Resource Fall 2014 by Northwest Minnesota Foundation

Northwest Minnesota Foundation

RESOURCE

FALL 2014

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, facilitates collaboration and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

Number 65

Board of Directors Robert J. Hager, Chair Pete Haddeland, Vice Chair Faye Auchenpaugh, Secretary Judy Roy, Treasurer Jody Horntvedt Jon Quistgaard Leah Pigatti Jon Linnell Tom Anderson Cathy Forgit

OUR MISSION TO SERVE NONPROFITS By Dawn Ganje At the Northwest Minnesota Foundation we believe “healthy nonprofits lead to healthier communities.” Throughout our 12-county service area, nonprofit organizations support missions that reach thousands of people living and working here. Their combined efforts inform, protect, serve and educate our fellow residents. The services provided by nonprofits are often considered as key factors in regard to the quality of life desired by most individuals and families. Yet, many residents in Northwest Minnesota may not be fully aware of the abundant resources we have available, or all the ways that NMF provides support to our region’s nonprofit organizations.

One Bemidji organization recently completed NMF’s Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness Assessment. The Headwaters School of Music and the Arts (HSMA) offers exceptional music and art education programming that engages and celebrates the arts, enriching the lives of individuals and the community. The HSMA executive and governing board received information about their key functions in an assessment process designed to define where they are, where they want to be, and how they can get there as an organization -- all in a quick, efficient and effective way. With the assessment complete and recommendations made, the HSMA is now positioned to utilize up to $3,000 in technical assistance funds to meet the identified needs. Continued on page 7

Kristin Eggerling Edie Ramstad

Developing Community Assets Serving 12 Counties

“The Organizational Effectiveness Assessment has provided the Headwaters School of Music and Arts with a very clear road map and the steps necessary to move Headwaters School into the future. HSMA is a leader in the state, providing the type of services for arts and music programming. Locally, we are a major collaborator with all of the leading arts organizations: from the public library to the symphony orchestra, to the Watermark Art Center, Headwaters Science Center, Bemidji Public Schools and the Bemidji Affiliate of the American Swedish Institute.” – Janet Brademan, executive director, Headwaters School of Music and Arts

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Nancy Vyskocil Time and time again you hear us say “Our region is a wonderful place to live, work and play.” We may sound like a broken record, but we believe it and want to continue saying that phrase for many years to come, especially in regard to work. Recently, the Foundation, the Northwest Regional Development Commission (NWRDC) and the Headwaters Regional Development Commission (HRDC) hosted a group from the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) to convene and discuss how northwest Minnesota can remain economically competitive now and well into the future. In a region as large as ours, the issues can be as varied as the landscape. To help DEED officials see the realities of a region this vast, we scheduled a daylong tour that began in Bemidji, headed west to Crookston and continued north to Warroad. At each stop along the tour, business leaders, economic development professionals, educators and agriculture industry representatives joined the discussion to voice their concerns. Many common themes emerged at each meeting including housing, transportation and broadband infrastructure, workforce

readiness, daycare availability and preparing our youth for future careers. Housing and workforce rose to the top as the most critical issues facing the region. The good news is we are working on a lot of these issues. Still, one group cannot do it alone. We are fortunate to have strong RDC’s, world class education institutions and creative business minds. We have formed a good team in Northwest Minnesota. Facilitating this tour for DEED brought awareness to common issues that exist in our area. DEED is conducting similar meetings across the state. They plan to use what they gleaned to influence programs and asset allocation. NMF and our RDC partners will also use this information to help align our resources with the priorities of the region. One prime example of this is the Northern AdvantEdge Career Expo, to be held November 5th at the John Glas Field House at Bemidji State University. This expo will help students identify career options in the region with jobs that are readily available. The goal is to retain our youth so they too can experience Northwest Minnesota as a great place to live, work and play!

Thank You It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with Bob Hager, who has served on the NMF Board of Directors since October 2006. Bob’s expertise in economic development and finance has been a tremendous asset to the foundation. We appreciate your service Bob – on behalf of the board and staff -- thank you!

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BUSINESS FINANCE

MICROLOANS

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

One loan was made in the amount of: $54,000 School House Grocery, Gully

Business counseling and loans are available to help entrepreneurs develop small business and self-employment opportunities.

Four businesses from Thief River Falls, Park Rapids, Baudette and Puposky received a total of $1300.

Funds provided for purchase of equipment, inventory and the business name by new owners, Craig and Tamera Anderson.

Two loans were made totaling: $5365 The Dive Depot, Bemidji Leon Osmundson Services, Bemidji

DIGITAL MARKETING WORKSHOPS Take the digital marketing of your business or nonprofit to the next level by attending this series of workshops. In Digital Marketing Mastery I and Digital Marketing Mastery II, you will learn how to design a successful digital media campaign, as well as principles of website analysis, search engine optimization, and smart social media campaign management. The third workshop, Build Your Own Wordpress Website, will be a hands-on training in which you will create your own dynamic and fully responsive website.

DIGITAL MARKETING MASTERY I

DIGITAL MARKETING MASTERY II

BUILD YOUR OWN WORDPRESS WEBSITE

October 14 9:00-11:00 – Crookston October 14 2:00-4:00 – Roseau October 15 9:00-11:00 – Bemidji

October 21 9:00-11:00 – Bemidji October 21 2:00-4:00 – Thief River Falls October 22 9:00-11:00 – East Grand Forks

October 28 9:00-12:00 – Bemidji October 29 9:00-12:00 – Crookston October 30 9:00-12:00 – Thief River Falls

Welcome We are pleased to announce that Sean Moran of Bemidji has been selected as the new NMF business development specialist. Sean will work in a dual position – serving both NMF and the Northwest Small Business Development Center. The Bemidji State graduate enjoys spending time with his daughter and fishing – he is the 2014 champion of the Krause Anderson Walleye Classic.

ASSET BUILDING GRANTS Grants totaling $249,148 were awarded from June 2014 – August 2014 COMPONENT FUNDS TOTAL: $185,148

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD TOTAL: $4,000

77 GRANTS AWARDED

3 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

Component Fund Grants are now found online at WWW.NWMF.ORG under Component Fund menu.

NATURAL RESOURCES TOTAL: $20,000

CARING COMMUNITIES TOTAL: $25,000

COMMUNITY PLANNING TOTAL: $19,000

Pollinator Habitat Site Establishment –

Bemidji State Elders-in-Residence Program – BSU American Indian

Blackduck Sidewalk and Trails Plan –

Northern Lights Council of the Boy Scouts of America

Resource Center

City of Blackduck

Comprehensive Plan – City of Gary Agbioscience Economic Impacts – AURI

PHILANTHROPIC SERVICES – NEW COMPONENT FUNDS Terry Dale-Pfister Scholarship Fund

Betty L. Murray Scholarship Fund

Will provide funding for annual scholarships to qualified high school students from Lafayette High School (Red Lake Falls ISD # 630) who are pursuing post-secondary education in a medically related field. Scholarship will be given to students who have previously been awarded the Lester Norris Dale MD Scholarship and have registered for a subsequent year of post-secondary education.

Will provide funding for annual scholarships to qualified high school students from Bemidji High School (ISD #31) who are pursuing post-secondary education through a college, university, or accredited technical or vocational education/training institution or program.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION CELEBRATION NMF board members and staff recently gathered together to celebrate community connections with our family of Community Funds. Donors to these funds have combined their resources for programs and projects that enhance the places where they live and work. Each has developed endowments to fund priorities that were identified within their own community. Their work matches with our own mission at NMF. The community funds generate earnings from an investment pool, which are then used to support efforts that form the very fabric of a community. The grant dollars can strengthen the education and healthcare provided in the region; improve the parks, theaters, and libraries; and support activities that bring residents together like sporting events, youth activities and cultural happenings. NMF’s annual Community Connection Celebration brings community fund advisory committee members and friends together from across the region. This year’s event was held in Thief River Falls. The occasion allows for each fund to share their trials and triumphs. The committee members network with people from other communities looking to establish their own fund. Most importantly it offers a time to celebrate! The Argyle Area Community Foundation Fund (AACF) was this year’s recipient of NMF’s Community Philanthropy award. To be a recipient of this award, the fund advisors must meet regularly, promote the fund to actively grow the endowment, and award annual grants that make a positive impact in their community. The Argyle Area Community Foundation joined NMF in August of 2012 after being a component of the Minnesota Community Foundation. The original fund was established in 1992 by Argyle resident Noel LaBine. It was a grassroots effort with an initial goal to raise $200,000. Twenty-two years later, the fund has grown to more than $350,000 – thanks to Otto Bremer

Front row: Nancy Vyskocil, Joann Dufault, Colleen Radeke, Caryl Turnow Back row: Mike St. Germain, Lydia Svendsen, Mick Rapacz, Merle Adolphson, Lisa Peterson Not pictured: Jill LaBine, Tammy Sundby

Foundation match programs in the early days that spurred donors to action. “Moving our fund to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation was a great opportunity because they understand our region,” said Mick Rapacz. “It is an honor to receive this award and it is just what we needed to stir up some excitement!” One of the AACF’s first fundraisers to secure donations was an auction. The committee now sends an annual appeal letter, resulting in new donations of $10,000 to $15,000 per year. The fund was originally established to support programs for children and the elderly. Over the years, the focus has expanded to include grants to public services like the fire department, museum and youth sports. A sub-fund of the AACF is the Argyle Beautification and Improvement Project Fund supporting aesthetic enhancements. Grants will help to plant new trees throughout the community to replace those lost to disease. Community groups interested in establishing a community fund are encouraged to contact NMF Development Officers Caryl Turnow or Lisa Peterson at 218.759.2057. Learn more about the component and community funds at www.nwmf.org.

Warren Area Parks and Recreation Fund

Your Source of Growth – A Wheat Research Fund

Warroad Warriors High School Trap Club Fund

Will provide funding for park authorities to acquire, improve and maintain park facilities while highlighting the regional nature of parks and trails to residents and visitors of the Warren area.

Will provide funding for programs, services or activities promoting agriculture by supporting growers in educating, promoting and participating in research and innovation that advances the applied science of wheat production.

Will provide financial support for purchasing and maintenance of equipment needed for student education, and other programs and activities of the Warroad Warrior High School Trap Club.

Continued from page 1

Another way NMF builds the capacity of nonprofit organizations is by providing the latest theories and best practices for effective organizations being used in the nation. We introduce these new practices at professional development workshops. NMF recently hosted Inspiring Trust, a FranklinCovey seminar, which taught leaders how building a high-trust work environment must be as essential as any other measurable service including the economic goals of the organization.

“I count on my staff to be trustworthy and take on extra responsibility, because as an executive director of a small nonprofit, I can’t do it alone. This workshop was a great opportunity to hone the leadership skills of my staff. They work hard every day to ensure our services to the region are sustained.” - Andrea Kingbird, executive director, Northwood’s Coalition for Family Safety As organizations grow, develop and change to meet the emerging needs of their clients, NMF provides support through technical assistance. The Sexual Assault Program and the Support Within Reach programs are in the process of completing a merger of their services. This new organization will serve sexual assault victims in northwest and north central Minnesota. NMF supported their efforts by providing access to professionals who helped guide the process.

“The level of support we received from NMF helped us to merge quickly and efficiently. The policy and procedure work helped us to focus and better serve our clients – which was our end goal.” –Amanda Ysen, executive director, Support Within Reach.

Many of the region’s nonprofit and public agencies are undergoing leadership changes. In an effort to best meet their changing needs, NMF offers Transitions Technical Assistance in the form of professional coaching or mentoring for the new executive director. Leadership Growth and Development Scholarships are available to organizations or individuals who would benefit from any of these services. Scholarships are available to nonprofit organizations and small businesses located in our 12-county region. (A small business is defined as one that has less than $1 million in gross sales and five or fewer employees.) Scholarship applications and the requirements may be found online at www. nwmf.org. The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is proud to continue to provide support and facilitate development opportunities to the region’s nonprofit organizations. When their valuable services are woven in to strengthen the fabric of our communities, we all benefit from their help in creating a better place to live and work.

Thank you

to those who submitted The Readership Survey from the summer RESOURCE - you provided great feedback! Jean Greseth Kirchner of Park Rapids was drawn as the winner to receive a free night’s stay at the Double Tree in Bemidji and a gift card to Green Mill Restaurant and Bar.

GREENBUSH HOSTS NMF BOARD MEETING Throughout the year, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation Board of Directors meets in the hometowns of its members. In June, the board and staff visited my hometown of Greenbush – to be a part of the community for a day. We began with our regular business meeting at Central Boiler. Next, we were given a tour of the newly expanded facility. NMF’s Business Finance program was an early partner for funding in 1994 – 95. Seeing this company’s great success twenty years later makes us very proud to have been a small part of the initial start up. I am so grateful that NMF serves as a resource to businesses in our region. My board term is now coming to an end, but I am proud of the remarkable work being done in our northwest corner of the state. It has been a privilege to serve on the board for eight years and witness all the ways the programs have made a difference. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the other directors from our twelve-county region who donate their valuable time and team up with a staff to help further the mission of the foundation. Thank you,

Robert Hager

201 3rd St. NW • Bemidji, MN 56601 218.759.2057 Phone • 800.659.7859 MN Only

UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 1

Submit your IDEA Competition application, deadline to register is December 31

www.nwmf.org

SEPTEMBER 25

Fundamentals of Grant Writing, Bemidji

800-659-7859

OCTOBER 7

Cutting Edge Strategies to Engage Volunteers to meet your Mission, Bemidji

OCTOBER 13

Governing Board Boot Camp, Park Rapids

OCTOBER 21

Fundamentals of Grant Writing, Crookston

OCTOBER OR NOV.

Governing Board Boot Camp, Park Rapids

NOVEMBER 5

Northern AdvantEdge Career Expo, Bemidji

NOVEMBER 13

Mindful Matters, Park Rapids

NOVEMBER 17

What do your programs really cost, Crookston

NOVEMBER 17

Nonprofit Assistance Fund, open office hours, Bemidji

NOVEMBER 18

What do your programs really cost, Bemidji

DECEMBER 2

Social Enterprise, Crookston

DECEMBER 3

Social Enterprise, Bemidji