Northwest Minnesota Foundation ~ Developing Community Assets ~ Serving 12 Counties
Northwest Minnesota Foundation Awards Grant to White Earth Land Recovery Project
Summer 2013 ~ Number 61 ~
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.
From left to right: Nate Dorr, NMF, Winona LaDuke, WELRP Director, Daryl Frazier, WELRP CFO, Bill May, Red Lake Nation Fisheries Manager
The White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP) was awarded a $20,000 grant by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) to study the market and potential building needs for a fish-based fertilizer product. The fertilizer would use fish waste produced at the Red Lake Fisheries facility in Redby. Each year about 200,000 to 300,000 pounds of organic waste is created from the fisheries. Nitrogen and other nutrients from the decaying fish are, in fact, traditional fertilizers used by native peoples. The grant will help determine how this fish waste can be processed, assess the nutrient makeup of the product, what type of facility is needed and what type of market exists for the product. “The hope is to get a plant fertilizer product ready for market in the next year or so,” said Winona LaDuke, project coordinator. “We have been hauling fish waste from Red Lake for our own use as we plant different varieties of heritage corn. With this funding, we can now test this on a larger scale.”
Red Lake Nation Fisheries and WELRP have met to discuss what existing equipment can be repurposed at the fishery. Containing the smell of the fish waste is a concern that will be addressed when determining possible facility design and location. The overall size of the facility will be determined by this feasibility study, but is not expected to require much space or high tech equipment. “This project aligns with the value-added agriculture component of our Natural Resources Grant Program,” said Nate Dorr, NMF program officer for grants. “WELRP is a good steward of the land and connecting people to Native practices. There is great potential for partnership and support from other entities as well.” The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute and Headwaters Regional Development Commission are contributing time and expertise to the feasibility study.
Northwest Minnesota Foundation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert J. Hager, Chair Faye Auchenpaugh, Vice Chair Laurie Wilson, Secretary Judy Roy, Treasurer Jody Horntvedt Jon Quistgaard Leah Pigatti Jon Linnell Tom Anderson Pete Haddeland Cathy Forgit Kristin Eggerling
Volunteer Fund Raising Works to Make A Difference in Our Communities City parks with green grass, playgrounds, water parks and swimming pools. These features in a community all bring images or memories of play and fun times for kids of all ages. Northwest Minnesota Foundation is supporting project funds that are the result of strong desires and great ideas to improve community recreation. Project funds are established with a single purpose: to house donations over a short time period to pay for a specific program or project. They are typically part of a fund group, with a primary fund that is building an endowment. It is the fund volunteers who make it happen. They work hard to come up with creative ideas and give of their time and talents. It is the kind of extra
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effort it takes to make communities great places to live. In Greenbush and Crookston, fund raising is well underway. The Greenbush Park and Recreation Fund is working to complete a swimming pool project. They are raising funds in two phases. The first will be to fix
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
the main pool and replace the wading pool. Cost is $387,910 and they have raised about one-third of the money needed. The second phase will be for the poolhouse with an estimated cost of $150,000. Funds have been raised through community meals, live auctions and
concession sales. The next scheduled fundraiser is a supper and live auction on August 23rd beginning at 5:00 pm on Main Street. Crookston has a Splash Park fundraiser underway through the Crookston Park and Recreation Fund. A splash park, estimated to cost $180,000, is being planned for Castle Park. It consists of zero-depth water features that don’t require a lifeguard, are low maintenance, and are safe for little children to play in. Several key volunteers have been working to connect with community members in a variety of ways. They distributed hundreds of information and donation packets in the community. Recently, a Splash Park Hat and Fascinator Fundraiser was held at Minakwa Golf Club and featured a silent auction and ticket auction.
where everyone is able to participate in a healthy way of life and play.
Donors who wish to support any of the projects can make an online gift on the NMF website. It is fast, easy, and secure, using either a credit card or checking account. You will be making a difference for families and making the region a great place for families to live, work and have fun.
In Bemidji, fund raising is beginning for the Paul Bunyan Inclusive Playground, to be built in an existing park on the Lake Bemidji waterfront near the iconic statues of Paul and Babe. Bemidji is known for promoting and providing for a healthy and active life style. This playground is needed to address the lack of playground equipment for children with physical handicaps. The money raised will be used to purchase playground equipment that will be accessible to all children of all abilities. The total project goal is $450,000. Fund raising activities included publicizing the project at the Dragon Boat Festival in early August and at the upcoming World of Play Day in September. These projects are a wonderful addition to our region’s friendly communities,
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New Online Resources for Donors and Professional Advisors We invite you to check out the new Planned Giving section at nwmfgifts. org. NMF has found a great, easy to use resource that will help to increase your knowledge and understanding about estate and financial planning that includes meeting your charitable goals. This new section offers donor stories, gift options, a personal planner, and news from finance and Washington, which are updated weekly. The donor stories help you to learn about the options available to you. Read articles about people just like you and how they made an impact through
giving. Explore different gift options and discover which ones will fit your goals. The website also offers a will planner. It is a secure, password protected site. It includes video tutorials to walk you through the steps in preparing your will. Enter information at your own pace and explore choices using the personal gift illustrator. You can also share your information with our Development Officers or your own financial advisor. For convenient regular updates, we offer a free e-newsletter on topics of interest. You select and control the frequency for
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nwmfgifts.org
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Donors and Advisors sign up for a free e-newsletter
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
receiving the e-mail newsletters. We also have e-newsletters for Financial Advisors chock full of helpful information. These offer case studies, Washington News, a link to GiftLaw Pro, and the GiftLaw Deductions Calculator to assist you with your clients. Sign up is free; just click on the box marked Financial Advisors. Contact Caryl Turnow or Lisa Peterson to learn more about how you can support the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, give to one of our component funds supporting our region, or learn how to establish a fund of your own.
Grants Caring Communities Total: $31,857 Geriatric Care Management - Living at Home Park Rapids Community Volunteer Orientation for Math Tutoring - Roseau
Natural Resources Total: $20,000 Fish Fertilizer Study - White Earth Land Recovery Project
Community Connections Total: $35,000 Leadership Council Development - City of Mahnomen Higher Education Consortium Planning Northwest Technical College of Bemidji
Community Planning Total: $69,975 Bemidji Rail Corridor Redevelopment - City of Bemidji Housing Study - Lake of the Woods EDA Upper Mississippi Center for the Arts Planning - Park Rapids Land Use Plan - City of Bagley Comprehensive Plan - City of Warren
Park Rapids CDC grant for the Upper Midwest Center for the Arts
Component Fund Total: $177,411.... 81 grants awarded Scholarship Award Total: $1,750.... 3 grants awarded
Component Fund Grants are now found online at www.nwmf.org under Component Fund menu.
Bagley undergoes first comprehensive plan in 25 years
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Leadership Growth and Development Scholarships The Northwest Minnesota Foundation recognizes nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and small businesses are experiencing dramatic changes in their current environments. In an effort to best meet the changing needs of the area’s NPOs and small businesses, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation is offering Leadership Growth and Development Scholarships. We believe LEADERSHIP is a process by which one influences the thoughts, attitudes and behaviors of others. Leaders help set a direction for others.
Leaders help us see what lies ahead and what may be achieved. Leaders engage, encourage and inspire. Leaders energize people toward a common goal. The NMF Leadership Growth and Development Scholarships are designed to help build the capacity and service depth of the region’s NPOs and small businesses (A small business is defined as one that has less than $1 million in gross sales and 5 or fewer employees).
These scholarships are available to NPOs and small businesses located in our 12-county region. The scholarships are available until the funds are exhausted, and they will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. All scholarship expectations are listed on the application and the requirements outline. You may access the application and the listing of requirements at www.nwmf. org under upcoming events on the NMF home page.
Business Development Program Business Loans
Microloans
2 loans were recently made in the amount of: $340,000
Business counseling and loans are available to help entrepreneurs develop small business and self-employment opportunities. Seven loans were made totaling: $156,461
Armory Square Management Corporation, Park Rapids Funds provided for additional building improvements Specialty Products & Technology, Inc Financing for equipment for the Fosston location
IDEA (Ingenuity Drives Entrepreneur Acceleration)
Four $10,000 grant awards were given to IDEA Competition winners. In addition to the award, the following winners received technical assistance through business consulting and online training. Brian and Coreen Berdahl, Red Lake Falls Jack Lundbohm, Roseau Jerry Titera, Bagley Tim and Jenny Slukynsky, Warroad
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Northwest Minnesota Foundation
T & M Olson, Inc. Bemidji North Country Food & Fuel, Inc. Waskish Minnesota Nice Café, Bemidji Trandem Custom Upholstery, Thief River Falls St. Michel Furniture, Bemidji Cutting Edge Performance, East Grand Forks Bev’s Hometown Bakery, Thief River Falls
Bonded Lock & Key Living close to extended family has given the Carlsons a great support network. Having their two young daughters in the shop with them, Eric and Brittany agree that blending family and business is both a blessing and a challenge. “We feel fortunate to have a business that gives us some flexibility to be able to spend time with our daughters,” said Eric. “Brittany and I have been able to create a balance between our business and home life that works well for us.” Bonded Lock and Key is a “one stop lock shop” for residential and commercial customers. In addition to managing conventional lock and key needs, the business provides a unique array of other products and services: • Commercial – all major manufacturers including Corbin, Von Duprin, Schlage, Sargent • Residential Door Hardware featuring Emtek, Schlage and Kwikset • Padlocks – over 100 styles • Auto and building lockouts For over 20 years, Bonded Lock & Key has been the area’s premier locksmith shop, providing mobile service, and a storefront with an impressive display of keys and door hardware. Eric and Brittany Carlson purchased the business four years ago. They were attracted to the business because of its excellent reputation and location. The Carlsons both grew up in Bemidji and after college moved to Virginia, MN where Eric owned an insurance agency. They got a lead from their family that Bonded Lock & Key was for sale. It did not take the couple long to decide that this was the opportunity they were looking for to move back to Bemidji. The couple started putting their business plan and financing package together with assistance from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation Business Development Program. They found the pre-loan process very helpful in writing their business plan. “We couldn’t have done this without help from NMF,” said Eric. “With the technical assistance we received, we were able to take a successful long-standing business and personalize it to make it truly our own.”
• Safework – Service, opening, and sales • Automotive – Copying existing and replacing lost keys, ‘chipped’ keys, and remotes In 2011 the Carlsons had the opportunity to purchase a safe business from a retiring business owner. This acquisition provided them with the same benefits they received from the purchase of Bonded Lock & Key – a solid customer base and referrals. It is, however, their quality work and excellent service that keeps customers coming back. As stated on first page of their website (www.bondedlock.com), Eric and Brittany “are dedicated to providing our customers with the best service possible.” The dedication to their business and family is evident the first time you meet the Carlsons. The next time you are in need of lock and key services, or want to find unique hardware for your home or business, stop in at Bonded Lock and Key in Bemidji for friendly and professional service.
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Bemidji, MN 56601 Permit No. 36
201 3rd St. NW Bemidji, MN 56601 Change Service Requested
Upcoming Events NMF Trainings in the works... • Culturally Responsive Services • Governing Board Basics • Governing Board Development Strategies • Fundamentals of Grant Writing • Financial Leadership for the Executive Director • Fundamentals of Resource Development • Marketing your Nonprofit Organization on a Small Budget
www.nwmf.org
• Program Evaluation
A date and time for these training sessions is yet to be determined. Please visit the NMF website for updates.