The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, facilitates collaboration and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.
Jason Carlson, Chair
Bruce Reeves, Vice Chair
Connie Lindstrom, Treasurer
Cheri Gunvalson, Secretary
Alisha Everwind
Christine Imbra
Jill Johnson
Mike LaRoque
Kyle Larson
Jack Swanson
Kristi Thorfinnson
Deb Zak
The heart of a vibrant community is the people who uplift one another — those who see a challenge and come together to meet it, those who turn an idea into something meaningful, and those who share their time, talents, and resources to create lasting impact. Every day, we witness the generosity, collaboration, and care that make this region such a special place.
Throughout this issue, you’ll find stories of people who embody this spirit — entrepreneurs who took a leap with the support of others, communities that have come together to create new possibilities, and individuals who make a difference in quiet but profound ways. Their stories remind us that none of us succeeds in isolation. When we connect, support, and invest in one another, we all move forward.
At Northwest Minnesota Foundation, we believe that when people are supported, possibilities grow. Whether it’s a business owner taking a leap, a student pursuing a dream, or a community finding new ways to flourish, we are here to help. But the real difference comes from you — from your willingness to invest in each other, to share what you know, and to create opportunities for those around you.
Your work, your dreams, and your generosity enrich this place we call home. Thank you for all that you do.
“ Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller
After more than 30 years of advancing philanthropy and strengthening communities and nonprofits, Dawn Ganje, our Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, has announced her intention to retire at the end of August.
“Dawn has been a driving force in growing philanthropy across our region,” said Karen White, NMF President/CEO.
“She has been a steadfast champion for nonprofits, fund volunteers, and donors alike – helping to grow resources that strengthen our communities today and for generations to come."
Dawn’s relationship with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation began more than 25 years ago, first as a consultant leading training and development workshops to equip local volunteers and nonprofit leaders with the tools and skills to grow their impact. In 2009, she joined NMF full-time, first working to build the capacity of nonprofits and leaders in Northwest Minnesota. She later dedicated herself to our family of funds, supporting our volunteers and working with donors to guide them in leaving a meaningful legacy here at home.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the individuals, nonprofits, and communities that make our region such a special place to live and work,” Dawn said. “Together, we’ve helped create meaningful change and build a brighter future.”
Our subsidiary community land trust, North Star Neighbors, has completed construction of its first two homes, both in Thief River Falls.
Construction is continuing on two more homes in Thief River Falls and two more in Red Lake Falls. Our next phase of work will include new homes in East Grand Forks and Roseau.
Visit NorthStarNeighbors.org to learn more!
Visit NorthStarNeighbors.org to learn more!
4 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 2,128 square feet
NSN Max Price: $210,000
Market Value: $351,000 (based on 2024 appraisal)
Up to $40,000 in additional down-payment assistance available.
Households qualifying for $170,000 or more are encouraged to apply
*** SALE PENDING! 2 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 1,088 square feet
NSN Max Price: $195,000
Market Value: $286,000 (based on 2024 appraisal)
Up to $25,000 in additional down-payment assistance available.
Households qualifying for $170,000 or more are encouraged to apply
By embracing an old-world milling technique, Chisholm Trail Farm in Gary is taking a fresh approach to farming. Within the year, the fourth-generation farm will debut its own stone mill, bringing grain production full circle — from field to table.
“We’ll raise the crops but we’ll no longer take it to the elevator,” said Mike Chisholm. “Instead, we’ll take it to our own building, clean it, mill it, package it, market it, and sell it.”
Interest in stone-milled products and ancient grains has been growing as consumers seek foods in their traditional forms, said Mike and Brenda Chisholm. Additionally, homesteaders and “prepper”-type individuals are driving demand for whole, unprocessed grains.
“It’s hard for people to understand just how big the Internet is, how big the possibilities are,” Mike said.
So much so that even when meeting other producers, competition isn’t a concern.
“(One producer) said there could be a thousand of us and there will not be enough of us to meet the need,” Brenda said.
“That really encouraged us,” Mike agreed, “to hear that from somebody who is already in the industry, that tells us to keep going, that we’re doing the right thing.”
Established by Mike Chisholm’s greatgrandparents in 1900, the family farmed traditional crops such as corn, beans, and wheat for more than a century.
A shift began in 2005, when Mike first introduced cattle and found that non-GMO corn was easier for the cows to digest. He began experimenting with non-GMO products and found that they allowed for higher premiums and a more diversified product offering.
“It’s incredible to watch these crops grow,” Mike says, “to take a seed and watch it grow into truckloads of grain when it comes off the field.”
“Mike has always liked researching, has always liked learning,” said Brenda, Mike’s wife.
As they began exploring more about ancient grains, Brenda was diagnosed with a health condition that made her unable to digest dairy or gluten. Curious, she decided to test whether their homegrown wheat might be more digestible by milling it herself.
“I milled it here, in my kitchen and made a loaf of bread,” she said. “I had no problems. No bloat, no itching, nothing. From there, things just spiraled.”
The family transitioned to cultivating einkorn and emmer wheat, both ancient grains with lower gluten content that many people find easier to digest.
“We’re living in the bread basket of the world here,” Mike said. “We can grow anything … and we’re growing foods that have never been hybridized – the same seed we’re planting today was planted centuries ago.”
To complete their vision, the Chisholms needed a stone mill. They secured a loan through the Northwest Minnesota Foundation to help fund the construction of the new building that will house the mill and support their expansion.
Was it a risk? Mike doesn’t think so.
“The mill is an excellent opportunity to add value to our farm and other family farms in the area,” Mike said.
The mill will be housed in a 48-foot-by-64-foot building that was intentionally designed for expansion.
“This is just the beginning,” Mike said.
At 18, Mike told his father that he wanted to start packaging and marketing directly to consumers, so his dad, now at 90, isn’t surprised by the family’s new approach to business. “He thinks it’s great,” Mike says.
Learn more online: https://chisholmtrailfarm.com
Buckwheat Groats – Naturally gluten-free with a nutty, earthy flavor. Can be cooked, toasted, added to salads, or used as oatmeal. Can also be milled into flour.
Einkorn Wheat Berries – One of the oldest cultivated grains, unchanged for over 12,000 years. Naturally low in gluten and may be easier to digest. Ideal for whole-grain flour, soups, salads, or porridge.
Hard Red Spring Wheat Berries – High in iron, protein, and fiber. Excellent for baking bread; can also be ground into flour, flaked, or cooked as a side dish.
Rye Berries – An ancient grain ideal for bread, biscuits, and baked goods, with a deep, nutty flavor.
Emmer Wheat Berries – A cereal grain dating back to ancient civilizations. Has a nutty flavor and chewy texture, commonly used in soups, stews, and salads. Can also be milled into flour for bread, pasta, and pancakes.
“It’s the connection with nature,” says Alex Chisholm, speaking to the allure of farming. “It can be a little stressful at times, but, yeah, it’s that connection.” Mike and Brenda’s kids — Alex, 19; Morgan, 21; and Savannah, 22 — represent the fifth generation to work on the family farm.
Motivated by their commitment to health and exercise, the father-and-sons team behind Hammer Fit Gym began to conceptualize their ideal gym while visiting different work out facilities during the pandemic.
Their ideas became reality last summer as they celebrated the opening of Hammer Fit Gym in Park Rapids. The 6,500-square-foot gym offers a mixture of machines and free weights, accessible 24/7 to its members through a cell phone app, though it is staffed during traditional business hours as well.
Bryan Hammitt and his two sons, Tanner, 25, and Tate, 22, already run a successful construction business. They didn’t “need” the gym but it was a passion project that gave the younger generation hands-on business experience, from ideation to business planning to permitting to construction.
“We, as a family, we were like, ‘It’s a huge risk but if we’re presented with green lights and we don’t really hit a lot of red lights, let’s keep going,’” Bryan said. “If we’d have hit a big roadblock and we’d have had to fight and keep fighting for it, then things would have just been wrong as a whole.”
The family was guided and advised throughout the process by Colleen Falk, a consultant with the Northwest Small Business Development Center (NWSBDC).
“(Colleen) helped us with cash flow statements, the business plan, just general advice, everything really,” Bryan said. “She knew Park Rapids really well and … helped us put the whole thing together. We couldn’t have done it without her.”
Through Colleen, they were referred to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF), which was able to offer business lending to support the project. As the host organization for the NWSBDC, NMF provides a natural connection between small business consulting and lending resources. But it’s important to note that NWSBDC consultants ensure their clients explore all available options to best achieve their goals.
Perhaps, though, what helped the Hammitts the most in achieving their vision were each other. Tanner is a U.S. Army Ranger – thus, Hammer Fit is a veteran-owned business – and he envisioned a true powerlifting gym,
but there was also the need to offer a more accessible approach for members not comfortable with free weights.
“We complement each other so well, that’s the best way to put it,” Bryan said of his sons. “Yes, we had a shared vision, but what I didn’t know, they did. What they didn’t know, I could help with.”
The gym is meeting its business projections and is proving quite popular. With membership options that work for year-round residents and seasonal visitors alike, the gym is drawing from a radius larger than originally predicted.
“This has really been 10-out-of-10 experience,” Bryan said.
To learn more about Hammer Fit Gym, visit https://hammerfitgympr.com/
Through NMF, you can access a free subscription to Initiate and explore more than 140 online modules designed to equip small business owners and entrepreneurs for success
Initiate is an online platform that offers tools and resources to help small business owners and entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. With more than 140 modules in four categories, users can explore and learn at their own pace on their own timeframes
1. Visit https://www. initiateprosperity.org/ and click on “Login”
2. Click on the bright orange text that says “Create an Account”
3. When you create your account, select Northwest Minnesota Foundation as the Organization who referred you.
4. Then, choose any of the Advisors on the list (e.g. April, Sarah, Tabi, Tracy)
5. Review the short video before you get started: https://vimeo.com/894149277/213ca96314
The modules within Initiate fall under four categories.
Start Up (24 resources)
Money (41 resources)
Marketing (45 resources)
Management (30 resources)
Resources offered fall into one of the following categories:
Learning Modules: A series of topics related to a specific business concept that allow learners to chronologically follow a curriculum. Content may be a mix of guides, videos, templates, etc.
Videos and Guides: Explanation of key concepts that help learners not only increase their business acumen but also identify the required next steps as related to their business.
Templates and Curriculum: Interactive online tools that allow learners to upload their work, record the time spent on the activity, or enter data and view result in real time. The result can be saved and/or printed by the learner.
The Northwest Small Business Development Center, hosted by Northwest Minnesota Foundation, offers no-cost business consulting to emerging and established small business owners.
Consulting services include the following:
- Financial projections
- Loan packaging
- Accounting and record-keeping
- Market analysis
- Market research
- Strategic marketing
- Strategic planning
- Mergers and acquisitions
Visit https://nwsbdc.org/ and click on “Request Assistance” to get started!
At a SafeTALK training in Clearbrook, Monica McConkey outlined the basic steps anyone can use to recognize the signs to help prevent suicide.
Monica has been hosting a series of safeTALK trainings throughout Northwest Minnesota to equip residents with skills to help save a life. The idea is that anyone, once aware of the signs, can play a role in connecting someone to professional help.
Anyone can be trained to recognize the signs and reach out to a person in crisis. Participants are trained to be “Suicide Prevention Helpers” and are not expected to solve a problem or “fix” anyone”. Rather, they are there
March 26: Mahnomen, 8 a.m. to Noon Register: https://safetalkmahnomen.eventbrite.com
April 10: Grygla, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register: https://gryglamnsafetalk.eventbrite.com
April 14: Lancaster, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register: https://Lancastersafetalk2025.eventbrite.com
April 24: Twin Valley, 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. Register: https://twinvalleysafetalk.eventbrite.com
to listen, determine risk, and connect that person to resources. Suicide is preventable.
Monica holds one of two legislatively funded positions focused on spreading suicide awareness in rural agricultural areas. With suicide rates being 2 to 3 1/2 times greater than the national average in rural areas, safeTALK equips attendees to know how to respond, react, and help, with the goal of preventing suicide.
The training focuses on recognizing the signs exhibited by a suicidal person looking for help, determining if the person is in fact talking about suicide, and creating a safe bridge for that person until further help can be reached.
People living in rural areas experience several factors that decrease the chance of getting help when they need it. Isolation, reduced access to mental health services, jobs or careers that are solitary in nature, and an increased stigma associated with suicide is common in rural areas.
Monica is clear with her messaging: People contemplating suicide almost always ask for help. SafeTALK trainings help with identifying the signals that indicate thoughts of suicide are present and provides clear direction for the next steps.
Research shows that talking about suicide does not increase the risk of someone committing suicide. It is important to be alert to the signs and take them seriously.
Using examples and role-playing, attendees are taught to act as a connector between the person in crisis and mental health professionals.
This is done by following the steps outlined as TALK (safeTALK):
T is for Tell. The person who is contemplating suicide “tells” those around them in some way.
A is for Ask. Be direct. Take the stigma out of suicide and ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
L is for Listen. Often simply being heard is an important intervention for those thinking about suicide. I am listening. This is important.
K is for KeepSafe. It is important to create a safe place for the person who is having thoughts of suicide until additional help can arrive.
Workshops planned to be held in Roseau, Mahnomen, and online.
A series of workshops will identify strategies to bolster community resilience to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) has been involved with disaster philanthropy for 10 year, working to bring partners together across networks. The intention with these workshops is to bring together an array of community members and local leaders to learn more about resiliency and connect with one another.
Every year, communities throughout the U.S. are faced with weather disasters, including floods, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes and hurricanes, and other crises including mass shootings. Yet when a disaster strikes, community members are forced to figure out how to respond, often with little training or preparation.
Individuals, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, private funders and government agencies mobilize in response. Coordinating the resources that each of these stakeholders brings to the table is a challenge every time. Is there a better way to prepare for crises?
This workshop focuses on identifying strategies to bolster overall community resilience in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters with a particular emphasis on marginalized groups. These groups are often disproportionately impacted by disasters and include frontline, low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities.
By considering the intersection of disaster and philanthropy and the role of funders and community in all phases of disaster, we believe we can strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur.
These free workshops will be held:
March 27: Roseau, 1 to 3 p.m. Light lunch will be available.
April 1: Mahnomen, 1 to 3 p.m. Light lunch will be available.
April 3: virtual event, 10 a.m. to Noon
Scan the QR code to visit the event page to register: https://bit.ly/42OA5Cy
As the program officer for domestic funds, Cari Cullen leads the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s domestic grantmaking. Cari previously served as director of the CDP Midwest Early Recovery Fund, leading CDP’s early recovery work and the Native American and Tribal Recovery Program.
During her 15-plus years of nonprofit management experience, Cari has directed diverse teams and projects. She has experience managing volunteers, fostering sustainable partnerships, developing curriculum and training, coordinating multi-state projects and leading national and international programming initiatives.
Cari’s professional disaster recovery experience began in 2012 as the senior program manager for Camp Noah, where she worked with communities affected by disasters to assist them in understanding and meeting the needs of children postdisaster. In her other past roles, Cari served as a disaster case manager, state-wide recovery coordinator and project manager for the Midwest Consortium for Disaster Services. Through these experiences, Cari has developed expertise in postdisaster children’s needs, spiritual and emotional care, mid- to long-term disaster recovery, rural recovery and community needs assessment.
A sought-after speaker on issues related to disaster recovery in low-attention disasters, Cari has presented on a wide variety of topics for groups such as RuralLISC, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, and the Cedar Rapids Area Community Foundation.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) holds more than 128 scholarship opportunities available to students throughout our region. Last year, those funds issued 262 awards, totaling more than $330,000.
Ranging from $500 to $4,000, those scholarships are investing in our community’s future as they support local students working toward achieving their goals.
Ryan Maki, of Solway, a 2024 Bemidji High School graduate, received the TEAM Industries – Don Ricke Scholarship. Now attending North Dakota State University, he is majoring in Electrical Engineering.
NMF: You first had an internship with TEAM Industries. Can you tell us about it?
Thank you for believing in me! … One of my teachers told me that nobody from Kittson Central had received this scholarship before. Wow, what an honor! "
The deadline for most scholarship applications is April 15th We encourage any high school senior considering post-secondary education to explore the opportunities available to them. Every year, we hear from awarded students who say that they never expected a scholarship but were honored to have received one. Our scholarship funds have a range of requirements and funding priorities, including geography, extracurricular interests, and expected field of study. As such, our scholarship portal starts with an Eligibility Quiz through which students can input their information and then see a filtered list of results. From there, they can then choose whether to apply.
How it works:
1. Visit the Scholarships page on the NMF website: https://nwmf.org/grants-scholarships/scholarships/
2. Click on the “Learn More” button next to "Apply through the Scholarship Portal"
3. Create an account (please use a non-school email address!) and get started
4. If you have any difficulties, please email scholarships@nwmf.org
Ryan: For my internship, I worked with TEAM’s mechatronics group. I worked on concept prototyping, with both mechanical and electrical elements. It helped me in a lot of ways, but I would say the most impactful things I learned were industry knowledge and PCB (printed circuit board) design.
NMF: Tell us about your educational and career goals.
Ryan: As of now, I would like to get into computing/ semiconductors, power systems, or battery technology. I’m currently leaning towards the battery technology side of things, but that doesn’t mean I’m restricted to that career alone. I would also happily work with computing/semiconductors or power systems.
NMF: Why is this scholarship meaningful for you?
Ryan: Every scholarship I receive allows me to prioritize my education and career. Scholarships, such as the TEAM scholarship, help alleviate the financial burden of college which gives me more security and flexibility to pursue my educational and career goals.
“ Scholarships, such as the TEAM scholarship, help alleviate the financial burden of college which gives me more security and flexibility to pursue my educational and career goals.”
— Ryan Maki, Solway
By donating to the NMF Impact Fund, Nancy Vyskocil’s gift empowered us to support additional youth residing in emergency shelters. When young adults are able to access stable and secure housing, they have a much better chance to have a strong start in life.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is committed to systems-change work to prevent and end youth homelessness throughout our region. With support from donors who share Nancy’s passion for youth, we can work alongside youth, landlords, and case managers to provide housing options for young adults in need of a new start.
Nancy Vyskocil donated to the NMF Impact Fund to strengthen the Youth Mitigation Fund, with the intention of supporting youth and young adults looking for stable housing.
I act for Youth.″
The Youth Mitigation Fund provides a safety net for youth adults who could be successfully housed with some additional support. The program is open to those young adults aged 16 to 24.
For young adults enrolled in the program, they agree to additional education and oversite while their landlord agrees to work with the tenant and their housing service provider. In exchange, the landlord is eligible to receive financial support in the event of property damage and/or lost rental income.
About the fund: The Youth Mitigation Fund is held at Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) through its Ending Homelessness program. An independent advisory committee manages the mitigation fund program while seeking to build strong relationships with landlords, housing providers, and youth living through homelessness.
“ For many youth, being able to have a place to call their own is the main benefit of the program. Some youth housed through this program have never had their own bed before.”
— Margret Treuer NMF Program Officer Ending Homelessness
Does it work? To date, 19 participants have used the mitigation fund program, each having been housed within 30 days. Results show that 75 percent of the exits from the program have been successful, with only one claim filed.
What challenges do the youth face? A recent evaluation of the program found that 100 percent of the participants enrolled had a negative credit history, 50 percent a criminal history, and 30 percent a negative rental record. More than 35 percent enrolled in the program came from emergency shelters throughout the region.
How you can help: The fund currently serves 18 youth throughout the region and is basically at full capacity. More funding is needed if the fund is to serve more youth. You can support the fund through a donation to the NMF Impact Fund.
201 3rd Street NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
In the second quarter of its fiscal year (October 2024 through December 2024), Northwest Minnesota Foundation granted or loaned out more than $1.3 million into the region.
$860,000 FAMILY OF FUNDS