from near its inception in the 1950’s until its end in 1992. Fund seekers often asked to meet with Erica John so they could explain their projects to her, with the intention that she would plead their case to Harry G. John, the President and Erica’s husband, who could be formidable. Harry funded the De Rance Foundation with shares from his part ownership of the Miller Brewery, which was founded by his grandfather, Frederick J. Miller.
Once the largest Catholic foundation in the world, the De Rance Foundation’s assets greatly diminished following its massive investment in a national Catholic Television network. In 1984, it was clear that if De Rance continued its level of spending, it would exhaust its entire funds within a year. In October of 1984, Erica stepped in and led the Foundation through a very challenging turn-around effort (including nearly twelve years of litigation) that succeeded in eventually stabilizing the Foundation. Mrs. John, as President, Trustee and Director of The De Rance Foundation, worked closely with fellow board members Paula N. John and J.P. Bolduc along with CFO Patrick Byrne, advisor Richard DeGraff, our attorney Thomas G. Cannon and his team at O’Neil Cannon & Hollman, and Thomas’s brother (the late William Cannon) in the turn-around effort.
In deciding what to do with the remaining assets, Erica John pointed out that since the money was made at the Miller Brewing Company by people in Milwaukee, WI, the remaining funds should be used to help the people in Milwaukee. Erica has made it her priority to continue the good work of the De Rance Foundation, with a specific commitment to Catholic education (especially for African Americans and other underserved groups). In order to ensure that the assets remained in Milwaukee, Erica P. John Fund was formed with the grant of all remaining assets from The De Rance Foundation.
Mrs. John didn’t want the Fund named after her, but the board decided that since the Fund is only in existence today because of her dedication to keeping the Fund and its mission alive, it should be named after Erica P John.
Erica P. John Fund was created as a 509(a)(3) Supporting Fund (as well as a 501(c)(3) organization). The Fund is an integrated auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and as such, reserves a seat for the Archdiocese on its board. Before the litigation, Harry John was considering a similar move.
Now, as a Supporting Fund rather than a Foundation, the main supported organization is the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, followed by organizations listed in the Official Catholic Directory (OCD) under the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and finally a short list of organizations in the Fund’s Charter. No other organizations are qualified to receive funding from Erica P John Fund. To date three wonderful Archbishops have been a part of our board, starting with Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, followed by now Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and currently, Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki.
Erica P. John Fund 