Document

S P E C I A L G I V I N G E D I T I O N

Nor thwes t Minnesota Foundat ion

Family of Funds

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N M F R E S O U R C E

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As a regional community foundation, theNorthwest Minnesota Foundation is committed tomaking the region a better place to live and work.

We bring people together to develop ideas,provide training and education, and broaden communication. As a funding partner, we help communities, organizations and businesses shapetheir future. We also are the means by which individuals can add quality to the communities in which they reside through donations to community and component funds.

The family of funds housed at the foundation support the health and education of residents,add to the cultural fabric, provide community services, help people to protect or enjoy the environment, develop economic assets, and helpfamilies become involved in philanthropy throughdonor advised funds.

The volunteers who comprise the advisory com-mittees and the donors who generate theseendowments are the power behind philanthropy.Our family of funds would be worth little without thepeople who understand that giving to endowmentfunds is the best investment for the future; theywould struggle to succeed without the volunteeradvisory committees that seek out donations,promote philanthropy and recommend grants.It takes caring compassionate people to move the funds forward.

By working through the Northwest MinnesotaFoundation, people can exercise their own power of philanthropy with the security of sound management, strong investment strategy and the knowledge that they have made a difference.

Mission Statement The Northwest Minnesota Foundation investsresources, creates opportunities and promotesphilanthropy to make the region a better placeto live and work.

Philanthropy and Quality of Placein Northwest Minnesota

The best, classic definition of philanthropy is “pri-vate initiatives for public good, focusing on qualityof life.” Much and perhaps most of philanthropy isnot about the rich helping the poor, but aboutgroups helping themselves; that donors and chari-ties are on the same team as investment partners,not like buyers and sellers. Philanthropy is about self-development for both donors and beneficiaries; it isa school for values, in which we are all learning.Philanthropy is more about opportunity than obliga-tion. And philanthropy and government work bestas partners. We are dedicated to providing themeans to help build awareness and promote philanthropy as a way to meet the needs of theplaces in our rural region.

Philanthropic services working for you

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation provides thestructure by which individuals, businesses and organ-izations help create the asset base of their commu-nity – component and community funds establishedby the people in the region are partnering with NMFto create a brighter future for northwest Minnesota.

As you page through this Resource SpecialEdition, you will see the impressive list of over 225NMF component funds. Although foundation staffhas numerous responsibilities and duties that supportthe funds, it is the fund advisors and leadership incommunities that make them truly successful.

Introduction

4225 Technology Dr. NWBemidji, MN 56601

218.759.2057800.659.7859

www.nwmf.org

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Greetings!This year we have truly good news to share. The

Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s family of commu-nity and component funds has now surpassed the$12.5 million mark in total assets – assets which havebeen invested in the simple but useful notion thatphilanthropy begins at home. Charitable giving hastaken a very strong hold in our region, improving thequality of its places – in our schools and businesses,communities and households. The desire to make adifference is universal. No matter where we live, workor play, people support the causes, beliefs and goodworks that are closest to our hearts.

Since the idea of community foundations beganover 100 years ago, these organizations have provento be an effective means for people from all walks oflife to give to their charitable causes and to strength-en communities. Since its establishment in 1986, theNorthwest Minnesota Foundation has provided indi-viduals with the means to help communities benefitfrom the charitable impulses of people inside theregion and build on the generosity of those from out-side of our 12 counties. Together we have developeda strong, flexible institution with over $46 million inendowment, program and loan assets.

The community foundation concept has the powerto build more than just financial resources. It bringspeople together around a common mission. It cre-ates links between the past and the future and buildsbridges between citizens from varied backgrounds.

The people involved in supporting the componentfunds listed in this publication have worked hard tomake our communities vital and strong. During thepast 21 years, they have also invested in the schools,community organizations, agencies and institutions inour twelve-county region in one way or another.

The NMF endowment has made a lasting differ-ence in our communities for more than 20 years.Now, we are happy to report that other locally-based funds housed at NMF have grown to the pointwhere grant making from the 225-plus componentand community funds actually exceeds the grantsgiven by the foundation itself.

We invite you to read about the work of the fundsin your area of interest and consider making a chari-table contribution within your means.

On behalf of the board of directors, thank you foryour continued support.

Eric Bergeson

NMF Board Chair

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The Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s mission is to promote philanthropy; to be a channel throughwhich individuals and organizations may direct giftsfor community betterment in a way that will providethe greatest lasting benefit.

The bedrock of NMF is our donors, those who give back to Northwest Minnesota a part of thegood that has come to them. People and organiza-tions turn to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation to express their concern for the community. Theyshare a belief in the importance of nurturing a culture of caring.

The donors, partners, directors and staff of theNorthwest Minnesota Foundation also share a visionfor our region. NMF is a tool that benefits everyonebecause it serves the region and the individuals whoreside here. Our donors are people who see a needand work to satisfy it, who understand dreams andtake actions to fulfill them.

Until 1987, northwestern Minnesota had been one of the few areas of the state without its owncommunity foundation. The region has missed oppor-tunities to benefit from large charitable endowmentgifts or bequests because there has been no grant-making organization in place to receive such gifts.

What is a Community Foundation?The Northwest Minnesota Foundation encourages

donors of modest or ample means to turn their charitable dreams into realities. We help simplify and expand charitable giving by pooling funds and responding to both the needs of the communityand the donor.

Not surprisingly, community foundations are thefastest growing sector of organized philanthropy in the United States. These permanent endowmentfunds provide benefits in the following four ways—they offer economic and efficient services to donors;attract new money into local charitable giving; provide immediate aid to emerging and existingcommunity needs; and are agents for positivechange in the community.

Because a community foundation is not dedicatedto one specific cause, it can aid local charities andnonprofit organizations in a variety of areas--from the arts to education, from the environment to helping the elderly, all contributing to a healthy community. A community foundation is designed tocomplement existing individual nonprofit organiza-tions by acting as a bridge between a variety ofinterests and the ongoing needs of the community.

Community Foundation

BoardTerri Anderson, Director, OgemaAnn Beck, Director, BagleyEric Bergeson, Chair, FertileDavid Bergman, Director,Thief River FallsBob Hager, Director, GreenbushMark Hewitt, Director, Park RapidsDean Johnson, Treasurer, MahnomenRoger Malm, Director, HallockGary Purath, Secretary, Red Lake FallsAnne Sand, Vice Chair, BemidjiKim Wilson, Director, FosstonLaurie Wilson, Director, Crookston

StaffLin Backstrom, Early ChildhoodDevelopment SpecialistPeggy Crandall,Grants Services AssociateSamantha Hedin,Administrative AssistantRitchie Houge, Vice President for Philanthropic ServicesSandra Kamnikar,Accounting Associate Jane McKelvy, Training SpecialistDiane Morey, Business Development SpecialistJohn Ostrem, President

Lisa Peterson,Communications DirectorMarty Sieve,Vice President for ProgramsJim Steenerson,Grants SpecialistHolly Tri,Administrative Assistant Caryl Turnow, FundDevelopment/BusinessDevelopment SpecialistTim Wang,Finance DirectorDavid West,Business Finance Specialist


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The Northwest Minnesota Foundation has establishedCommunity Funds in key areas throughout its region ofservice. These funds maintain a local focus and work toaddress the same needs as the Northwest MinnesotaFoundation itself, but in a manner specific to those commu-nities in which they serve. This method of “helping commu-nities help themselves” increases donor involvement,encourages local participation, and builds on hometownpride. It’s just one more way that the Northwest MinnesotaFoundation works to develop our community assets.

The foundation’s Community Funds Program provides a framework for communities in NorthwestMinnesota to start or add to existing communityendowment funds and make grants to improve their communities.

School district borders define the community fundsand sub-funds.

Foundation Community Funds have an independent advisory committee made up of concerned citizens and community leaders.The mission of the committee is:

• Provide leadership in meeting the changingneeds in their community

• Mobilize citizens to become active partners inbuilding a better community place

• Provide a central fund for receiving charitablegifts and bequests

• Match the philanthropic interest of donors withnew and existing community needs that requiresupport

• Promote the community fund and attract assets• Execute grant making decisions for the fundThe foundation is a steward through which private

assets entrusted to us by generations of donors arewisely invested to meet the challenges of contempo-rary life. Visit the web site www.nwmffunds.org

BADGER AREA COMMUNITY FUNDSupports charitable, educational and public purpose projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents and/orvisitors of the Badger areaBadger Education FundSupport for programs, projects or activities that enhance and/orpromote educational experiences for learners of all ages

BAGLEY AREA COMMUNITY FUNDSupports charitable, educational and public purpose projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents and/orvisitors of the Bagley area Bagley Area Scholarship Fund Supports area young people in their post secondary educationcareersBagley Beautification FundSupport for community improvement projects that help build a positive and inviting attitude in BagleyBagley Early Childhood Initiative Fund Supports community projects that benefit children from birth – age 5Bagley Education Endowment & Project Fund Supports activities, projects, or services that benefit the area’s students, staff, programs and institutionsBagley Technology Advancement Fund Supports programs, projects, and activities that enhance the technological opportunities for students in ISD #162

BLACKDUCK COMMUNITY FUND Supports the growth of Blackduck and the surrounding areaBlackduck Academic and Character Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Blackduck High School

FOSSTON AREA COMMUNITY FUND Supports charitable, educational and public purpose projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents and/or visitors of the Fosston area Cameron Badurek Memorial FundTo provide annual funding for the ‘Cameron Badurek Peace Award’given in Cam’s memory and a scholarship; and, to provide fundingfor “Cam’s Legacy,” a community grant program benefiting thatimproves life in the Fosston areaArvid Clementson Veterans' Memorial FundSupports programs, projects, and activities that recognize the commitment, service and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces personnelfrom FosstonDean Clementson Scholarship Fund Supports Fosston High School students entering into public service careers

Community Funds


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Community FundsFosston 21st Century Endowment and Project Fund Supports the Fosston Community Library Arts Association in Fosston,and advances cultural, social and civic interestsFosston Education Foundation Supports the students, staff, educational programs, and institutions inFosston Fosston Livestock Shipping Association Animal ScienceScholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Fosston High School students pursuing education in Animal Science Dean & Joyce McNelly Vocational Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Fosston High School students who attended a vocational class and graduated, or earned a highschool equivalency diplomaJim Miller Memorial Math Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Fosston High School students pursuing education in mathematics Terry Stout Memorial Scholarship FundSupports scholarships to Fosston High School students pursuing education in an education-related profession, with preference forthe fields of social science and EnglishLuVerne Trogstad Education and Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students and faculty from Fosston High SchoolWilma & Franklin Vikan Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Fosston High School students pursuing higher education in the field of music

GREENBUSH AREA COMMUNITY FUND Supports charitable, educational and public purpose projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents and/or visitors of the Greenbush area Greenbush Education FundSupports activities, projects, or services to benefit the area’s students, staff, educational programs and institutionsKeith and Ellen Kapphahn Family Scholarship FundSupports annual scholarships to qualified high school students fromISD #2683 (Greenbush-Middle River) and ISD #676 (Badger) who are pursuing post-secondary education

MAHNOMEN AREA COMMUNITY FUND Supports charitable, educational and public purpose projects thatenhance or improve the quality of life in the Mahnomen areaMahnomen Health Care Fund Supports charitable, educational, and health care activities, or services benefiting residents of Mahnomen County and the greaterservice area of Mahnomen Health Center

PARK RAPIDS AREA COMMUNITY FUNDSupports charitable and public purpose activities and projects that enhance the quality of life in the Park Rapids areaHeartland Homes Endowment and Project Fund Supports the Heartland Homes group homes for developmentallydisabled individualsHewitt Family Charitable Fund Provides financial support that focuses on the Park Rapids andNevis areaKinship of Park Rapids FundProvides financial support for activities, projects, or services for a preventive program for children, by matching them with Kinshipvolunteers for adult friendship and role modelingPark Rapids Early Childhood Initiative Fund Supports community projects that benefit children birth – age 5Park Rapids Education & Activities Foundation Fund Promotes strong and healthy educational, fine arts, and athleticprograms of the Park Rapid High SchoolsPark Rapids Memorial Scholarship FundSupport scholarships to students from Park Rapids schools who had any link to athletics in high school Matthew Spangler Hockey FundSupports programs, projects and activities associated with the mission of youth hockey programs in the Park Rapids area

RED LAKE BAND OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS COMMUNITY FUNDSupports charitable and public purpose activities and projects that enhance the quality of life on the Red Lake Reservation Red Lake Band of Chippewa Education Fund Supports activities, projects, or services designed to enhance theeducational opportunities for members of the Tribe and/or to benefit education professionals, educational programs and institutions serving the TribeRed Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Renewal and Recovery FundProvides financial support for programs, projects, and activitieswhich assist the Tribe and others in the recovery process andrenewal following the March 21, 2005 tragedyRed Lake Tribal Information Center, Archives, & Library FundSupport for programs, projects and activities that benefit or thatserve to collect, preserve, and make available the history, culture,and heritage of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa IndiansYouth Initiative Fund Provides financial support for programs, projects and activities benefiting or serving the youth of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians


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RED LAKE FALLS AREA COMMUNITY FUNDSupport activities, projects, or services that will enhance or otherwiseimprove the quality of life enjoyed by residents and/or visitors of theRed Lake Falls Area

ROSEAU AREA COMMUNITY & EDUCATION FUND Supports activities, projects or services that will enhance cultural,educational and recreational opportunities in the Roseau areaA.J. Kramer Scholarship FundSupports scholarships to Roseau graduates who juniors or seniorsyear in a college or university with a major in Education in the field ofhealth or physical education or are earning an athletic coachingcertificateMarian Foley Memorial FundSupports scholarships to students from Roseau High School andgrants to the communityMarvin LaRue Memorial FundSupports scholarships and programs for music and technical writingto students from Roseau High SchoolRoseau Adult Education FundSupports Roseau residents for pursuit of post-secondary education degrees and community education for skills training orenhancementRoseau Area Friends of the Library Fund Supports programs, projects, and activities benefiting the RoseauArea Public Library and the Roseau Area Friends of the LibraryRoseau Lions Club Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to high school students from ISD #682 for tuitionand books or direct educational material expensesRoseau Parks and Recreation FundSupports parks, trails, and recreational amenities of the Roseau areaJoseph Schneider Memorial Scholarship Supports scholarships to students from Roseau High SchoolBruce Wiskow Memorial Fund Supports scholarships to students from ISD #682

WARROAD AREA COMMUNITY FUND Supports charitable, educational and public purpose projects thatwill enhance or improve quality of life in the Warroad areaBruce and Ellen Atwater Education FundSupports scholarship(s) to graduates of Warroad High School, whoare pursuing education in a health care profession and providesfunding for programs, projects, and activities that encourage/support individual interest in the health care professionBetty Bahnmiller Memorial FundProvides scholarships to dependents of past and present membersof a U.S. Navy UDT/SEAL team and who are former students fromWarroad High School

Edward and Agnes Brandli Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High School pursuing education and engineering careersFarmers Union Oil Co. Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High School pursuingagriculture or agriculture related business education careersJennifer Grove Memorial Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High School pursuing nursing or a healthcare-related careerGaylord Gunderson Memorial Fund Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High School; provides funding for purchase or repair of equipment or projectimprovements to the Warroad High School.Lee Hafdahl Memorial Scholarship Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High School withinvolvement in community activitiesAnn and Les Henderson Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High School pursuing post-secondary technical educationMargaret Ann and Paul Samuel Johnson Family Charitable FundSupport for qualifying charitable and educational programs,projects, and activitiesDorrance H. Johnston Scholarship for Engineering FundSupports scholarship(s) to graduates of Warroad High School who are pursuing their final year of education through an accredited college or university with a major in engineeringJustin Knebel Memorial Fund Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High SchoolNick Moyer Memorial and Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High School; supports athletic activitiesNapa Ride to Reading FundSupports financing of books, programs, projects and activities associated with the Warroad School LibrariesPatrick O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High SchoolKatie Jo Olafson Memorial Scholarship Supports scholarships to students from Warroad High SchoolRainbow Park Restoration FundSupports the restoration of the playground area of Rainbow Park,including both equipment and the groundsWarroad Care Center FundSupports programs, projects and activities associated with the stated mission of the Warroad Care Center

Community Funds

Ritchie Houge has been workingin fund development for the past22 years. He was hired byNorthwest Minnesota Foundationin 1996. Since that time, the foun-dation has provided services asthe region's community founda-tion, and in that role, added themanagement of over 225 donoradvised, area-of-interest andagency endowment funds.

Houge is a member of theAssociation of Fund RaisingProfessionals, North DakotaChapter, and past chapter president and program chair.

He is one of the founding members of the HeadwatersEstate Planning Council.

Through involvement with AFP and in his work with thefoundation, Houge has worked to promote and sponsorvarious fund development training programs toenhance capabilities, professionalism and ethical fund raising in northwest Minnesota.

Houge has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal JusticeStudies and a Juris Doctorate from the University ofNorth Dakota. He lives in Bemidji with his wife Kelly,and sons Matthew and Michael.

Warroad Early Childhood Initiative Fund Supports community projects that benefit children from birth - age 5Warroad Education Fund Supports activities, projects, or services to benefit the area’s students,staff, educational programs and institutionsWarroad Heritage Center FundSupport for programs, projects and activities associated with the mis-sion of the Warroad Heritage Center Warroad Lost River Sportsmen Complex FundSupports acquisitions and maintenance of equipment and/or facili-ties and programs, projects, educational, and charitable activities atthe Lost River Sportsmen Complex

Warroad Memorial Arena FundSupports charitable activities or projects that will enhance orimprove the Warroad ice skating arena Warroad Point Area Restoration and Community RecoveryFundSupports public and private restoration efforts that help people andbusinesses recover and restore tourism to the Point areaWarroad Swim Program FundSupports programs, projects and activities associated with or supple-menting the Warroad Public Schools swim program or the WarroadOutstanding Warriors Swim Club

WHITE EARTH RESERVATION AREA COMMUNITY FUNDSupports charitable, educational and public purpose projects thatenhance or improve quality of life on the White Earth Reservation


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Community Funds

Caryl Turnow has been workingin finance and training for thepast 25 years. She operated herown CPA practice for nine yearsbefore selling and joining thefoundation in 1998 working inbusiness development.

Turnow works closely withdonors and advisory committeesof component and communityfunds to promote philanthropy inthe region.

Turnow is a member of theAssociation of Fund RaisingProfessionals of North Dakota, is a Certified Economic Development FinancialProfessional, as well as holds a CPA license (inactive) in Minnesota.

Turnow earned a Bachelor of Arts degree inAccounting at Bowling Green State University and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree at KellerUniversity. She lives in Roseau with her husband Paul and has two sons attending college.

Turnow works from a satellite office in Roseau.Phone 218-463-0440, e-mail [email protected].

Caryl TurnowDevelopment Specialist

Ritchie HougeVice President for

Philanthropic Services


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Component Funds – by CountyNorthwest Minnesota Foundation funds help individualdonors, groups and families act on deeply held valuesand community commitments. They are established tobenefit a specific nonprofit community organization orinterest area, and NMF manages the assets. NMF alsoassists community nonprofits with the important work ofbuilding their asset bases. This helps organizations furthertheir missions and ensures that they operate with contin-ued success.You have the opportunity to support one of more of the225 plus funds that are described. Please use the dona-tion form inserted in this Resource.Staff is available to work with individuals and families interested in establishing component funds.Your fundmight support a wide range of charitable activities with-in a defined area and purpose, or it could be designat-ed to a specific charitable beneficiary. Contact RitchieHouge or Caryl Turnow at 218-759-2057 or 800-659-7859.

Beltrami CountyBACKSTROM FAMILY CHARITABLE FUNDProvides financial support for qualifying charitable and educational programs, projects, and activities

BAER FAMILY FUND Provides financial support for community development inBemidji, scholarships at Bemidji State University, materials forthe Bemidji Area Public Library, and healthcare services atNorth Country Regional Hospital

BELTRAMI HUMANE SOCIETY FUND Supports activities, projects or services designed to protect and benefit the well-being of domestic animalsRalph and Ruth Shoemate Fund Provides funding for cages and equipment for the cats and dogs

BELTRAMI COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ENDOWMENT FUND Supports activities, projects, or services to further the mission of the Beltrami County Historical Society

BEMIDJI AREA ARTS ENDOWMENT FUND Supports art activities, projects, or services and organiza-tions in the Bemidji area Bemidji Community Arts Center FundSupports the promotion and encouragement of all aspectsof art in Bemidji and the surrounding area Bemidji Community Theater Fund Supports the Bemidji Community Theater and its mission Fred Marshall Fund for the Headwaters School of Music and the Arts Supports the mission of the Headwaters School of Music and the ArtsRichard and Pam Nelson Family Fund for the Visual ArtsSupport programs, projects, activities and organizations benefiting visual arts and education in the Bemidji areaNorth Star Arts Fund Supports arts programming for persons with developmentaldisabilitiesErnie Rall Children's Performing Arts FundSupports programs, projects, activities, and organizations in the Bemidji area that support, encourage or otherwisehelp young people to continue their interest in the performing artsHB and Ina T. Roholt Family Fund for the Arts Supports programs, projects, activities and organizationsbenefiting arts and education in the Bemidji areaEverett Wilimek Endowment for Violin StudiesSupports young people studying the violin

BEMIDJI AREA PARKS AND TRAILS ENDOWMENT AND PROJECT FUND Provides financial support for the park, trail, and recreation-al amenities of the Bemidji areaBemidji City Parks and Trails Operation and Maintenance FundSupport for the operation and maintenance of parks, trailsand other recreational amenities within the City of BemidjiBemidji First City of Lights FundProvides general funding for the First City of Lights festivitiesat the Bemidji WaterfrontBemidji Waterfront-Paul and Babe Maintenance FundProvides general funding for the restoration of the PaulBunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues in Bemidji


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BEMIDJI AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND Supports activities, projects, or services designed to benefitthe Bemidji Public LibraryBemidji Area Public Library Mural Fund Supports the development and creation of an artistic dis-play in the main entry of the Bemidji LibraryDorothy Breen Fund for the Visually Impaired Supports the collection of materials benefiting the visuallyimpaired patrons of the Bemidji Public LibraryHazel I. Shimmin Endowment Fund Supports the Bemidji Public Library and/or the Bemidji PublicLibrary FoundationRuth Stenerson Project Support Fund Provides financial support for enhancements to the BemidjiArea Public Library

BEMIDJI CURLING FUNDSupports programs, projects and activities that encourageparticipation in the sport of curling

BEMIDJI LUMBERJACK FOUNDATION FUND Supports activities, projects, or services that enhance orimprove the education and opportunities in ISD #31All School Reunion FundSupports specific activities that will benefit students in ISD #31Amy Anderson English Fund Provides awards for poetry, creative writing and illustrationfor Bemidji Middle School StudentsBonspiel FundSupports athletic activities and/or equipment for ISD #31John F. Breen Scholarship FundSupports scholarships to students from Bemidji High SchoolRay Breen Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Bemidji High School Pat Campbell String Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students participating in BHS Orchestra Food Service Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students pursuing a food service related careerBun and Alvera Fortier Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students who have participated in football or basketball and will

participate in post secondary intercollegiate athleticsTom Gardner Memorial Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students pursuing an automotive or industrial technology degree General Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students which include:

Beltrami Electric Cooperative Scholarship First National Bank Foundation ScholarshipNational Honor Society Scholarship (Rural CellularCorporation)Paul Bunyan Telephone CooperativeGeorge Pelawa/Calgary Flames ScholarshipKen VanWilgen Memorial Scholarship

Rick Lee Memorial Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students pursu-ing a degree in industrial technology Heidi Bitzer McClure Memorial Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School studentsTroy Nelson Memorial Character ScholarshipEndowment Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students whohave participated in varsity athletics with demonstratedleadership qualitiesJoe Plummer Music Fund Supports the purchase of jazz related equipment or suppliesfor ISD #31 Buck Robbins Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School studentsinvolved in athleticsDes Sagedahl Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School studentsinvolved in baseballLumberjack Security Bank Scramble Fund Supports athletic activities and/or equipment for ISD #31 K. E. “Red” Wilson Athletic Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students who have participated in varsity athletics and are pursuing aphysical education degree or a related disciplineRuth Shannon Wilson Scholarship in Music Fund Supports scholarships to Bemidji High School students who have leadership roles in Bemidji High School music programsand pursuing a music degree

Component Funds – by County


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Component Funds – by CountyBIG BOG STATE RECREATION AREA ENDOWMENT AND PROJECT FUND Supports the development of the Big Bog State Recreation area

THE EVERGREEN HOUSE FUNDProvides financial support to further the mission ofEvergreen House and the services it provides.

GIZIIBII RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT FUNDSupports activities, projects, or services that balance growth of the economy and wise stewardship of natural resources,in support of the mission of the Giziibii RC&D service area

GREATER BEMIDJI OUTDOOR FOUNDATION Supports building, maintaining, and promoting the use ofnon-motorized public trails in the Greater Bemidji area

HEADWATERS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP FUND Supports and furthers the mission of the fellowship

HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ENDOWMENT FUNDProvides financial support for activities, projects, or servicesthat benefit the students, educators, facilities, and programsoffered by or through the Academy

KELLIHER AREA HEALTH CARE FUNDSupports health care related activities and projects thatbenefit residents of the Kelliher area Kelliher Area Seniors Fund Supports activities, projects, or services designed to benefitsenior citizens in Kelliher

MEADE FAMILY FUND Supports charitable and educational programs, projects,and activities benefiting educators in Minnesota and NorthDakota

WILLIAM A. AND ELOISE E. NELSON FUND Supports charitable, education and scientific programs,projects, and activities; preference given to educational orenvironmental interests

OJA FAMILY FUND Supports qualifying charitable and educational programs,projects, and activities

ST. MARY’S MISSION SCHOOL ENDOWMENT & PROJECT FUND Supports the general operations of the school program and assists with renovations

JAMES AND SYLVIA SANDE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDSupports scholarships to students from ISD #31 (Bemidji),and ISD #115 (Cass Lake-Bena)

SENIOR TRUST FUND OF BELTRAMI COUNTY Supports activities, projects, or services designed to benefit senior citizens in Beltrami County

UPPER MISSISSIPPI WATERSHED ENDOWMENT ANDPROJECT FUND Provides current and long term support for activities

Clearwater CountyCLEARBROOK-GONVICK EDUCATION ENDOWMENT AND PROJECT FUND Supports activities, projects or services that benefit thearea’s students, staff, programs and institutions that benefitthe Clearbrook-Gonvick school

CLEARBROOK-GONVICK PERFORMING ARTS FUND Supports the establishment of a facility for the performingarts in Clearbrook, MNMary Jo Klinger Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to graduates of Clearbrook-GonvickPublic High SchoolOlga Peterson Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to graduates of Clearbrook-GonvickPublic High SchoolPlayground Fund Provides funding for the playground benefiting the Clearbrook-Gonvick School Thorbeck Field Fund Provides financial support for development and improve-ments to the outdoor recreation field at the Clearbrook-Gonvick School

CLEARWATER COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY FUND Supports the maintenance and needs of animals housedwith Clearwater County Humane Society

CLEARWATER COUNTY AREA HEALTH CARE FUND Promotes programs and projects that will enhance qualityhealthcare in the communityClearwater Emergency Services Fund Provides programs, equipment and services conducted by emergency services organizations in Clearwater County orareas served by Clearwater Health Services


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Clearwater Health Services Cancer Screening Fund Provides funding for a portion of medical care for patientswith cancer or cancer related illnesses and/or for programs and servicesClearwater Hospice Endowment & Project Fund Provides funding to ensure the future of the HospiceProgramClearwater Hospice Family Room Fund Supports the construction and maintenance of a privateroom within the Clearwater County Memorial Hospital forfamily members of Hospice patientsGreensview Care Center Pet Therapy Fund Supports projects, supplies and maintenance of the pettherapy service offered through or at the CenterGreensview Endowment and Project Fund Supports programs, equipment, and services that enhance the quality of life and benefit the residents of the Center

WEE-CARE CHILDREN’S CENTER FUND Supports a non-profit childcare center serving Clearwater County

Hubbard CountyLAPORTE EDUCATION FUND Supports activities, projects, or services benefiting students,staff, educational programs and institutions and scholar-ships to students from the Laporte schoolCommunity Playground Fund Provides funding for the playground benefiting the Laporteschool district and greater Laporte communityTonia Johannsen Memorial Fund Supports scholarships to students in District #306 pursuingeducation, nursing, social work or community service field;and, for extracurricular activitiesLaporte-Benedict VFW Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students from Laporte High Schooland the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School who live inLakeport

Kittson CountyJULIE HOLMQUIST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Supports scholarships to Hallock area students

KITTSON MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE CENTER FOUNDATION FUND Supports recruitment and retention of healthcare profes-sionals, skill upgrading for current staff, and for building and equipment improvements

Lake of the Woods CountyLAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY ENDOWMENT FUND Supports the maintenance and needs of animals housedwith the Lake of the Woods County Humane Society

LAKE OF THE WOODS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDProvides support for economic development in Lake of the Woods CountyLake of the Woods Student Intern Fund Supports programs, projects, and activities that encourageemployment, training and entrepreneur opportunities for students in Lake of the Woods CountyLake of the Woods Industrial Development Corporation Scholarship Fund Provides financial support for programs, projects, activitiesand scholarships that benefit students from Lake of theWoods County

LAKE OF THE WOODS REVOLVING LOAN FUNDSupports business development and expansion in Lake of the Woods County

Mahnomen CountyMAHNOMEN EDUCATION FUND Supports activities, projects, or services designed to benefitthe area’s students, staff, programs and InstitutionsGeneral Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Mahnomen High School studentsLes Hanson Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Mahnomen High School studentsMilton Hockel Scholarship FundSupports scholarships to students pursuing the field of Natural ResourcesGen. Ike and Maj. Bruce Isaacson Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to students pursuing geography,social studies, history, or any other related field Night Riders Sno-Club Scholarship FundSupports scholarships to students from Mahnomen and Waubun schoolsTrack Fund Provides financial support for expenses of an athletic track facility in Mahnomen



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Component Funds – by CountyNAYTAHWAUSH EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE FUNDSupports community projects that benefit children from birth – age 5

Marshall CountyMARSHALL COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE FUND Supports community projects that benefit children from birth – age 5

NORTH VALLEY HEALTH CENTER ENDOWMENT FUND Supports capital improvements for the facility, equipmentpurchases, and professional education and recruitments

OMDAHL ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION FUND Supports charitable educational and scientific programs, projects, and activities that support or benefit environmental and conservation causes

WARREN SENIOR CENTER ENDOWMENT FUND Supports essential services and programs for the community’s seniors

WARREN-ALVARADO-OSLO EDUCATION FOUNDATION Supports preserving and enhancing current education programs and provides scholarships for students pursuing a college educationMyron and Margaret Carlson Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School studentsLyle H. Engelstad Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School studentsMusic Advancement Fund Supports music education, performance and other musical opportunities for students at ISD #2176

WETLANDS, PINES, & PRAIRIE AUDUBON SANCTUARY (ELDOR AND STELLA OMDAHL) ENDOWMENT FUND Supports the activities, projects, or services designed to provide on-site and regional environmental education;manages the sanctuary for birds and wildlife species; and, develops demonstration areas for land managementpractices

Norman CountyBRIDGES MEDICAL SERVICES FOUNDATIONSupports the purchase, maintenance and repair of physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitationequipment, instruments and facilities at Bridges MedicalServices in Ada, MN

LAURAL CAPISTRAN MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP FUNDProvides scholarships to students from Norman County whohave participated in Norman County 4-H programs

Pennington CountyTHIEF RIVER FALLS EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE FUND Supports community projects that benefit children birth –age 5

OLE AND RUTH TWEET FAMILY FUND Provides financial support for areas of interest to the Tweet family

Polk CountyCROOKSTON EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE FUND Supports community projects that benefit children frombirth – age 5

DISTRICT #593 (CROOKSTON) EDUCATION FOUNDATIONENDOWMENT FUND Supports educational opportunities for the districts’students and for scholarships to students pursuing a careerin educationFrances Drivold Special Education Fund Supports life skills and vocational programs for develop-mentally disabled students

EAST POLK COUNTY FAIR SCHOLARSHIP FUND Supports scholarships, programs, projects and activities benefiting students from East Polk County

FERTILE AREA ARMED FORCES VETERANS FUNDSupports programs, projects and activities that recognize the commitment, service and sacrifice of the United StatesArmed Forces personnel from Fertile


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FERTILE-BELTRAMI EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE FUND Supports community projects that benefit children birth – age 5

FIRST CARE MEDICAL SERVICES FOUNDATION Supports the mission and long term stability of First Care Medical ServicesFirst Care Hospice Endowment Fund Supports the First Care Medical Services Hospice program

RONGEN FAMILY FUND Supports charitable and educational programs, projects,and activities to benefit the larger community

Red Lake CountyRED LAKE FALLS EDUCATION FUND Supports educational excellence in the Red Lake Falls school districtRichard Bresnahan Leadership in the Arts Fund Supports professional development opportunities for teach-ers and artists who teach primarily in ISD #630 and/or pro-grams for arts education Lester Norris Dale, MD Scholarship Fund Supports scholarships to Red Lake Falls students in medical-ly related fieldsKris Fontaine Scholarship Fund Supports scholarship to students in Red Lake FallsKim Knaack Music FundSupports music or band programs, projects, and activities at Red Lake Falls schoolsKyle A. Myhre Memorial Fund Provides for an annual scholarship (the Kyle A. Myhre ‘Learnto Fly’ Scholarship) and an annual recognition programwith a scholarship award (Kindness Always Matters)

TWO RIVERS AREA THEATRE ENDOWMENT AND PROJECT FUND — SCHOLARSHIP FUNDSupports activities, projects, or services that benefit the Two Rivers area, with preference given to the presentation of amateur theatrical productions

Roseau CountyFOUR SEASONS SENIOR CENTER ENDOWMENT & PROJECT FUND Supports the nutrition and educational programs to seniorcitizens in the Roseau community

LIFE CARE MEDICAL CENTER HEALTH FUNDProvides financial support for health care and senior livingrelated charitable and educational activities, projects, orservices benefiting residents and visitors to the Life CareMedical Center service area.Eagles Auxiliary Diabetes & Dialysis FundProvides financial support for programs and services offered by RAHH that address the diabetic & dialysis needs in the service areaLife Care Medical Center Hospice FundSupports the Life Care Medical Center Hospice program.Maggi Adams Medical Equipment Fund Support for medical equipment or other related purposes at Roseau Area Hospital and HomesParish Nursing FundProvides financial support for education, staffing,equipment and activities related to parish nurse programs within RAHH communitiesRoseau County Historical Society Endowment Fund Provides current and long-term support for the Roseau County Historical Society Sheltering Oaks Manor Fund Supports programs, projects, activities, and facilities related to Sheltering Oaks Manor and mission

NORTH BORDER INTERFAITH COALITION FUND Supports the North Border Interfaith Coalition mission

NICK PETERSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND Supports scholarships to Roseau High School Seniors;and/or contributes to charitable organizations that assistpersons in poverty, youth education, youth athletics, or drug abuse education and rehabilitation



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Multi-County/Regional COURAGE CENTER PROGRAMS AND CAMPS FUND Supports programs, projects, activities, or services that further the mission of the Courage Center

FOURTH AND ROBBINS FUNDSupports programs, projects and activities that benefit religious, cultural, social justice, health and wellness,educational, recreational and environmental organizations in Bemidji, Willmar and statewide

HEADWATERS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONLEADERSHIP FUND Supports leadership-related activities and initiatives of the HRDCHRDC Successful Communities Challenge FundSupport communities within the Headwaters Region for taking action on critical issues

HOPES, DREAMS AND SMILES FUNDProvides children from North Dakota and Minnesota with a life threatening illness the opportunity to enjoy a special event or other activity that will have a positiveimpact on them

INGENUITY FRONTIER FUNDSupports activities and projects that enhance or improve the applied engineering and manufacturingcapacity in Northwest Minnesota

LEONARD J. AND ROSEMOND KUCERA MEMORIALSCHOLARSHIP FUND Supports scholarships to students from International Falls,Indus, Littlefork-Big Falls, or Northome schools

MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS AREA DENTAL HEALTH CENTER FUNDProvides financial support for non-competitive dental service for the underprivileged and underinsured andaccess and education for emergency/preventative care,particularly for children

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA WOMEN’S FUND Supports activities, projects, services or programs thatimprove the quality of life and strengthening and empowerment of women and girls in the region

MAJOR ROBERT OLSON MEMORIAL FUND Support for charitable and educational programs, projects,activities or services benefiting the Littlefork-Big Falls Publicschool district and for scholarships to Littlefork-Big Fallsschool district students

OPTIONS ENDOWMENT AND PROJECT FUND Assists individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community of their choice

RED RIVER VALLEY EMERGING LEADERSHIP FUND Supports rural leadership development and other programs that develop and expand leadership skills of people within or associated with the Red River Valley

MIKE STAPLES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Provides scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career as a conservation officer from ISD #31 (Bemidji),ISD #32 (Blackduck), ISD #317 (Deer River), ISD #306(Laporte), ISD #115 (Cass Lake Bena), ISD #318 (GrandRapids-Big Fork) and ISD #113 (Walker-Hackensack-Akeley)



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The Northwest Minnesota Foundation provides flexibleand responsive ways for making gifts, by which ourdonors may realize significant tax benefits while leverag-ing their charitable contributions for greater gain.

SecurityDonors can be assured that their gifts will endure

to benefit future generations.

Professional ManagementDonors have a variety of deferred giving options

and estate planning.

Tax BenefitsDonors can achieve their philanthropic objectives

while providing the benefits of additional income,stewardship, and estate tax and capital gains taxreduction; gifts to NMF qualify for charitable giftdeductions to the extent of the law.

Investing money for charitable purposes requires careand skill, and also yields great rewards. Even small gifts,strategically placed, can make tremendous differencesin a community’s quality of life.

With as little as $2,000, an agency or field of interestfund may be established to serve any charitable purpose. These funds benefit a specific nonprofit community organization or interest area.Donor advised funds allow individual donors and families the opportunity to act on deeply held valuesand community interests. Local community fundshelp bring charitable interests and philanthropic potential together, to support existing and future community needs.

All NMF funds qualify for maximum charitable taxdeductibility as gifts to a public charity. Fund assetsare managed by NMF under a written investmentpolicy. NMF staff provides support and training for the important work of building community assetsthrough these funds and overseeing responsiblegrant making. This helps further nonprofit and community success by allowing more time to focus on the mission. Through philanthropy, groupsand individuals make lasting differences in their communities, leaving legacies that reflect their values for generations.

Funds and Gifts


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Planned Giving Options in Personal and Family Philanthropy

Philanthropy offers some of the most satisfyingpleasures in life because it calls forth and givesexpression to the best in us. Grounded by values,fueled by caring and optimism, extended by generos-ity, and evaluated on concrete results, it is rewardedby the deep gratification of a job well done.

Planned giving allows you to take advantage of a favorable tax deduction now in exchange for a future commitment to the foundation from you or your estate.

Including the Northwest Minnesota Foundationand/or component funds in your will is an easy way to create a permanent memorial to the goodworks you cared about during your lifetime. Here are some options:

Bequests of cash, securities, or property can significantly reduce estate tax liability which ultimately benefits your heirs.

Charitable Remainder Trusts offer you or anotherbeneficiary income for a lifetime or through the termof the trust. When the trust expires, the foundationreceives the remainder to carry out your charitableintentions.

Charitable Gift Annuities can secure fixed annualpayments for life by making a contribution to ourorganization. Our charitable gift annuity will pay you(and a survivor, if desired) a fixed dollar amount when you make an irrevocable gift. The rate of payment is determined by your age at the time of your contribution.

Life Insurance is an excellent choice for creating amajor gift at little cost to you. By naming the founda-tion as owner and beneficiary of a new or existing lifeinsurance policy, you receive a tax deduction for thevalue and any subsequent premium payments. Whenthe policy is redeemed, the Foundation will use theproceeds to carry out your charitable objectives.

Retirement Plan Assets from qualified 401(k),Keogh, 403(b), IRA, or profit sharing plans can be used to create a charitable fund in your name.Gifting retirement plan assets may also reduce estate tax liabilities incurred by your heirs.

Ritchie Houge, Vice President for PhilanthropicServices, is your resource for information about ways to give and types of gifts that will benefit yourlong-term charitable objectives for the most directand lasting impact. Please call him toll free at 1-800-659-7859 or e-mail [email protected]. He would be happy to meet with both you and yourfinancial/legal advisor(s) to establish a gift vehiclethat most effectively meets your needs.

Please visit the Northwest Minnesota Foundationweb site www.nwmf.org and click on our PlannedGiving Guide for complete, comprehensive andeasy-to-understand information about your giftoptions.

Our site contains a comprehensive resource for your gift planning questions.

• Discover all of the tax and income benefits of the various kinds of planned gifts.

• Read in-depth about trusts and annuities that pay you an income for life.

• Get tips on how you can make gifts from life insurance policies, retirement plan assets or appreciated property.

• Learn how to set up your will so that the govern-ment does not benefit more than your heirs.

• Discover a virtual encyclopedia of information on how and what to give.

• Access hundreds of up-to-date articles on making the most of your charitable giving.

• Calculate your income tax deduction for charitable gifts.

Planned Giving


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Charitable Gifts from Your IRAThanks to the success of tax-deferred investments

within qualified retirement plans, many people havefound that they have sufficient funds for retirementand that they will probably have funds left for distribution to heirs and charitable causes they wish to support. Recent changes in the distributionlaws governing individual retirement accounts (IRAs)have made it easier to give a portion of your IRA to charitable organizations you wish to help.

Special Legislation Allows Charitable Gifts from Your IRA

Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, you maybe eligible to make a gift from your IRA while you areliving without incurring undesirable tax effects. Prior tothe new law, you would have to report any amounttaken from your IRA as taxable income, and thentake a charitable deduction for the gift, but only upto 50 percent of your adjusted gross income. Ineffect, this caused some donors to pay more inincome taxes than if they didn’t make a gift at all.

Fortunately, from now through December 31, 2007,these IRA gifts can be accomplished simply and without tax complications. Plus, you can make the gift while you are living and able to witness the benefits of your generosity.

Like many Americans, you may find that your quali-fied retirement plans like IRAs are a major resource —possibly even comprising most of your overall assets.The term “qualified retirement plan” includes otherpension plans; profit-sharing and stock bonus plans;employee stock-ownership plans (ESOPs); plans forself-employed persons (Keogh plans); and section403(b) tax-sheltered annuities for employees of tax-exempt organizations.

If you’re past age 701/2 and are retired, you generally have no choice but to begin receiving

minimum distributions from a retirement plan or IRA.Perhaps you don’t need these payments for yourfinancial security.You could transfer these distributionsto a charitable organization, thereby reducing oreliminating the income tax you would otherwise pay.

Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, if you are701/2 or older, you can transfer the minimum distribu-tion from an IRA or Rollover IRA directly to a qualifiedcharitable organization (excluding charitable trusts,donor advised funds and supporting organizations).

Such transfers are limited to $100,000 in 2007, andmust be completed by December 31, 2007. Plus, ifyour spouse is 70 1/2 or older and has an IRA, he or shecan also give up to $100,000 this year.You will nothave to include the amount transferred as taxableincome, nor will you be able to take a charitablededuction. But your benefits are twofold.You avoidpaying income tax on the minimum distributions,and you witness the benefits of your generosity.

The gift of an IRA or other retirement accountmade after your lifetime can be the most tax-effec-tive way to benefit us, resulting in the least impact on the shares of your individual heirs. That’s becausesuch accounts are often exposed to income andestate taxes at a combined marginal rate of asmuch as 65 percent.

Donating Retirement Plan BenefitsGenerally those younger than 701/2 are subject to

income tax on withdrawals taken from the accountduring their lifetime. If you decide to make a gift ofthe withdrawn amount, you are eligible for a charita-ble deduction if you itemize (subject to the 50 per-cent of adjusted gross income limitation). To make agift at death, simply name the Northwest MinnesotaFoundation or one of our funds on the plan’s beneficiary designation form.


Fertile Area Armed Forces Veterans Fund

In April 2006, a group of committed citizens in Fertile,Minnesota, embarked upon a project to raise funds tobuild a Veterans Memorial. Eric Bergeson, NorthwestMinnesota Foundation’s board chair, who owns andoperates Bergeson Nursery in Fertile is a lifelong resident."Thanks to dozens of donors large and small, our dreamof finally building a memorial to honor Fertile's veteransis coming to fruition," Bergeson said.

The Fertile Veterans Memorial is now taking shape, atleast on paper. Before the snow flies, part of the memo-rial will be set in concrete.

The Memorial Committee has released sketches ofthe design for the Memorial Plaza at the corner of MillStreet and Washington Avenue. A sign, painted byMarilyn Ness, has been placed at the site. Fertile-Beltrami graduate Troy Erickson, now an engineer inFargo, submitted the design,which includes plantings, light-ing, stone work, benches andsculpture.

A groundbreaking ceremonywill be held this fall.“Hopefully,before freeze-up some of thegroundwork will be done,” saidWayne Thorson, one of thecommittee members.

Memorial PlazaKeith Bolstad, advisory com-

mittee chairman, said the fourmajor features will be anentrance memorial; a killed-in-action, prisoner-of-war/missing-in-action memorial; conflict

memorials and a donors’ gazebo.“The conflict memori-als will start with the Civil War but we’re not certain howmany will be put in,” he said.“The memorial park willcommemorate all veterans from the Fertile area, inpeacetime or war.”

The cost of the memorial will be around $100,000.“The first donation of $1,765 was made anonymously,”Thorson said. To date, close to $90,000 has been raised,with a 10% contribution going into an endowmentaccount for a lasting legacy of support.

Working to raise fundsFundraising efforts have been ongoing. Last summer,

proceeds from the concession stand at the districtLegion baseball game went to the memorial fund. Atthe Polk County Fair, the memorial committee had abooth where people could make donations and/or buy chances on three items. A rifle and scope werewon by Darlene Solie and the fishing spear was won

by Orville Lee.

Verda Carlson won a beauti-ful handmade quilt, which fea-tured service photos of WorldWar II veterans who CaroleLarson interviewed for theVeterans History Project.Perhaps it was coincidence or,maybe serendipity that thequilt went to Carlson. On it, sheis pictured with her husbandand daughter and the photoholds special meeting for her.

Conrad Carlson and VerdaWettlaufer were married November 27, 1942. One weeklater he began training in theArmy Air Corps. They spent a

Funds in Action

Shown from left are Vets Memorial Committee member Wayne Thorson; Fertile Mayor, Brian Nephew;

and, Memorial Committee member Keith Bolstad signing the Veterans Proclamation.

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week together before being shipped overseas. Theirdaughter, Barbara, was born Dec. 17, 1944 in a hospitalin Madison, S.D. Her father, a first lieutenant, was a navigator of a B-24 bomber with the Second Squadron,22nd Bomb Group, Fifth Air Force, based on LeyteIsland.

It was three weeks before he learned he was a father.Barbara was six months old to the day when Conradcome home on furlough and saw his daughter for thefirst time.“She was scared of him at first,” Verda recalled.“Daddy was a stranger.”

After he was discharged,the Carlsons had three morechildren. Dr. Barbara (Ted)Schmeckpeper now lives inColumbia, Md.; Mary Ann Hannain Denton, Texas; Bruce (Susan) inMaple Grove and Paul in Fargo.

The quilt is a particularlypoignant memento for Verdabecause Conrad Carlson diedFebruary 14, 2005.

Sixty years later“I knew almost all of the folks

on it. A couple of those fellowshave passed on,” said EarlinBennes, who saw the quilt forthe first time when it was on display at the fair.

He pointed to a picture of a square-jawed young soldier with a wide grin.“That’s me,” Bennes told hisdaughters Diane Erikson of Hinkley and Amy Van DenEinde of Halstad. Bennes served in the Army in North Africa and Italy.

He said he is pleased a Veterans Memorial will finally be built in Fertile. As early as 1946, ideas werebeing discussed for such a veterans memorial in Fertile.

Sixty years later, when the money is raised, the memorialwill become a reality.

Auction fund raiserAn auction to raise funds for the Veterans Memorial

was held September 1st at the Fertile fairgrounds in con-junction with a classic car show. One of the items, whichsold for $325, was a photo taken on January 2, 1966 ofGreen Bay Packers players after winning the NationalFootball League championship. Three of the mud-

spattered victors – PaulHornung, Jerry Kramer and FuzzyThurston – were photographedas they left the field. The MudBowl autographed photo,accompanied by a certificateof authenticity, was donated byAlden ‘Webby’ Webster ofOsseo.

The highest selling item at theauction was a patchworkappliqué quilt, which brought$700. It was made by LauraPierson of Fertile and tookexactly one year to complete.About $6,000 was raised at theauction.

Organizations, businesses and individuals may contribute to this wonderful projectthat honors our veterans in the region. The enclosedenvelope may be used. Checks made payable toFertile Veterans Memorial, Northwest MinnesotaFoundation (NMF), may also be sent to P. O. Box 527,Fertile, MN 56540.

Thanks to the Fertile Journal for contributing to this article and for the photos.

Funds in Action

The quilt, a year-long project made by Laura Pierson,was auctioned for $700.


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Circle of VisionThe Circle of Vision was established to recognize those

people who see the possibilities of tomorrow by actingtoday; who believe in their communities, and, who say “yes”when asked to share of themselves and their resources. Theaward is presented in recognition of current gifts, plannedgifts or will bequests of $100,000 or more made in directsupport of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation or any of its component funds.

In 2007, a scholarship fund was established with a gift of$100,000 to honor the life of Dorrance H. Johnston. As a partof the Warroad Area Community Fund, it is the 14th scholar-ship or education-related fund that is supporting students inthe Warroad area. This represents the 17th Circle of Visionaward.

Dorrance H. Johnston, a 1926 graduate of Warroad HighSchool, attended the University of Minnesota and earned abachelor’s degree in engineering in 1931. He graduated inthe midst of the Depression and was unable to obtain workin his field.

Dorrance returned to Warroad and worked as a commercial fisherman and mink rancher. He used theknowledge he attained in engineering throughout his personal and professional life.

The scholarship fund honors Dorrance's life, his passion for engineering, and the desire to help other engineeringstudents attain their goals.

Honorees:AnonymousH.C.”Bill” Baer, Jr. and Jessie BaerFrances DrivoldEmployees of Team Industries-Team FoundationLyle H. EngelstadRobert F. and Marian Foley Gaylord Gunderson EstateHelleckson Family/Courage Center North Mark and Peg HewittSam and Peg JohnsonLeonard J. and Rosemond KuceraArnold F. Lund, Sr.Eldor and Stella Omdahl

Red Lake Band of Chippewa IndiansRoseau Hospital and HomesElsie SemrauOle and Ruth Tweet

Circle of Vision Leadership Society William S. and Margaret W. Marvin have become the

second benefactors to reach the $1 million mark in dona-tions to the foundation or one of its components. To recog-nize this contribution, Bill and Margaret are included asmembers of the Circle of Vision Leadership Society. Sadly,Margaret passed away at the age of 89 this past winter.Bill is in Warroad, surrounded by his large and loving family.

The original sculpture award representing this gift will be displayed in Warroad at the William S. Marvin Trainingand Visitor Center.

The Marvin’s recent gift to establish the Warroad SwimProgram Fund supports programs, projects and activitiesassociated with or supplementing the Warroad PublicSchools swim program or the Warroad Outstanding WarriorsSwim Club. Due to funding cuts to education, the swim program was in jeopardy. The Marvins felt it was imperativeto fully fund the swim program to provide Warroad withinstructors and coaches, along with the resources neededto help it thrive.

The generosity that inspired these gifts is a tremendouscontribution to the Quality of Place in the region. The foundation’s success is a result of philanthropic endeavorsand its future progress will brighten the future for all of us.

Arnold F. Lund Sr. The past year was saddened by theloss of Arnold Lund, our first Circle of Vision LeadershipSociety recipient. Arnold was a long time partner and gen-erously gave back to his Baudette community, especially in the area of business development and for the humanesociety. Arnold has generously supported the developmentof the Baudette community, the Lake of the WoodsIndustrial Development Corporation and the Lake of the Woods Humane Society.

NMF greatly appreciates each gift to the foundation andits family of funds. Giving at this level is truly transformingcommunities and making a difference in northwestMinnesota.

Making a Difference


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Accumulation of assets throughout life takes a lot of work. Ifyou do not perform the simple task of having a valid will or trustat your death, the state in which you reside will distribute thoseassets you worked so hard to acquire according to state law.

When you create a will, however, you have the ability todetermine how your assets are distributed at your death to the individuals and charitable organizations of your choice.And, including a bequest in your will to your favorite charitableorganization may be the best way to make a meaningful giftand save specific assets, such as property, securities or realestate, in case you or your family members need them in the future.Advantages of Charitable Bequests

Easy. Making a bequest is as simple as placing a sentence or two into your will: “I give $10,000 to [name of charitableorganization].”

Revocable. Wills are not written in stone and can bechanged at any time. Because relationships and circum-stances evolve over time, your will should naturally do thesame. With a bequest, you are not actually making a gift until your death. Until then, you are free to alter your plans,eliminating the worry that you must make a final commitment that you might later regret.

Tax-wise. Aside from the happiness achieved by leavingmeaningful gifts to others, making a bequest to a charitableorganization has valuable tax benefits.Your estate is entitled to an unlimited estate tax charitable deduction for bequests to qualified charitable organizations.

Every year Northwest Minnesota Foundation receivesbequests from the estates of deceased friends. These giftsmake a tremendous difference and we count on such gifts aswe move into the future.

When you revise or create your will for the first time, we hopeyou will include Northwest Minnesota Foundation and its familyof funds.Your estate gift will help us serve the next generation.Types of Bequests

As you consider an estate gift to any of our funds, it may beuseful to know some of the bequest options you have. Forexample, you can make your bequest as an unrestricted gift.This permits NMF to use your bequest where it is needed most.

A second type of bequest is designated or restricted to a

specific purpose. For example, a gift may be earmarked for a program you feel strongly about or for capital improvements.You could even designate a bequest to establish an endowment.

A third kind would be a combination of the first two. That is,part of the bequest might be used as the board sees fit andthe restricted part for the predetermined purpose.Methods for Making Bequests

Once you've decided on the kind of bequest, you mustdetermine how the bequest will be identified.You have at leastthree options.

First, you can specify an amount or item. For example, youcould bequeath a vacation home to an NMF fund or certainsecurities or a set amount of money.

Second, you can name an NMF fund to receive a percent-age of the residue of your estate -- the amount that is left afterthe bills and specific bequests have been made.

Finally, you could name an NMF fund as a contingent beneficiary to receive that part of your estate that would have passed to another person had he or she been living.For example, a will can indicate that everything is to go to

your spouse unless your spouse predeceases you — in whichcase the assets, or part of them, could be assigned to NMF.

It is easy to understand why many individuals consider acharitable bequest the perfect way to make a gift. Withoutparting with any of your assets today, you can make provisionsthat will help your family and your favorite charitable organizations in the future.You will be leaving a legacy,while also having the satisfaction of knowing that your philan-thropic dreams and goals will be met after you are gone.

As you think through your estate giving plans, you may wantto talk with Ritchie Houge, vice president for philanthropic services. He has worked with many people concerning theirbequest plans and can explain the giving options you have.He will also tell you whether NMF will have trouble honoringany restricted bequest you may envision.

In addition, Houge will supply you with the correct legalname of your chosen fund, as well as suggested wording forthe various bequest types and methods mentioned above.

All of this will assist your attorney when you meet with him or her to discuss and finalize your will.

Giving Through Your Will


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Gift Annuities – Leave a LegacyGive and You Shall Receive…Yes, that is the way it works

with a Northwest Minnesota Foundation gift annuity.You notonly receive the satisfaction of helping to further the mission ofthe foundation or one of its component funds, you receiveannuity payments for the rest of your life.

A gift annuity is an agreement, like a contract, between adonor and a charitable organization. By donating through agift annuity, you can contract for fixed payments for yourself, oryourself and another individual if you choose, and also makea gift to a charitable organization of your choosing.

For example: John and Mary Jones are in their late 70s. Theygive $10,000 to a fund of their choice for a two-life gift annuity.Assuming a gift annuity rate of 6.7 percent, they will receive$670 every year for the rest of their lives. Even after one ofthem dies, the remaining spouse will continue to receive thepayments. On top of this, the Joneses will receive a charitableincome tax deduction for approximately $4,087, and a sub-stantial portion of their payments will be tax-free.

Why does NMF offer gift annuities? Many of our friends wantto give more to the funds at NMF, but live on fixed incomesand can't afford to donate income-producing assets. With ourgift annuity program, they can make a significant gift and stillretain lifetime payments. In some cases, they can evenincrease their annual cash flow.

Example: Wilma Williams is 80 years old and has commonstock in a company that pays her a dividend of 2 percent peryear. This means that $10,000 worth of stock provides Wilmawith a quarterly check of only $50. Wilma can transfer thisstock to an NMF fund for a charitable gift annuity. Assuming a gift annuity rate of 8 percent, she could receive $200 eachquarter or $800 for the year. And her payments are secured by all the assets of NMF!

Other Possible UsesOne of your financial and estate planning objectives may

be the supplemental support of a person other than younger,direct heirs—possibly an older sibling, a dependent parent,a friend or a former employee.

If your desire to help that person does not extend to his or her heirs, who could be the major beneficiaries of yourlump-sum gift, a one-life charitable gift annuity agreementmay be a solution for you.

It can be set up so that someone else besides you receivesthe annuity payments. The age of the person receiving the annuity payments, rather than the age of the donor,

determines the annuity rate and other results. The presentvalue of the charitable gift portion is an income tax deduc-tion for the donor(s). The actuarial value of the income interestis a taxable gift to the individual.

As a present interest, however, it qualifies for the annual gifttax exclusion of $12,000 ($24,000 if spouses make the gifttogether). Other potential advantages include the reductionof the donor’s taxable estate by the amount used for theannuity contract.

If the recipient outlives the donor, the income is continued,and there is no need to establish a trust and pay for its management. Somewhat younger donors find that deferredcharitable gift annuity contracts combine philanthropy withimproved retirement funds.

Many tax law changes have limited the amount of pretaxearned income that can be sheltered from tax and investedfor later financial security. For some, Individual RetirementAccounts are no longer deductible. Others with qualifiedsalary reduction plans may find that their annual contributionsare limited by nondiscrimination rules.

A retirement income plan can be enhanced through a series of deferred charitable gift annuity contracts, usingexcess discretionary income to fund the annuity each yearleading to retirement (when the payments are scheduled to begin). Advantages to this type of arrangement include the following:

• Partial tax deduction for each amount transferred.• Continuation of the process beyond the age of 701/2

when qualified plans normally must start payments.• Use of any source of funds, not just earned income as

required by qualified pension plans.• No limitation on the amount used.Fixed payments, income tax deduction for itemizers, partial

bypass of capital gains tax, possible reduction of estate taxes— these and other benefits make a gift annuity a prudentoption for many of our older friends. In fact, we find that someof our donors obtain additional annuities as they get olderbecause of the higher payment rates.

Would you like to learn more about our gift annuity pro-gram? Ritchie Houge, our vice president for philanthropic serv-ices, can provide a tailor-made illustration showing you exactlyhow a gift annuity can work for you. Visit our planned givingguide at www.nwmf.org for more information.

4225 Technology Drive NWBemidji, MN 56601

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NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBEMIDJI, MN

56601PERMIT NO. 36

Northwest Minnesota Foundation – www.nwmf.orgCONTACT US: 218-759-2057 – 800-659-7859 – FAX 218-759-2328 – [email protected]

NWMF 12-county service area

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