For Good. For Ever.®

For over 60 years, we have been helping people establish charitable funds to make a meaningful difference in the communities they love. We work with individuals, families, nonprofits, and professional advisors to inspire philanthropy.

Since our inception, we’ve granted out over $80 million to help create vibrant communities. We work with donors to maximize their philanthropy and make giving a simple and rewarding process. We have 450 endowed funds—funds that will be here forever, carrying out the donor’s intent and paying out a percentage each year to support charitable causes. That is the power of endowment and the reason why giving through the FM Area Foundation is a smart investment for the community today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Discover how you can leave a legacy to benefit the charities you love forever.

Our Mission

We help donors maximize their philanthropy to create a vibrant community full of opportunities for everyone.

Our Vision

The FM Area Foundation began in 1960 and has granted over $80 million to deserving charities, near and far. Our vision is to bring that number to $250 million invested in creating a vibrant community.

Our Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

GuideStar, the world's largest nonprofit information source, recognizes organizations with the highest level of transparency through the Platinum Seal of Transparency. By sharing our metrics, we're keeping you, our donors, informed about our progress toward our mission. This allows you to see firsthand how your donations are helping us create a vibrant community full of opportunities for everyone.

Staff

2022 Board of Directors

April Walker, Chair

Toni Sandin, Vice-Chair

Katrina Turman-Lang, Secretary

Gary Nolte, Treasurer

Louise Dardis, Immediate Past Chair

Lisa Bode

Marilyn Guy

Don Haugen

Joel Jorgenson

Matthew Leiseth

Matthew Mohr

John Stern

Sher Thomsen

Sandy Korbel, Trustee Representative

Accredited

The FM Area Foundation is accredited by the Community Foundations National Standards Board. The National Standards ensure the values of community foundations are demonstrated through their commitment to legal compliance, philanthropic best practices, and excellence that benefits communities.