Winter 2006

NUMBER 38

4225 TechnologyDrive NW

---Bemidji, MN 56601

---218-759-2057800-659-7859www.nwmf.org

Greenbush Establishes Community Fund ....................1,3

Message FromThe President .........2

PhilanthropicServices .................4

Early ChildhoodInitiative ..............5,7

Grants ....................6

BusinessDevelopment .........7

Upcoming Events ....................8

Greenbush Area ResidentsEstablish Community Fund

Greenbush, Minnesota is the kind of place where good people do great things, helping to make their community a desirable place to put down roots, find a job, raise a family, or start a business. This was demonstrated by the newest addition to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation family of community funds, the Greenbush Area Community Fund (GACF).

Community members in Greenbush created this fund to enhance the quality of its places, to meet individual, organization and community needs, while building an endowment from which only the earnings will be available for qualified activities and projects.

The reasons communities decide to establish community funds are varied and GACF began in its own unique way. An anonymous donor, who used to live in the Greenbush area, came forward with seed capital of $500 to kick off and spark interest in a fund benefiting the needs of the community and ensuring its future.

His generous action served its purpose. When the Otter Tail Rural Economic Development Loan Program serving Greenbush was discontinued, undistributed money remained that had been given by investors into the loan fund. The parties involved, known as the Greenbush Development Corporation, contacted those investors to propose transferring some of the funds to the Greenbush Area Community Fund endowment. As a result, over $13,000 was contributed.

Ritchie Houge, NMF director of development said, “The community fund concept of ‘helping communities help themselves’ increases donor involvement, encourages local participation, and builds on hometown pride. It’s one more way that the Northwest Minnesota Foundation works to develop our communities’ assets.”

How does a Community Fund benefit Greenbush? The philanthropic spirit of people living in northwest Minnesota is growing

and maturing. More people are making charitable gifts and looking for immediate and long-term gift opportunities that closely match their priorities and financial interests.

The creation of GACF represents a partnership with Northwest Minnesota Foundation that will better serve the needs of friends of the Greenbush area by:

• developing a comprehensive fund development program that promotes private philanthropy

• actively cultivating and soliciting private contributions for a variety of programs, projects and activities,

Continued on page 2

GARY PURATH, Red Lake Falls, Secretary, owns a farm south of his home where he raises small grain and registered Angus beef cattle. He is also a Pioneer seed sales agent. Combined with his

past teacher and coaching positions, Gary brings a broad knowledge of the region’s issues.

DAVID BERGMAN, Thief River Falls, is Travel and Tourism Representative for Explore Minnesota in 14 northwest Minnesota counties. Dave adds a wide knowledge of the tourism industry and how best to promote the region’s natural amenities.

TERRI ANDERSON ROTHSCHADL, Waubun, is an education consultant who worksin the region to improve partnerships that affect both school quality and economic development. She also farms with her husband. Her connections and

knowledge of schools and their systems are a valuable resource.

From time to time, people inquire about the foundation’s board of directors and their backgrounds. Because we would like all our readers to get to know our board better, we are providing a little information about our current members in this issue of Resource.

The foundation is governed by a twelve-member board of directors who live in various communities throughout the region. The board strives to maintain

a membership that is diverse in geographic distribution, age, race, gender, occupations, interests, volunteer and civic involvement and expertise. This, together with good staff work, enables the board to approach issues in a fair and objective manner. Board meetings are held once a month in various locations and often include a site visit to a project that the foundation has supported.

Please feel free to visit with any of our board members about the foundation. Also, we would like to say “thank you” to the board on behalf of all our citizens, as they help to carry out our mission to “make northwest Minnesota a better place to live and work.”

A Message from the PresidentJohn S. Ostrem

The NorthwestMinnesotaFoundation

investsresources,

createsopportunitiesand promotes

philanthropy tomake the region

a better placeto live and work.

BOARD OFDIRECTORS

Diane BlairChair

Grand Forks

Anne SandVice Chair

Bemidji

Gary PurathSecretary

Red Lake Falls

Dean JohnsonTreasurer

Mahnomen

Terri AndersonRothschadl

Waubun

Carolyn EegGreenbush

David BergmanThief River Falls

Eric BergesonFertile

Mark HewittPark Rapids

Roger MalmHallock

Kim WilsonFosston

Ann BeckBagley

2

DIANE BLAIR, East Grand Forks, Chair, recently worked as Manager of Corporate Training for SEI LLC in Grand Forks, ND and is past President of the East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce. Diane is skilled in

organizational management, community relations and working with diverse populations.

CAROLYN EEG, Greenbush, is a farm partner in Roseau County, community development planner and active volunteer. Carolyn’s work with a wide range of community organizations and agencies gives a needed

perspective about helping our small towns and cities be successful.

DEAN JOHNSON, Mahnomen, Treasurer, is City Administrator for the City of Mahnomen, Dean has dealt with all types of community development issues. He is an enrolled member of the White Earth Band

of Chippewa. Dean provides a wealth of knowledge about local government.

KIM WILSON, Fosston, is a community volunteer, real estate appraiser, and substitute teacher for Fosston Schools. Previously, Kim worked for with First Care Medical Services Foundation and also owned a

small business in Fosston. Her community knowledge and commitment to family issues make a strong contribution.

ANN BECK, Bagley, is the newest board member, named in October 2005. Ann is the Director of Community Education for Bagley Public Schools and brings knowledge and expertise in Early Childhood programs.

ANNE SAND, Bemidji, Vice-Chair, is employed as Housing Specialist with the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, developing affordable housing. Anne’s knowledge of housing needs and experience

working with regional programs is highly valued.

ROGER MALM, Hallock, Attorney at Law and President of Brink, Sobolik, Severson, Malm & Albrecht, P.A., is also the Kittson County Attorney. Roger has legal and community expertise that adds important viewpoints to any issue.

MARK HEWITT, Park Rapids, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Northwoods Bank of Minnesota, Park Rapids. Mark’s financial background and interest in philanthropy provides valuable insight on investment and financial management decisions.

ERIC BERGESON, Fertile, the owner of Bergeson Nursery, has taught courses at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is a published author and speaker on a variety of rural interest topics. He brings enthusiasm and knowledge of operating a successful business.

Board of Directors

“ I think this is so exciting, a worthy endeavor

that has the potential to

have a really positive

impact, now and in the future as

well.”

MARCIA FOLLAND

3

endowment. As a result, over $13,000 was contributed.

Ritchie Houge, NMF director of development said, “The community fund concept of ‘helping communities help themselves’ increases donor involvement, encourages local participation, and builds on hometown pride. It’s one

more way that the Northwest Minnesota Foundation works to develop our communities’ assets.”

How does a Community Fund

benefit Greenbush? The philanthropic spirit of people

living in northwest Minnesota is growing and maturing. More people are making charitable gifts and looking for immediate and long-term gift opportunities that closely match their priorities and financial interests.

The creation of GACF represents a partnership with Northwest Minnesota Foundation that will better serve the needs of friends of the Greenbush area by:

• developing a comprehensive fund development program that promotes private philanthropy

• actively cultivating and soliciting private contributions for a variety of programs, projects and activities, then professionally managing the contributions

• distributing financial support to the community to help meet the needs of its citizens and visitors.

Greenbush Community Fund Continued from page 1

Greenbush, Minnesota is the kind of place where good people do great things, helping to make their community a desirable place to put down roots, find a job, raise a family, or start a business. This was demonstrated by the newest addition to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation family of community funds, the Greenbush Area Community Fund (GACF).

Community members in Greenbush created this fund to enhance the quality of its places, to meet individual, organization and community needs, while building an endowment from which only the earnings will be available for qualified activities and projects.

The reasons communities decide to establish community funds are varied and GACF began in its own unique way. An anonymous donor, who used to live in the Greenbush area, came forward with seed capital of $500 to kick off and spark interest in a fund benefiting the needs of the community and ensuring its future.

His generous action served its purpose. When the Otter Tail Rural Economic Development Loan Program serving Greenbush was discontinued, undistributed money remained that had been given by investors into the loan fund. The parties involved, known as the Greenbush Development Corporation, contacted those investors to propose transferring some of the funds to the Greenbush Area Community Fund

Q. What is an endowment gift?

A. It is simply the donation of funds to a charitable organization, such as the Greenbush Area Community Fund, to provide an ongoing source of income for the care or financing of a concern that is close to your heart.

4

Ojibwe Indian physician. Dr. Annette is the Area Director of the Bemidji

Area Indian Health Service (IHS). In this capacity, she works with 34 Tribal and five Urban Indian programs that provide health care to over 95,000 beneficiaries in a five state region. She is directly responsible for the federal oversight of these health programs and works in collaboration with local, state, federal entities on public health, prevention and intervention activities and initiatives.

At the national level, Dr. Annette has participated in numerous workgroups that affect IHS national policy. She has been nationally recognized and received numerous awards for her endeavors.

In 2005, the Red Lake Nation recognized Dr. Annette for her exceptional efforts to assist the tribe during the aftermath of the March 21st Red Lake High School tragedy. Because of her commitment and compassion, she was accepted as an honorary member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, the first woman and only the third person ever to receive this tribute from the tribe, according to tribal secretary Judy Roy.

SUSAN MILLS is the

executive director of Tri-County Corrections in Crookston, Minnesota, who is known for her dedication to the community, both professionally and personally. Mills joined a male-dominated profession and became a pioneer for women following her lead.

In 1980, Mills joined the board of directors and served as president of a nonprofit program called “The Sexual Assault Program,” offering support and assistance to victims of sexual assault and family violence, which later became “Project Safe.”

In 1982 Mills became involved in and later directed a new program for Tri-County called Special Workers Assisting Treatment or S.W.A.T. II program. It was designed to provide additional supervision and programming to adolescents assigned to probation through the Court system.

Mills convened a group of individuals to discuss the resources being used for juvenile out-of-county placements. The result of this effort was the idea of the Alternative Learning Center. Learn more about these women and their accomplishments at www.nwmf.org

Anyone interested in attending the event and recognizing the achievements of these women may purchase tickets until Wednesday, March 1st. Tickets are $20 each, including lunch, and are available by calling Pam at the BSU Cashier’s Office during business hours at 218-755-3993 or 1-877-346-2539. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.

Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund News

Philanthropic Services

The Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund Visionary Partners campaign is gaining momentum with a recent flurry of gifts and pledges. The Women’s Fund has achieved a total of 31 new $1,000 donors to the endowment since the program began. These donors have either given an outright gift or pledged to give $1,000 over the next five years. And those gifts are being matched dollar for dollar -- equaling $62,000 for the Women’s Fund endowment. Doubling each endowment contribution is the great power of the Visionary Campaign.

To date, the Women’s Fund has made grants throughout northwest Minnesota for projects such as assisting women victims of crime, financial workshops for women and girls, outreach services to displaced homemakers and women in transition, an after school enrichment program for talented and gifted girls, a series of workshops that help young single mothers manage their households and finances, educating home day care providers to learn how to be better at managing the business and handling clients, Dress For Success in NW Minnesota serving low-income women entering the workforce, among others.

Supporting its mission to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in northwest Minnesota, NMF will match all endowment gifts until June, 2008. Won’t you join in and be part of something great? Your gift counts!

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME INDUCTION AND HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

March is nationally recognized as Women’s History Month and it will be kicked off again this year with an Opening Celebration at Bemidji State University (BSU). The event will take place on Saturday, March 4th at 11:00 a.m. along with the 2006 Northwest Minnesota Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, honoring Dr. Kathleen Annette of Bemidji and Susan Mills of Crookston.

The Hall of Fame provides permanent recognition for women of northwestern Minnesota who have made significant contributions to art, athletics, business, government, philanthropy, humanities, science or education.

ABOUT THE 2006 INDUCTEES DR. KATHLEEN

ANNETTE is a member of the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians. She grew up on the Red Lake Indian Reservation and graduated from Red Lake High School. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota, pioneering the way for Indian women by becoming the first female

MISSION:

The Northwest Minnesota Women’s

Fund serrves as a catalyst for improving the

quality of life for women

and girls… promoting ideas and supporting

programs for the continued strengthening

and empowerment of all women.

PEG BIRK,INTERIM

PRESIDENTOF THE

MCKNIGHT FOUNDATION

5

TWO NEW COMMUNITIES JOIN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE

Childhood Initiative by engaging more local citizens from all sectors of the community in strengthening early care and education,” says Peg Birk, interim president of The McKnight Foundation. “Through this statewide effort, communities are building a strong wave of support for Minnesota’s youngest children -- our most valuable resource.” Lin Backstrom, Northwest Minnesota Foundation early childhood development specialist, recently met with groups from each of the areas. She said that both the Bemidji area and the greater Baudette community have accomplished much on their own and that they will move forward impressively with the help of NMF funds and technical assistance.

Eighteen teams totaling 102 students participated this year in three separate sessions. They will all return in winter for another set of two-day retreats to reconnect, review and learn new concepts. Comments received from students about the STAR Teams training are: “I learned that everyone is part of the ripple and can start peace,” and “I learned how to be myself and respect others.” Advisors, who are typically teachers or parents involved with the schools, shared similar sentiments about STAR, including: “Team building activities were fun and a good opportunity for kids to look critically at their decision making skills,” and “The session on media and body image is good and really important for kids this age.” STAR Teams is available to 6th and 7th grade students from schools in twelve northwest Minnesota counties served by NMF, which includes Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau. To date more than 1,230 students from area schools have taken part in the program.

continued on page 7

STAR Youth Leadership Program Completes Fall SessionsTeams to return in Winter 2006

for further training

Students and advisors from throughout northwest Minnesota gathered last fall at Concordia Language Villages near Bemidji for Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s Students Teaching Attitudes of Respect (STAR) Teams youth leadership program. STAR Teams nurtures young people in the development of their character, values and relationships. Focus is on communication skills, media awareness, conflict management, non-competitive games and thought processes leading to self-responsibility. Training is provided by Peacemaker Resources Executive Director Candy Roberts and Program Manager Barb Houg, with trainers Sue Liedl, Sandra Pascoe Robinson, and Marlin Farley. Along with team and individual training for the students, team building training for advisors is also provided.

The Bemidji Area and Lake of the Woods County have been selected as the next participants in the Northwest Minnesota

Foundation’s Early Childhood Initiative. The Northwest Minnesota Foundation, along with the five other Minnesota Initiative Foundations, has embarked on a comprehensive effort to develop a statewide network of community coalitions aimed at supporting and advocating for our youngest children. Through the Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, community coalitions are continuing to be developed statewide. The Northwest Minnesota Foundation will now be working with eight coalitions in northwestern Minnesota. Two more will be selected in 2006. “The new round of early childhood coalitions will contribute to the synergy of the Minnesota Early

Young Children and Youth LeadershipHelping Communities …

“The new round of

early childhood coalitions

will contribute to the synergy

of the Minnesota

Early Childhood

Initiative by engaging

more local citizens from

all sectors of the

community in

strengthening early care

and education.”

Grants totaling $286,049 were awarded from Sept. – Dec. 2005

Grants

6

Caring Communities Total: $123,785Children & FamiliesCampus Childcare Center ___________________ $925For a feasibility study to determine if there is sufficient demand to build an new childcare facility.

Clear Waters Life Center __________________ $21,560To provide funding for a program coordinator for the Youth Connection Program.

Healthy Community Healthy Kids, Inc. ____ $25,000For comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program coordination among schools, mental health professionals and medical services.

Initiative Foundation $1,000To co-sponsor the statewide conference “Minnesota ICE: The Rural Response to Methamphetamine.

Early Childhood Initiative ___________________ $300For the Minnesota Fatherhood Summit.

Emergency Assistance Awarded for flood relief and/or crisis needs of low-income families and individuals. Bi County CAP, Inc _________________________ $20,700Inter-County Community Action Council _______ $11,850Mahube Community Council __________________ $9,600Northwest Community Action Program _________ $7,350Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. ____________ $10,500

Junior AchievementJunior Achievement of Upper Midwest, Inc. _____ $15,000For Northwest Area Junior Achievement.

Community Planning Total: $15,000Economic & Community DevelopmentBemidji Regional Airport Commission _________ $10,000For an initiative to help with strategic investment and marketing strategy for the airport and adjacent land.

Growth ManagementCity of Park Rapids __________________________ $5,000Henrietta Township and the City of Park Rapids will negotiate an agreement that will create a new growth management and service delivery model for the area. Training Total: $15,350Organizational EffectivenessEvergreen House __________________________ $4,000For organizational planning and executive coaching.

Giziibii RC & D ___________________________ $5,000For Giziibii RC &D marketing and long range funding initiative,

Red Lake Falls HRA _______________________ $5,000For Phase II or the Sunview Apartments project.

STAR Teams$150 grants totaling $1350 were made to the following STAR Teams for follow-up projects:Bagley School District #162 (2); Franklin Middle School; Lake of the Woods School District (2) ; Nevis Public School; Red Lake County Central Elementary School; Waubun School Dist #435

Component Fund Total: $124,808

Bagley Early Childhood Initiative Fund ___ $15,692For Early Childhood Playground Equipment Purchased by Bagley Early Childhood Coalition.

Bemidji Lumberjack Foundation Fund - Security Bank USA Lumberjack Scramble _________ $10,000To Bemidji Area School Dist #31 for cross country skis, Hall of Fame, and golf bags.

Bridges Therapy and Rehabilitation Fund _ $40,000To Bridges Medical Services for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Clearwater Health Care FundCHS Cancer Screening Fund __________________$1,500CHS Greensview Care Center Fund ____________$2,495 CHS Hospice Fund ________________________ $10,800

Crookston Early Childhood Initiative Fund _$2,635For Early Childhood Initiative incidental expenses; to Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. to develop a preschool pamphlet.

District #593 (Crookston) Education Fund _$4,816For the Grant Round-Crookston District #593

Fosston Education Foundation Endowment and Project Fund ___________________________ $600To the Fosston Area Community Collaborative for the Parenting Advantage Workshop.

Headwaters Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Fund ____________________________ $270For the Churches United & Northwoods Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Project.

Heartland Homes Endowment and Project Fund ________________________ $15,000For a group home for persons with developmental disabilities.

Hewitt Family Charitable Fund _____________$4,000For Girl Scouts-Land of Lakes Council; Human Achievement & Performance Academy.

Tonia Johannsen Memorial Fund ____________ $100For registration to Deeper Life Bible Camp.

Marshall County Early Childhood Initiative Fund ____________________________________$6,000To Stephen/Argyle School for incidental expenses and for the Marshall County “Tiny Tot Expo.”

Thief River Falls Early Childhood Initiative Fund ____________________________$4,900 To Thief River Falls/ECFE for implementation of a program called “Building Language Together.”

Warroad Area Community Fund Gaylord A. Gunderson Education and Scholarship Fund __________________________$6,000To Warroad School Dist #690 for the purchase of new tools.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

DEVELOPMENT FACT:

TheMinnesota

EarlyChildhoodInitiativehas builtdiverse

communitycoalitions

to promotehigh-quality

earlychildhoodcare and

education,while

supportingparentsin their

importantwork.

7

Business Development ActivityBusiness Loans

Three loans were recently made from the Revolving Loan Fund totaling $380,000:

A.A. Rantanen, Inc., Thief River Falls To expand an existing snowmobiling

company by the purchase of Black Magic, providing specialty aftermarket accessories for Arctic Cat and service work to increase performance of snowmobiles.

Johnson’s On the Water Service, Park Rapids

To expand the mobile repair marine service with the purchase of Bob’s Business of Dorset, adding retail sales and additional clientele for boat storage, dock installation and repair and service.

Angie’s Groom and Board, Park Rapids To expand into a new building, adding 44

kennels, indoor cat kennels, indoor/outdoor exercise runs and to add an additional pet groomer.

Microloans Business counseling and loans are available to help entrepreneurs develop small business and self-employment opportunities. Three loans were recently made totaling $40,539.

Mid Central Medical, St. Vincent Shots and Thoughts, Crookston Dive Depot, Bemidji Finishing Touches, Stephen Vold Construction, Bemidji

Technical Assistance Nine businesses from Bemidji, Erskine, Redby, St. Vincent, Stephen and Thief River Falls received $7,106 in outside consulting for management and technical assistance. Animal Cracker Day Care Berry Blossom Farm Mid Central Medical Minnesota Element-Vatten Music Box Productions Nelson Manufacturing and Custom Repair Oakdale Lumber Co. Tea & Gift Shoppe Ultralight Soaring Aviation

These two areas were identified as already having early care and education partnerships in place and community members who have expressed commitment to achieve a shared vision that supports young children and families. “These communities have strong histories of program collaboration and of community collaboration to make things happen,” Backstrom said. “There are motivated leaders in several sectors and the collaborative groups are very active.” The next step in the coalition-building process is to conduct community interviews for gaining insight into peoples’ perceptions on early childhood care and education. Interview results will serve as a beginning point for additional community discussion about early childhood. Information gathered from the interviews will be used to create a community vision and develop local strategies to strengthen resources for young children. “One of the best things we can do to help Northwest Minnesota in the future is to pay more attention to the youngest members of our communities, especially at this time of budget and funding cuts,” said John Ostrem, president of NMF. “We need to look at new ways of providing for children from birth to age five. Their development is essential to our ongoing vitality.”

EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE continued from page 5

The Bemidji Coalition held an informational and fun gathering at Bemidji’s Headwaters Science Center. Pictured l-r: Ann Marie Ward, Laddie Elwell, Lin Backstrom, and Dacia Dauner.

“This effort also recognizes that too many children in communities throughout the state and the NMF region are entering school without the basic skills needed to succeed,” added Backstrom. “Early childhood care and education partners in the region are finding ways to nurture existing opportunities, and invest in the future of young children through their community’s involvement.”

§ Individual Excellence in an Organization -- awarded to a staff member, board member or volunteer who participated in an NMF training program and who has contributed significantly to improving the effectiveness of their organization

§ Organizational Excellence – awarded to an organization or agency whose staff or board members have attended an NMF sponsored training program or received an NMF grant and as a result, made changes to improve the organization or its services to the region.

To honor their achievements, recipients select a nonprofit in the region to receive an unrestricted grant from NMF for $1,000. The awards will be presented at the Annual Celebration Dinner on April 27, 2006. Nomination forms are available by calling the NMF office at 218-759-2057 or 1-800-659-7859.

4225 Technology Drive NWBemidji, MN 56601

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. Postage

PAIDBemidji, MN

56601Permit No. 36

~ Northwest Minnesota Foundation ~ www.nwmf.org ~CONTACT US: 218-759-2057 ~ 800-659-7859 ~ FAX 218-759-2328 ~ nwmf@nwmf.org

Upcoming EventsCultural Competency Mar. 9 - 10, 2006 Shooting Star Event Center, Mahnomen

Leadership II Apr. 4 - 5, and 5-6, 2006 Hoot Owl Resort Waubun

Leadership I Apr. 17 - 21, 2006 Hoot Owl Resort Waubun

Call for NominationsNorthwest Minnesota Foundation is now accepting nominations for the annual Ruth Edevold Excellence Awards for the following categories:§ Individual Excellence – awarded to

individuals who have attended the NMF Leadership Development Program and then returned to their job, volunteer activities and community, actively using the skills they learned.