Resource Spring 2014

Northwest Minnesota Foundation ~ Developing Community Assets ~ Serving 12 Counties

Community Fund Profile - Helping Roseau Feel Like Home Caryl Turnow, Development Officer

Years ago, community builders in Roseau came up with a phrase and logo that expressed this sentiment – Feels Like Home. People with a passion for sustaining the qualities that make Roseau a great place

~ Number 63 ~

This is a quarterly publication of Northwest Minnesota Foundation

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

Some of the most passionate songs ever written are based on the topic of home and hometowns. Tunes like the old classic, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, and Jason Aldean’s recent country hit Tattoos on This Town, celebrate home as a big part of who we are.

Aldean’s song states, “this hallowed ground…it’s where we loved, lived and learned real life stuff. It’s everything we’re made of. It sure left its mark on us; we sure left our mark on it.”

The lyrics remind us of how important and deepseated our roots are. We love our hometowns and what they represent: friendship and family ties, great schools and teachers, recreation opportunities, places and people with whom we enjoy making a living; all the facets of small town life that make us stay, or return, and want to linger. They make us who we are. Collectively, we make communities what they are.

Spring 2014

to live and work wanted to help make sure that it stays that way for generations to come.

To this end, the Roseau community and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation have been working hand in hand since 1996. The partnership began when Herb Benz established an education fund with the foundation. The relationship deepened with the flood of 2002, when NMF offered guidance on how donated flood dollars should be effectively spent within the community. In 2004, the Roseau Area Community Fund was established with NMF to help sustain the future of Roseau.

Today the community fund has 17 funds under its umbrella – all working to support the quality of life in Roseau. Eleven of those funds are for scholarships, which have provided a total of $51,850 for 122 graduates to further their educations. Five other funds help to support the community, providing grants specifically for education, the parks, the library, youth hockey, and the senior center. The general fund supports the nonprofits in the Roseau area and can provide grant dollars to a variety of (Continued on page 4)

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION 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 Kristin Eggerling Edie Ramstad

Message from the President

Nancy Vyskocil

At the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, our organization’s mission includes a very important element – partnership. And we like to take that element one step further as we aim to facilitate collaboration in our region.

Being a respectful partner includes collaborating with a network of organizations, agencies and groups to encourage positive change.

NMF enjoys productive relationships with organizations that are active in the region and work cooperatively in various configurations to accomplish mutual objectives. Because there are fewer agencies and nonprofits in a rural area like ours, personal familiarity is not only possible, but critical to effectively working together. We believe that our collaborations speak well of the foundation’s track record as a trusted resource, an effective advocate and a valued institution. No doubt it also reflects the esteem in which we hold our partners.

There are many ways NMF partners with organizations throughout the region. Coming up on April 24th, we are eager to celebrate the 6th Annual IDEA Competition. The extraordinary event that would not be possible without the collaboration of those who sponsor the competition, volunteer to judge the winners and who work to organize the event. Partnering with the IMPACT 20/20 Leadership Council is a collaboration recently noted in the regional and statewide media due to the release of its Study of Business Broadband Use in Northwest Minne-

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sota. This is an issue that impacts the region and is a high priority for NMF and widely important to the success of our region’s business community.

As noted in this newsletter, we have established a partnership with the Northwest Small Business Development Center, housing their offices within the foundation’s Bemidji headquarters. We work closely with both the Headwaters Regional Development Commission and the Northwest Regional Development Commission on issues relating to community development, health care and housing. We also work hand in hand with banks throughout the region to provide financing for new and expanding businesses in all their shapes and forms.

There is always a focus to keep our children and youth top of mind. Working with our Early Childhood Initiative community coalitions has been a focus for more than ten years, and it will continue into the future. And this list makes no attempt to include the hundreds of individuals and organizations with which we have developed over 300 community and component funds.

Partnership and volunteerism is what breathes life into a public community foundation. I want to thank each of you for helping us achieve our mission to make Northwest Minnesota an even better place to live, work and play!

Thank you,

Nancy

Asset Building Grants Grants totaling $236,828 were awarded from November 2013 – February 2014 Caring Communities Total: $1,328 CLIMB Theatre - For Twisted Ride to Nowhere

Community Connections Total: $18,000 For Boys & Girls Club of Bemidji Area Career Launch

Community Planning: $11,650 Beltrami County Housing & Redevelopment Authority For mobile home replacement planning and pilot project City of Bagley Bagley senior housing market analysis

Natural Resources Total: $20,000 Individual Effectiveness The Nature Conservancy, Minnesota Chapter for Caribou Wildlife Management Area Conservation Grazing

Component Fund Total: $93,200 23 grants awarded Scholarship Award Total: $92,650 136 scholarships awarded

Component Fund Grants are now found online at www.nwmf.org under Component Fund menu.

Developing Community Assets - Serving 12 Counties

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Community Fund Profile - Helping Roseau Feel Like Home (Continued from page 1)

programs and projects; together, these six funds have distributed $130,000 in grants and project dollars back to the community.

2014 marks the 10th anniversary for the Roseau Area Community Fund.

And while a lot has been accomplished in those ten years, according to the advisory committee Chairperson Sarah Klimt, “we are still not able to fully meet the needs of our community. There is continual demand for more grant dollars.” Klimt said, “For that reason, the advisory committee has set an attainable goal to add $200,000 to the endowment this year.”

By raising those dollars, NMF will provide a match, contributing $20,000 to the endowment. Other local match dollars are being sought as well.

What is the end result? “We will more than double the current amount in our funds so we can grant more dollars to support the Roseau community each year,” Klimt said.

In some cases, money is needed to pay for specific projects. Roseau’s gazebo park is a great example of ongoing fundraising that is being used immediately to improve the community. However, once that money is spent, new money needs to be raised. Endowment gifts are an investment in the community. The money will grow, due to higher interest rates on dollars that are invested for a long term. These earnings can be used for upgrades to the community.

Our communities need to stay viable and attractive, which includes offering employment opportunities, a strong healthcare system, and an excellent school system. We need good infrastructure and convenient shopping. We want to feel safe and connected, in the place we call home. Residents want a place to work and play – and they need recreational and cultural opportunities, too! A healthy community brings our children back home and attracts new people. Roseau is fortunate to have a community with such offerings.

Photos courtesy of the City of Roseau and Annette Hermansen.

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Here is a partial listing of RACF grants awarded in just the past two years: Grantee

Project or Activity

Roseau Area Friends of the Library

Large Permanent Steel Sculpture

Roseau Area Friends of the Library

Northwest Regional Library E-Book Collection

Occupational Development Center

Office Enhancement

Malung Township

Malung CC Light Revitalization

Roseau Eagles Auxiliary (2 yrs.)

Gas Cards for Cancer Travel

City of Roseau

Gazebo, Benches, Tables and Shrubbery

City of Roseau

Gazebo Park Concert Program

Roseau School District

Picnic Tables at Playground

Boy Scouts Troop #56

Tents for Summer Camp

Roseau Lions

Pioneer Farm Playground Equipment

Roseau Area Friends of the Library

E-Audio Collection

Roseau County Extension

Around the World Adventures-Day Camp-4H

Roseau County Historical Society

Summer Explorers Museum Program

Roseau School District

Accelerated Math Program

Roseau County Pioneer Farm and Village, Inc.

Building and Grounds Maintenance

Wannaska Community Center

Tables, Chairs, and Sound System

Malung School Community Center

Outdoor Recreation Area

Roseau School District

Roseau Ramblers Wrestling Clothing/Uniforms

The foundation is proud to be associated with such a successful fund that is having a great impact in the community.

Continuing this relationship is a high priority that helps achieve the organization’s mission. With future growth, the fund can accomplish great things and funding for even more projects like those listed.

NMF works with many community funds in the 12-county service area and helps their advisory committees share best practices with each other. The foundation has the capacity and expertise to provide important administrative services, investment management services, consulting services, and donor services for its community funds. These are provided in a very effective and cost-efficient manner. We encourage people to leave an imprint on their community by giving financially or with their time.

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Business Development Program Business Loans

Technical Assistance

One loan was made in the amount of: $150,000

Five businesses from Bemidji, Roseau, Ada and Crookston received a total of $3,397.

LaValley Industries, LLC Funds for development of two products

Microloans

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

Seven loans were made totaling: $149,000.00 St. Michael Retail Group, Inc., Bemidji

Minnesota Nice Café, Bemidji

Cutting Edge Performance, East Grand Forks

Tom’s Tackle, Inc., Baudette

Bev’s Family Bakery, Thief River Falls

Laporte Grocery & Meats, Inc., Laporte Big River Scoop Ice Cream, Bemidji

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation Expands Partnership with the Northwest Small Business Development Center The Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC) is now being housed within NMF’s headquarters in downtown Bemidji.

The two entities will jointly serve clients in the Northwest region. NWSBDC is helping businesses grow and succeed in the 12 county area of Northwest Minnesota while undergoing some changes itself. The University of Minnesota Duluth Center for Economic Development became the host for the NWSBDC on January 1, 2014.

“This is a partnership that will better serve the region through the synergy created by having two significant small business resources under one roof,” said NMF President, Nancy Vyskocil.

THE NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION HAS REFURBISHED COMPUTERS AVAILABLE FOR NONPROFITS. Contact LaRae Maddox, laraem@nwmf.org or call 218-759-2057 for information.

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IDEA Competition Announces 2014 Finalists The IDEA Competition has released the names of its 2014 finalists who will now move into the final phase of the competition: Addy-Olly, LLC - Cynthia J. Krankkala, Thief River Falls Berd’s Innovations, LLC – Coreen Berdahl, Red Lake Falls CR Data Solutions – Robert Cloose, Bagley Lamplighter Hockey, LLC – Tim Slukynsky, Warroad Scratch My Aspen – Marina Lovell, Laporte Skyrocker Telescope – Donald Miller, Roseau Szurpicki Lawn Services LLC - John Szurpicki, Bemidji This year’s winners will be selected by a judging panel comprised of members from three area equity funds, bankers, successful entrepreneurs, and business development professionals. The panel will choose up to three winners who will each receive $10,000 to advance their business idea, plus additional technical assistance.

Winners will be announced at the IDEA Competition Awards Banquet to be held April 24, from 5:008:30 p.m. at the Sanford Event Center in Bemidji.

For more information on the IDEA Competition Awards Banquet or to register, go to www.ideacompetition.org.

Don Ricke will be posthumously inducted into the IDEA Hall of Fame. Ricke was the founder of TEAM Industries, a vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing company that has been providing good paying jobs in several rural Minnesota communities, and driving innovation in performance and reliability‐ enhancing components for nearly half a century.

IDEA assists the most promising local entrepreneurs in the commercialization of innovative products, processes and deliveries by connecting them to the best resources available along with access to the capital it takes to launch a successful venture.

IDEA sponsors are: 360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence, Arvig, Border State Bank, Bremer Bank Crookston and Warren, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Minnkota Power Cooperative Inc., NID Inc., Northwest Regional Development Commission, Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center, Ultima Bank Minnesota, University of Minnesota Crookston, and Wells Fargo.

Keynote speaker for the evening will be Edie Ramstad, owner and founder of Weave Got Maille, a business which manufactures and sells chainmaille jewelry supplies.

In less than two years of being in business, she has established customers in 56 countries for her rapidly growing venture.

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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Bemidji, MN 56601 Permit No. 36

201 3rd St. NW Bemidji, MN 56601

Upcoming NMF Events Register at www.nwmf.org or call 800-659-7859

April 4 - Thriving Despite Adversity: Adverse Childhood Experiences April 23 - Northern AdvantEdge Career Expo – Postponed.

April 22 & 23 - Nonprofit Assistance Fund Open Office Hours April 24 - Idea Banquet April 24 & 25 - 2014 United for Childrens Conference April 29 - Professional Advisor Seminar, Bemidji May 1 - Professional Advisor Seminar, Crookston May 2 - Professional Advisor Seminar, Thief River Falls Due to scheduling and weather related complications, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation will host the Northern AdvantEdge Career Expo November 5, 2014.

NMF offers Leadership Growth and Development Scholarships – designed to help build the capacity and service depth of the region’s NPOs and small businesses. For more information, visit our website at www.nwmf.org/leadership-development or contact Dawn Ganje at dawng@nwmf.org