A Trusted Partner in Philanthropy
The FM Area Foundation is a community foundation serving Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota. Since 1960, they've helped individuals, families, and businesses give back to the community through charitable funds, grants, and scholarships—often in partnership with professional advisors who connect their clients to the Foundation as part of their charitable planning. By supporting local nonprofit organizations and addressing community needs now and for future generations, the FM Area Foundation is a trusted partner in building a stronger, more vibrant region through philanthropy.
OUR MISSION OUR VISION
The FM Area Foundation began in 1960 and has granted over $96 million to deserving charities, near and far. Our vision is to bring that number to $250 million invested in creating a vibrant community.
We help donors maximize their philanthropy to create a vibrant community full of opportunities for everyone.
Dear Friends and Partners,
As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, one word rises above all others: trust. In an ever-changing world, your continued belief in our mission has allowed us to remain a trusted partner in philanthropy—one committed not just to giving, but to giving with purpose, integrity, and measurable impact.
This year, we celebrated milestones that reaffirm the power of generosity. Thanks to our donors, fundholders, and community partners, we distributed over $7 million in grants to organizations addressing critical needs—from education and the arts to basic human services and community development. The impact of these investments is evident in the lives changed, opportunities created, and the sense of hope fostered throughout our region.
Looking ahead, we are excited to embark on our 65th anniversary year in 2025—a time to celebrate our legacy while embracing the future of philanthropy. We remain committed to evolving with the needs of our community, fostering strategic partnerships, and ensuring that charitable resources continue to serve as a force for good for generations to come.
None of this would be possible without you—our fundholders, donors, professional advisor partners, nonprofits, and community leaders. Your trust and support empower us to fulfill our mission, and we are honored to serve as stewards of your generosity.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community.
With gratitude, Eric
Wilkie Executive Director, FM Area Foundation
Katrina Turman Lang Board Chair, FM Area Foundation
NEW FUNDS IN 2024
Art & Soul Special Projects Fund
Borowicz/Krantz Fund
Brad & Carrie Jacobson Family Giving Fund
Bruce & Shirley Johnson Legacy Fund
Catholic Charities North Dakota QuasiEndowment Fund
Community Center Library Fund
Earlyne & Carrie Hector Fund
Fix It Forward Ministry Permanent Endowment Fund
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Permanent Endowment Fund
Gerhardson, Bev and Lloyd W. Paulson
Augustana Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls Fund
Grace Lutheran School Building & Maintenance Fund
Haley’s Hope Permanent Endowment Fund
Helen & Sherman Odegard Memorial Cemetery Fund
Helen & Sherman Odegard Memorial Giving Fund
Helen & Sherman Odegard Memorial Scholarship Fund
Imagination Library by the Fargo Rotary Club
Legal Fees For Women in Crisis Fund
McTaggart Family Fund
Mrs. J Music Education Fund
Paulson, Lloyd W. (P) & Bev (Gerhardson) Parkers Prairie Event Center Fund
Ross and Rachel Meland Family Charitable Fund
Steven and Sheila Anonsen Charitable Gift Fund
Taylor Rosenfeldt Memorial Scholarship Fund
Time Span Community Fund
Tom Burton & Peggy O’Neill Legacy Fund
2024 Board of Directors
Katrina Turman-Lang, Chair
John Stern, Secretary
Gary Nolte, Treasurer
April Walker, Immediate Past Chair
Marilyn Guy
Don Haugen
Brian Hayer
Matthew Leiseth
Toni Sandin
Sher Thomsen
Sandy Korbel, Trustee Representative
Staff
Eric Wilkie, Executive Director
Patty Mastel, Director of Finance & Operations/CFO
Lexi Oestreich, Director of Philanthropy
Michelle Johnson, Director of Marketing & Communications
Jamie Olson, Donor Services Associate
Ashley Bjordahl, Office Manager
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.
Future Generations EMPOWERING
With the FM Area Foundation, you can create a legacy fund that passes on the values of giving to future generations. Your support can help strengthen local organizations that promote education, growth, and opportunity which in turn builds a better community for tomorrow.
THE JOY OF GIVING:
The Meagher Family’s Philanthropic Journey
For Mike and Ashley Meagher, giving back is more than just an act of generosity; it’s a way of life. Rooted in gratitude and a desire to see others thrive, their commitment to philanthropy is deeply personal.
“We’ve been given a lot, and we want to use what we have to help others thrive too,” they share. “When people and communities do well, everyone benefits.”
The Meagher’s make giving a family value, engaging their two young children in the process. One of their most meaningful moments this past year was a December conversation with their kids, in which they asked, “Where would you like to make a difference?” Their children chose to support people experiencing homelessness, and together, they used their donor-advised fund at the FM Area Foundation to make a meaningful gift.
“Watching them light up and feel proud of that decision was something we won’t forget,” says Ashley.
Philanthropy at Home and Work
Giving isn’t just a family value for the Meagher’s; it’s woven into their professional lives as well. Mike is part of Sagency, a company dedicated to developing leaders and fostering healthy organizations.
“We really want to do well as a business and do good at the same time,” Mike explains. “As our business grows, our giving can grow right alongside it.”
Their partnership with the FM Area Foundation has provided a structured yet flexible way to support the causes they care about. Whether it’s donating appreciated stock or aligning charitable contributions with tax planning, the Foundation’s expertise has made giving easier and more strategic.
“The FM Area Foundation is rooted in this community. They know the needs, they know the nonprofits, and they’re incredibly easy to work with,” Mike says.
Looking to the Future
As the Meagher’s continue their giving journey, they encourage others to explore philanthropy through the FM Area Foundation.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out; just start the conversation,” Ashley advises. “The team is approachable and helpful, no matter where you are in your giving journey.”
For their family, philanthropy is about more than financial support—it’s about fostering gratitude, experiencing joy, and strengthening their community for future generations.
Learn how you can start your own fund. Contact: Lexi Oestreich 701.234.0756 | lexi@areafoundation.org
FUSE GRANT: Empowering Education Through 'Back to School 2.0'
SAVE THE DATE
Back to School 3.0
August 6th, 2025
Through a partnership grant from the Funders Network and grant from a FM Area Foundation fundholder, we helped Families United For Self Empowerment (FUSE) support Back to School 2.0, an initiative ensuring students have the resources they need to start the school year strong. This program provided 539 backpacks filled with school supplies to families facing financial hardship, ensuring that every child had the tools to succeed in the classroom.
The Back-to-School Connect 2.0 event was designed to be more than just a distribution of school supplies—it was a holistic community support initiative that addressed the educational, health, and safety needs of underserved families.
• School Registration Assistance
• Health and Safety Services
• Resource Distribution
• Emergency Preparedness
• Haircuts and Grooming Services
• Children’s Activities and Entertainment
“FM Area Foundation is far more than a funder—they are true partners in community transformation. Without their support, FUSE could never have realized our vision for Back to School Connect or fulfilled our mission of serving underserved families. Mr. Wilkie and his team mentor small nonprofits like ours with genuine care, building bridges between donors and organizations while amplifying voices that would otherwise go unheard. Their investment in FUSE has directly empowered hundreds of lowincome families and children with special healthcare needs, allowing us to focus on creating a thriving community,” said Victoria Johnson, FUSE Executive Director.
539 backpacks filled with school supplies
The Funders Network Mission is to leverage philanthropy’s unique potential to help create communities and regions that are sustainable, prosperous, healthy and just for all people.
The Fedje Family
The FM Area Foundation extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Fedje family for their generous support of youth in our community.
In 2024, they continued their legacy of giving through a grant to FUSE for the Back to School 2.0 event, helping local students start the year strong. We also offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Noel Fedje. His commitment to making a difference will not be forgotten, and the young people he helped empower will continue to feel his impact.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Fedje Family, the Funders Network, and the FM Area Foundation, FUSE’s Back-to-School Connect 2.0 reached hundreds of families, providing critical resources and a renewed sense of hope for the school year. Their support not only fueled the success of this event but also strengthened our year-round capacity to serve the community. Together, we’re creating pathways for families to thrive and building a stronger, more inclusive Fargo-Moorhead.”
Victoria Johnson, FUSE Executive Director
Noel & Judy Fedje
Movement & Imagination EMPOWERING
These are just a few of the donor-advised funds and fiscal sponsorships that have positively impacted our community in 2024, inspiring movement and imagination.
ROTARY NATURAL PLAY HILL AND BIKE PARK: A Space for Adventure
A grant from a donor-advised fund at the FM Area Foundation helped make a new space for outdoor adventure has come to life.
The Rotary Natural Play Hill and Bike Park, in Moorhead, MN, ensures the community has access to a high-quality, engaging outdoor space.
This dynamic park, designed to inspire creativity and movement, provides children and families with a unique, natural play environment featuring hills for climbing, biking trails, and unstructured exploration spaces.
Thanks to the generosity of local donors, Moorhead’s newest park is not just a place to play— it’s a space where memories are made, confidence is built, and kids can embrace the joy of movement.
Gary Nolte & John Stern, FMAF Board Members
A SKATEBOARDING COMMUNITY: Physical, Mental and Social Benefits for All
In 2024, the North Dakota Skateboarding Association (NDSA) had an incredible year. The FM Area Foundation has served as NDSA's Fiscal Sponsor since their inception. NDSA works to grow skateboarding among youth and highlight its physical, mental, and social benefits.
The organization hosted a variety of skate sessions, including Women’s Meetups and Youth Skate Sessions, and launched its first sold-out youth skate camp. A highlight of the year was the pop-up skatepark at Fargo’s Night Bazaar, where skaters of all ages jumped in—some mastering tricks, others stepping on a board for the first time.
One unforgettable moment featured a 5-year-old girl who, after trying skateboarding for the first time, refused to stop. She listened, learned, and kept pushing herself until she could skate over an obstacle on her own. As she left, NDSA surprised her with her own skateboard, and her joyful screams filled the street. Weeks later, her mother shared, “You changed my daughter’s life. She won’t stop skateboarding.”
This is what building a skateboarding community looks like.
“Working with the FMAF has proven to be invaluable as we have established the NDSA over the past several years. Not only did they act as our fiscal sponsor while we waited our nonprofit status, but their team provided us with such valuable nonprofit insights that we couldn’t find anywhere else.”
- Tom Kemmer, Founder NDSA
Future Community Impact Plans
In 2025 their primary goal is to build and open the only public, indoor skatepark in the state of North Dakota and within a 200-mile radius of Fargo-Moorhead. Thanks to generous individual and corporate donors, the NDSA continues to create more skateboarding opportunities to support youth mental and physical health. Once open, the park will host national events, drawing visitors and boosting regional tourism.
IMAGINATION LIBRARY: Bringing the Joy of Reading to Fargo’s Children
In 2024, the FM Area Foundation partnered with the Fargo Rotary Club to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library back to Fargo, ensuring more young children have access to books at home. As the fiscal sponsor for this initiative, we are proud to support this program that provides free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Right now, the program is specifically serving families in the 58102-zip code, with plans to expand its reach in the future. Early childhood literacy is a critical foundation for future success, and thanks to this partnership, families in our community can now enroll in a program that has impacted millions of children nationwide. Together, we are opening new chapters for young readers and empowering the next generation through the magic of books.
“Thanks to the partnership with the FM Area Foundation, the Fargo Rotary Club is able to bring the gift of reading to nearly 300 kids in north Fargo, each and every month! Studies have shown again and again the benefits of reading in positive child development and promotion of family time. The Fargo Rotary Club decided to bring Imagination Library back to north Fargo in late 2024, six months later we are thrilled with the enrollment and as well the comments we are hearing from local families! For kids to get age-appropriate books delivered to their home with their name each month is an experience that is special to all children!” Travis Christopher, Fargo Rotary Club Member
2024 GRANTS BY CATEGORY
Each year, the FM Area Foundation awards grants to nonprofits of all sizes and missions across Cass County, ND, and Clay County, MN, supporting efforts that improve lives and strengthen communities.
The totals shown reflect a combination of our competitive grants and donor-directed funding through Donor Advised and Designated Funds.
$7,013,497 Total Granted
Community & Leadership EMPOWERING
The FM Area Foundation team is deeply committed to supporting the community and creating lasting, positive changes. This year, they embraced several opportunities to give back.
A Season of Community at the Red River Market
The Red River Market has become a staple of summer in downtown Fargo, bringing fresh produce, local artisans, and live entertainment for thousands of visitors each week.
In addition to fostering a vibrant marketplace, the FM Area Foundation helped sponsor new blue blocks for the children’s play area, creating an interactive space where kids could build, explore, and engage in creative play while their families enjoyed the market. With over 110,000 visitors and over 96 vendors participating in 2024, the market continues to be a place where our community comes together to connect, support local businesses, and celebrate Fargo’s unique culture.
The team surprised 4 Luv of Dog Rescue with a surprise grant, helping them continue their important work of rescuing and rehoming animals in the community. They also proudly supported Red River Ambucs' 100th bike presentation, helping provide specially adapted bikes for children with disabilities—creating a lifechanging experience for these young recipients.
In another show of community support, the team attended lunch at Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe, where they enjoyed a delicious meal while supporting the cafe’s mission of providing nutritious meals to those in need. They also took part in the Caters for Taters lunch, supporting Farm in the Dell, an organization that provides employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in an inclusive farm setting.
This year, FM Area Foundation proudly supported Hope Blooms by helping fund a new delivery van, ensuring that their mission of spreading joy and encouragement could reach even more people. Hope Blooms repurposes donated flowers into beautiful bouquets, hand delivering them to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities.
4 Luv of Dog Rescue, Red River Ambucs, Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe, Farm
in the Dell, Hope Blooms
Spreading Holiday Cheer with Purpose
In lieu of a traditional Christmas party, the Foundation sponsored two families through the YWCA of Cass Clay, providing a muchneeded lift during the holidays. This effort aligns with their core values of community empowerment and support for those in need.
"We are grateful for the generosity of the FM Area Foundation team. Their kindness created lasting joy by adopting two families staying at YWCA Cass Clay during the holidays. Their support reminds us of the power of giving and the difference we make in each other’s lives. Together, we lift hearts and help build brighter futures for survivors of domestic violence in our community.”
-Jill DeVries,
The team also participated in the Fraser Festival of Trees, where they decorated a tree to help bring a little holiday cheer to a family in need—reinforcing their commitment to spreading kindness during the season of giving.
This year, we were proud to sponsor the 2024 Fargo AirSho, an event that not only entertained thousands but also raised funds for the Fargo Air Museum Featuring the awe-inspiring U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the AirSho brought excitement and economic activity to our region while supporting a local nonprofit.
As part of our commitment to supporting local events, we also used AirSho passes as a special thank-you gift for new fundholders and referral partners, reinforcing our dedication to investing in the community.
Development Officer, YWCA Cass Clay
Fraser, Ltd.
By choosing experiences like the AirSho for our traditional gifting, we celebrate local impact while strengthening relationships with those who help further our mission.
EMPOWERING GENEROSITY
Together
PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR PARTNERS
In 2024, we built on a simple but powerful belief: that lasting change is only possible when it's rooted in trust. That’s why every dollar we steered, every partnership we forged, and every story we shared reflected one unwavering commitment—to serve as a reliable, transparent, and accountable philanthropic partner.
And that trust so often begins with you. Our Professional Advisor Partners are more than collaborators—you are trusted guides who help your clients turn personal values into lasting impact. Since 2019, advisors like you have referred 96 charitable funds. Each one represents a moment of connection, compassion, and commitment to this place we call home.
You empower your clients to give with purpose. We empower them to give with confidence.
The Foundation’s ongoing dedication to volunteerism and philanthropy highlights its strong belief in making a tangible difference right here in the FM area. Through these acts of service, the FM Area Foundation team continues to be an active force for good, making meaningful contributions that uplift the community and create lasting change.
Thank you for walking alongside us and for creating generosity that will shape our community for generations to come.
Fargo AirSho, Saeger Family
HONORING SERVICE: FM Area Foundation Distinguished Board of Directors Scholarship
We are proud to introduce the Distinguished Board of Directors Scholarship to honor the dedicated service of distinguished board members who have completed three full terms with the FM Area Foundation. Beginning in 2025 and in the year following a board member’s 3-term service, we will award a $500 scholarship to individuals working with or employed by a nonprofit in Cass County, ND, or Clay County, MN.
This year, we are pleased to recognize two exceptional leaders:
Financial Literacy & Accounting Scholarship
Established in honor of Don Haugen, whose passion for accounting, auditing, and financial literacy has strengthened nonprofit financial stewardship.
Board Governance & Ethics Scholarship
Created in honor of Dr. Marilyn Guy, whose dedication to board service, fiduciary responsibility, and ethics has shaped strong nonprofit leadership.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Don Haugen and Dr. Marilyn Guy for their outstanding service on the FM Area Foundation Board and numerous committees. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing our mission, and we are honored to celebrate their legacy.
“I wanted to share my sincere gratitude for being selected for a Noridian scholarship. I was thrilled to learn the news and am grateful as it will assist in enabling me to pursue my dream of becoming a High School Teacher. I am looking forward to entering MSUM Moorhead this fall to begin the next chapter. Again, I would like to thank Noridian for their generosity and please accept my sincerest appreciation for both the scholarship and the opportunity you have provided to me and other students.”
Alexander Goltz- 2024 Noridian Employees Credit Union - Noridian Fund
Don Haugen & Marilyn Guy
FM AREA CARING CATALOG:
Nears
$1.5 Million Raised for Local Nonprofits
In 2024, the FM Area Caring Catalog continued its tradition of spreading generosity and making a difference, raising $315,000 for local nonprofits and bringing the campaign’s total impact to nearly $1.5 million since its inception in 2018.
This annual, end-of-year giving campaign makes charitable giving easy and impactful. **100% of every donation goes directly to the nonprofits**. Organizations are not charged to participate, ensuring they receive the full benefit of community support.
SAVE THE DATE!
September 29 th THROUGH December 2 nd 2025
The 2024 campaign was powered by 29 generous sponsors, including two GivingTuesday sponsors, who contributed a combined $60,000 to elevate the campaign and spotlight the critical work happening across our region.
Over the past seven years, the FM Area Caring Catalog has become a beloved
local tradition rooted in kindness, community, and the belief that we can do better when we give together.
“The Caring Catalog has become more than a campaign—it’s a celebration of generosity in our community,” said Michelle Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications at the FM Area Foundation. “Reaching nearly $1.5 million raised shows the incredible heart of our region and the collective impact we can make when we come together to support local nonprofits.”
“At Western State Bank, we believe in the power of giving back to the communities we serve. Supporting the FM Area Foundation’s Caring Catalog allows us to directly contribute to the incredible work of local nonprofits, ensuring they have the resources needed to provide vital programs and services. Partnering with a trusted organization like the FM Area Foundation gives us confidence that funds are reaching those who need them most, strengthening our community and creating lasting impact. We are proud to play a role in supporting the dedicated organizations that make our region a better place for everyone.”
Matthew Oachs, Market President, Western State Bank
$96.1 MILLION Grants Awarded to Date
$233 MILLION
Total Contributions to Date
$126 MILLION
Total Assets
523 Charitable Component Funds
73% of Funds are Endowed
Making a difference today, tomorrow and forever!
Our complete audited financials and 990 can be found on our website, areafoundation.org/about-us/financials/, or by contacting our office at 701.234.0756.
The FM Area Foundation’s assets are held and invested at the following financial institutions.
(As of Dec. 31, 2024)
Alerus Financial
Bell Bank
BMO
Bremer Bank
Edward Jones
Great Valley Advisor Group
Greater Midwest Financial Group
Heartland Trust Company
Merrill Lynch
Prairiewood Wealth Management
Schmidt Wealth Management
Thoreson Steffes Trust Company
U.S. Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
Wells Fargo Advisors
USB Financial Services
HOW FM AREA FOUNDATION WORKS
CONTINUE TO GROW YOUR FUND
Contribute to Your Fund
Leave an Estate Gift Crowdfunding
MATTERS TO YOU?
Offer Scholarships
Support High Impact Initiatives
Basic Human Needs
Education
Animal Welfare
Arts, Culture & Creativity
Health & Wellness
Religion
Youth
Environment
GENEROUS DONORS CREATE A FUND
Individuals & Families
Corporations
Private Foundations
Nonprofit Organizations
Donor Advised Scholarship Designated Field of Interest
Nonprofit Agency Unrestricted Fund
