Your Community Foundation
Annual Report 2014
FM Area Foundation Your community foundation. The FM Area Foundation is the community foundation for Cass and Clay counties. We are a publicly supported nonprofit organization operated by and for the benefit of our area. Focusing on the needs in the community and the intent of our donors to link philanthropic vision, we support many charitable organizations rather than one cause. As you’ll read in the following pages, in 2014, your donations provided clean clothes to individuals who are homeless, started conversations on preventing domestic and sexual violence, inspired art at the zoo, gave children an opportunity to participate in recreational activities and allowed four women to earn degrees in welding and manufacturing. These are a few examples of the difference you made in the community. In 2014, we granted $2.2 million to the community through our annual grant round, donor advised funds, agency funds, scholarship funds and designated funds. Together, we made a difference. Thank you for your commitment to your community, dedication to the causes you are passionate about and your generosity. Your gifts provide wings to soar, fill stomachs and souls, protect, educate and empower. We are grateful to be the steward of your generosity, a partner in your kindness and a voice for community needs. Tim Beaton Executive Director, FM Area Foundaiton Carol Schlossman 2014 Chair, FM Area Foundation Board of Directors
Mission To enrich our community by building partnerships, promoting philanthropy and serving as a trusted resource now and for future generations. Vision A community where everyone thrives. 2
4 Focus Areas The FM Area Foundation has four areas of focus when making grants to the community through the annual grant round. The four areas are: arts, culture and creativity; basic human needs; community building; and education. By supporting these core areas, we can make improvements to create the best possible community for our citizens to live, work and thrive in Cass and Clay counties. Inspiring imagination and innovation through arts and culture. Arts, Culture & Creativity Building ladders out of poverty. Basic Human Needs Fostering initiatives that strengthen community. Community Building Lifting lives through learning. Education
In the past 10 years, we’ve granted:
$2.8 Million
Arts, Culture & Creativity
$5.6 Million
Basic Human Needs
$4.8 Million
Community Building
$7.8 Million
Education
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Arts, Culture & Creativity Grant funds pencil fence at Red River Zoo
In 2014, the Red River Zoo received a grant for $3,000 through the community grant round to assist in building the region’s only Nature Playground as part of the renovation and expansion of the Children’s Zoo Farm. The vision is a nature-based play space for children and families to engage in interactive games and activities. “The Nature Playground will promote creative and inspired learning, foster imagination and impact children’s wellness,” said Lisa Tate, Executive Director of the Red River Zoo. Construction of the Nature Playground began in 2014 with a completion date expected in 2016. The grant from the FM Area Foundation was used to help construct the Pencil Fence, which was one of the first steps of the Nature Playground renovation. The Pencil Fence was a participatory project. More than 450 families and individuals helped paint 1,050 giant colored pencils to line the perimeter fence for the future Nature Playground. Due to the excitement and great turn out, the fence was completed six weeks earlier than expected. It now stands 8 feet tall and 210 feet long. The pencils are made of wooden fence posts turned upside down and were installed by the Red River Zoo facilities staff. “When we first had the idea to build the pencil fence we knew it would be a fun and popular project for our visitors to participate in. As a nonprofit organization whose resources are very limited, I knew grant funding would be critical to bring this project to life. Thanks to the grant awarded by the FM Area Foundation, we were able to make this vision a reality for the entire community to enjoy,” said Tate. The Red River Zoo is a leading contributor to the conservation of some of the world’s rarest cold climate species, and is Fargo-Moorhead’s only living museum. The Red River Zoo enhances the cultural fabric of the community by offering unique experiences to introduce people to the natural worlds.
450 1050 1 Red River Valley Zoo’s Nature Playground Pencil Fence, funded by the FM Area Foundation.
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Families Paint Giant Pencils For Nature Playground
In 2014, the FM Area Foundation received nearly $150K in grant requests for arts, culture and creativity projects. We provided $53K in funding through our community grant round. To help fill the gap for arts, culture and creativity in our community, please consider a donation using the enclosed envelope or visit areafoundation.org.
Basic Human Needs
Grant helps Dorothy Day House purchase washers and dryers The Fargo-Moorhead Dorothy Day House of Hospitality shelters, nourishes and empowers people who are homeless and hungry. At the emergency shelter, they offer visitor services for men, women, and children who are homeless to wash clothes, take a hot shower and receive support. These basic human needs may not have been met for these individuals without nonprofits like the Dorothy Day House. “Without the laundry services at the Dorothy Day House, I would not have a place to wash my clothes before my job interview. I need a job, and I don’t want employers to know that I am sleeping in my car,” said a person who used the laundry services. As our community sees an increase in homelessness, the need for these unique types of services also rises. In 2010, the Dorothy Day House had 473 visits, and in 2014, they had 3,033 visits, which is a 541% increase in only five years. Of the 3,033 visits, 707 were for laundry. This is why they applied for a grant to purchase two commercial washers and dryers. The FM Area Foundation awarded $3,000.
These photos, taken at the Fargo-Moorhead Dorothy Day House of Hospitlity, show the commercial washer and dryer units being installed. They sent us these photos to show their thanks and appreciation for the grant they received to purchase the units.
In the past, they operated with one regular washer and dryer. Today, having two commercial units makes the process quicker and more efficient. It also allows them to keep up with the demand for this service, especially during the summer months when more people are sleeping outside. Many people who are homeless in our community rely on the Dorothy Day House to wash their clothes and ultimately preserve their dignity. The Dorothy Day House is one of the few places in the country that offers this service. “The staff and Board of Directors are grateful to the FM Area Foundation for awarding us money to purchase commercial washer and dryer units. This was much needed, as regular units were not sufficient to handle the amount of usage from people doing laundry. Having two of each [washers and dryers], we can serve more people faster. It is a great feeling to see people leave in better spirits than when they came because of the hospitality we are able to offer,” said Sonja Ellner, Executive Director of the Fargo-Moorhead Dorothy Day House of Hospitality.
707 2
Visits for Laundry Washers & Dryers
In 2014, the FM Area Foundation received nearly $273K in grant requests for basic human needs. We provided $94K in funding through our community grant round. To help fill the gap for basic human needs in our community, please consider a donation using the enclosed envelope or visit areafoundation.org.
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Community Building
Grant engages community to prevent domestic and sexual violence The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center received a grant for $15,000 from the FM Area Foundation community grant round for the project “Engaging men in the prevention of intimate partner and sexual violence.” The project emphasizes the need for both men and women to work together to create a culture where violence is no longer tolerated. The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center is working with a community-organized prevention committee called the Changing Our Environment Committee. The committee members include community leaders from diverse occupations, and it meets regularly to focus on the long-term prevention planning that serves to guide the way to create a safer community. In October 2014, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center hosted two events featuring nationally renowned speaker, Tony Porter. The events are part of an increasing movement to engage more men in the prevention of intimate partner and sexual violence. In an evening event, Porter talked with over 600 athletes, coaches, college students and community members about the narrowly defined idea of masculinity that is prevalent in our society. He also talked about the role men can play in creating a world where all men and boys are loving and respectful, and all women and girls are valued and safe. The next morning he talked with 180 members of the community, nearly 80 percent of them men. Many people attending spoke about the event as a transformational experience. After hearing Tony’s message, participants responded by saying, “I am inspired to…” “Share this message specifically with a boys group that I am mentoring. Great info on how we need to change our mindset/definition of manhood and how we treat females. Thanks.”
Tony Porter, nationally renowned speaker, gave the keynote at the Men’s Breakfast “It’s Everyone’s Business to Prevent Domestic and Sexual Violence.”
“Empower my daughters to be strong and powerful. Also educate my son to respect women and empower them.” “Reconsider how I talk with my 5 year old and my 13 and 15 year old daughters - I have really been shaken by the presentation.” “Be aware of my language and dialogue with kids-especially my own. Take a stand and address the “culture of acceptance” our community turns a blind eye to. Excellent-Informative-Well put together-Way to go RACC.”
In 2014, the FM Area Foundation received nearly $129K in grant requests for community building projects. We provided $26K in funding through our community grant round. To help fill the gap for community building, please consider a donation using the enclosed envelope or visit areafoundation.org.
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Community members attend events hosted by RACC.
Education
Grant provides scholarships for Barnesville summer programs In 2014, the Barnesville Community Education program received a grant for $1,000 for scholarships. The financial support goes toward helping families pay for their children to participate in the Barnesville Summer Recreation program. Their mission is to work collaboratively to develop innovative opportunities for all Barnesville learners. With the grant dollars, they were able to help 25 families and 45 students through financial assistance. The Summer Recreation program allows students to stay active throughout the summer in a variety of extracurricular activities. The scholarships help families pay for classes and camps offered through the program. They offer 50 different classes where students as young as 4-years-old up to seniors in high school can participate. Activities include: basketball camps; volleyball camps; football camps; youth softball; youth baseball; 14U & 18U softball; Babe Ruth baseball; speed and strength; track; golf; pottery classl; drawing class; 4-8-year-old three-day classes around various themes: princess tea party; leggo mania; mermaid gals and pirate pals; arts and crafts; Disney’s Cinderella kids play; sight-singing class; summer band camp; and 4-H summer adventures. “We are very appreciative of the grant that we received from the FM Area Foundation. It helps our program provide financial assistance to families that might not otherwise participate in one of our activities. Thanks for helping us to continue our motto of ‘lifetime of learners,’” said Chris Ellefson, Barnesville Community Education and District Office Secretary. Assistance from community partners, like the FM Area Foundation, helps keep fees low and provide opportunities for all students in the Barnesville area.
In 2014, the FM Area Foundation received $130K in grant requests for education. We provided $29K in funding through our community grant round. To help fill the gap for education in our community, please consider a donation using the enclosed envelope or visit areafoundation.org.
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Students receive scholarships for summer recreation programs.
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Women’s Fund
Grant helps women pursue degrees in nontraditional fields A few years ago, a woman staying at the YWCA’s shelter wanted to make a change for herself and her family. She wanted to return to school but didn’t think it was feasible with a child at home. When an opportunity arose to try an eight-week manufacturing program through NDSCS she decided to participate, and was able to through the support of the YWCA and a grant from the skills and technology program. After completing the training, she secured employment, moved out of the YWCA’s housing program and is now supporting herself and her two children while completing her associate’s degree. This story inspired the staff at the YWCA to start an initiative focused on providing training for women in nontraditional fields. “We thought this was a tremendous opportunity because a lot of the women in our shelter and housing are not employed. One of the major things we work on with women is education and employment,” said Julie Haugen, Associate Director of the YWCA. “We’re all about empowerment at the YWCA.” The program, Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW), is a partnership between the YWCA and NDSCS. The reason the YWCA decided to focus on nontraditional jobs for women is twofold. “In a few months, women are able to receive training to dramatically improve their income to support their families. We also thought this was a great opportunity because of the state’s economy. It’s a great way to quickly train women and help them fill the thousands of jobs that are currently vacant in these fields,” Haugen said. A $20,000 grant from the FM Area Foundation’s Women’s Fund was awarded to fully support the program for the first year. The grant money went toward tuition, as well as transportation and childcare, which are barriers that often keep women from furthering their education or finding employment. To date, four women have graduated from the program and are now pursuing careers in welding and manufacturing.
In 2014, the FM Area Foundation received nearly $105K in grant requests for women in leadership projects. We provided $42K in funding through our Women’s Fund grant round. To help fill the gap for women in leadership in our community, please consider a donation using the enclosed envelope or visit areafoundation.org.
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Women graduate from NEW program.
Community Impact Your passion, commitment and donations make a difference in the lives of many in our community.
Total Grants Paid
$2.2 Million Total Gifts Received
$2.5 Million 2014 Grants Distributed 3% Other 25% Basic Human Needs
17% Arts, Culture & Creativity
26% Community Building
29% Education
168 Scholarships Awarded Like numbers? So do we. If you would like to see our audited financial statements, please let us know. You can find past statements on our website under “About Us.�
16 New Funds: Beverly (Gerhardson) & Lloyd W. Paulson Family Advised Fund Brad and Carol Schlossman Unrestricted Fund Charleswood Scholarship Fund
Inspire Innovation Lab Fund Law Enforcement Museum Fund Noack Family Non-Endowed Donor Advised Fund
Emerging Prairie Fund
North Dakota Automobile and Implement Dealers Donor Advised Fund
FM Area Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund
Paul Ormbreck Memorial Scholarship Fund
FMAF Administrative Endowment Fund
Regional Workforce Development Partnership and Collaboration
FMAF Building Fund Heritage Education Commission
SALAD Green Donor Advised Fund Valley City Wellness Center Fund
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Staff
Tim Beaton Executive Director
Patty Mastel Finance Director
Greg Diehl Development Officer
Lexi Oestreich Program Officer
Courtney Larson Communications & Marketing Officer
Leslie Olson Administrative Assistant
We are grateful to be the steward of your generosity, a partner in your kindness and a voice for community needs.
Composition of Assets $30,000,000
$25,000,000
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
$Donor Advised
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Support Organizations
Designated
Field of Interest
Agency
Scholarship
Unrestricted
2014 Board of Directors
Carol Schlossman Chair
Morrie Lanning Vice-Chair
Laine Bratner Secretary
Dorwin Marquardt Treasurer
Joan Justesen Immediate Past President
Neil Jordheim Trustee Representative
Matthew Mohr
Corey Elmer
Thomas Jefferson
Bruce Furness
Tom Dawson
Susan Johnson-Drenth
Lisa Bode
Joel Jorgenson
Dorothy gets a scooter Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO) collects and redistributes donated healthcare supplies to benefit those in need. A grant from the FM Area Foundation helped HERO purchase a 2003 Chevy Express Cube Truck. The vehicle is used to conduct local pickup and deliveries from individual and organizational donors of healthcare equipment and supplies. In a three-month period, they conducted 45 pick-ups and four personal deliveries. Dorothy, an elderly woman who recently lost the ability to walk due to diabetes, is an example of how HERO Mobile is helping individuals. She was in desperate need of a mobility scooter to help her maneuver around her home, yard and community. HERO Mobile was able to obtain a scooter from their Minneapolis partners and deliver it directly to Dorothy’s home at no cost.
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Connecting people and purpose. Together, with donors, community members and nonprofits we: Provided milk to 83 area students who are on free or reduced lunches. Gave 190 young people an opportunity to participate in Trollwood Performing Arts School’s Students at Risk (STAR) program to benefit from arts and educational programs. Helped purchase technology for the Emergency Food Pantry to improve client services. Awarded 168 scholarships totaling $201,355 to local students pursuing higher education. And much, much more! Have a cause you are passionate about? Contact us to learn how we can help meet your charitable goals. You can reach us at 701.234.0756, or visit areafoundation.org.
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Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.