Nut Club Gathering

West Side Nut Club: Rooted in Tradition. Driven by Community.

Since its founding in 1921, the West Side Nut Club has been more than a local organization — it’s been a symbol of civic pride, community action, and hometown spirit. What began as a gathering of local business owners and professionals looking to improve the West Side of Evansville has grown into a powerhouse of charitable impact. From sponsoring school programs and supporting public safety initiatives to organizing one of the largest street festivals in the nation, the West Side Nut Club embodies what it means to give back. We are volunteers. We are neighbors. And we are proud to serve the community that raised us.

A Volunteer Force for Good in Evansville

The West Side Nut Club exists for one reason: to serve the people of Evansville — especially those on the city’s West Side. At our core, we are a civic and social organization powered entirely by volunteers. Our mission is to promote the welfare of the community by supporting schools, funding youth development, assisting charitable causes, and responding to the needs of families and individuals.

The Club is non-political, non-sectarian, and guided by a simple but powerful motto:
“We seek no reward but the satisfaction of knowing we’ve helped.”
Nut Club Member

Impact You Can See. Commitment You Can Feel.

Each year, the Club provides direct financial support to dozens of local organizations and initiatives. Whether it’s supplying public school classrooms with new materials, contributing to infrastructure upgrades, or backing youth sports and scouting programs, our focus is always on doing the most good for the most people. We don’t wait for recognition — we act because it's the right thing to do.
“We don’t wait for change — we create it.”
Nut Club Volunteering

What We Do — More Than Just The Fall Festival

Most people know the West Side Nut Club for the world-famous Fall Festival — and rightfully so. For over 100 years, this massive week-long event has drawn crowds from across the region and raised millions of dollars for nonprofit groups. But the Fall Festival is just one part of what we do. The Club operates year-round, funding and supporting initiatives that elevate the quality of life in Evansville and ensure our neighbors have access to the resources they need.

From donating equipment to local police and fire departments, to providing financial relief to families affected by house fires or other emergencies, our members are deeply embedded in the day-to-day wellbeing of this community. We’re there behind the scenes — working school carnivals, installing Christmas decorations, delivering holiday baskets, and lending our support wherever it’s needed.

Nut Club Volunteering

  • Education
    Support

    We provide grants to schools in our community, helping fund everything from technology upgrades to extracurricular programs and student scholarships.

  • Emergency
    Relief

    We respond quickly to tragedies, offering financial and material support to families impacted by fire, disaster, or unforeseen hardship.

  • Public Projects & Beautification

    From park restorations to holiday light installations, our members contribute to keeping the West Side clean, safe, and vibrant.

  • Seasonal Giving & Community Events

    The Nut Club sponsors Easter egg hunts, Halloween treats, Christmas basket deliveries, and more — spreading joy and connection all year long.

Every Dollar Stays Local: Building a Stronger Evansville

Every action the West Side Nut Club takes is rooted in one belief: this community matters. That’s why every dollar we raise through events like the Fall Festival — and every dollar donated to the Club — stays right here in Evansville. We don’t send funds out of state. We don’t take a cut for ourselves. Every cent goes toward strengthening our neighborhoods, helping our schools, supporting our safety services, and responding when families face crisis.

Our funding supports public education, youth development, civic services, and emergency relief — all with zero administrative overhead. In 2023 alone, the West Side Nut Club donated over $600,000 to local causes. These aren’t just numbers; they represent upgraded classrooms, safer parks, food on tables, and opportunities created for the next generation.
We’re proud of our legacy, but we’re even prouder of what that legacy allows us to do today — and what it empowers us to build tomorrow. Below is a quick summary of the sectors we've donated to from 2009 - 2023. View a more comprehensive breakdown on our Noteworthy Contributions page.
Education & Youth Development Community & Cultural Initiatives Health & Human Services Public Safety & Emergency Services View All Noteworthy Contributions