2022 Caring Catalog

Presenting Sponsor:

We believe in the limitless possibilities of community.

At Marsh McLennan Agency, empowering our colleagues to give back, and serve as local leaders is one of our greatest priorities. Our firm has deep roots locally, and we are proud to partner with our clients in order to bring them the strength and resources of the world’s largest risk management, strategy, and benefits firm.

“At Marsh McLennan Agency we are constantly talking about ‘Doing the Right Thing’ and nowhere is this statement more appropriate than when it comes to giving back to our community by supporting our not-for-profit organizations.

Using the FM Area Foundation to do that is not only simple but provides the confidence that the programs you are giving to meet the needs of the people in Cass and Clay counties. The Caring Catalog is a further testament to that simplicity and to being able to focus our giving to the causes that our colleagues at Marsh McLennan Agency care about. Having the catalogue come out at Christmas time when the needs are so great is particularly satisfying for us.”

Tom Dawson, CPCU, CIC Chairman – Dakotas (Fargo & Sioux Falls)

A MESSAGE FROM THE FM AREA FOUNDATION

Big Changes with the FM Area Foundation’s Caring Catalog

Starting in 2018, the FM Area Foundation initiated its annual Caring Catalog to highlight local charities in our community during the most generous part of the year. Over its short time in existence, the Caring Catalog has raised nearly $750,000 for over 150 local charities. As it has grown, we here at the FM Area Foundation have sought ways to grow the impact to our local community. Through feedback and conversations, we have determined that our best way forward is to provide our community with a more focused approach to local impact.

So, this year, we present to you 25 outstanding local charities who have worked with the FM Area Foundation in 2022. These 25 represent work in the community across many different causes that the FM Area Foundation has invested in already in 2022 and determined as great candidates for support by our community in the 2022 Caring Catalog.

We know there are many wonderful and worthy charities in our area, and we encourage you to support those that you feel passionate about contributing to this holiday season. If your favorite is among these 25, then please consider support. If you read through this catalog and find a new charity, we encourage you to help make a difference so that our community remains a vibrant place full of opportunities for everyone. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

The FM Area Foundation’s Caring Catalog is an online, giving platform featuring 25 local, charitable organizations. Your support will enhance their mission this holiday season!

Browse this printed version of the Caring Catalog to learn more about the needs being met by these nonprofits located in Cass and Clay counties. Gifts of any amount are welcomed and appreciated. If you would like to make a gift of stock, appreciated assets, or an IRA rollover, please reach out to us here at the FM Area Foundation as we can guide you through that process to benefit one of these wonderful causes. Give to one or many of the nonprofit organizations in this catalog through one simple online link, or if you are more comfortable giving with a check, stop by or call, and we’ll be sure that your gift is counted.

Since the inception of the Caring Catalog the FM Area Foundation, as a gift to the community, has covered all credit card fees. There are also no participation fees for our 25 nonprofits to participate in this event, so you can be confident that 100% of your gift goes directly to the cause of your choice.

Ways to Give

• Mail a check using the enclosed envelope

• Visit areafoundation.org/caringcatalog and make your secure, online donation.

FM Area Foundation 409 7th St. S Fargo, ND 58103

Please consider a gift today! SCAN HERE

Visit the website or follow along on our social media to learn about our special giving incentives and how to earn more dollars for your favorite charities.

Questions?

Call us at 701.234.0756 areafoundation.org

Sincerely, Eric Wilkie, CEO FM Area Foundation

Afro American Development Association

Afro American Development Association (AADA) requests funds to support our 2023 English Language Learner (ELL) education classes in Fargo-Moorhead. Our classes are geared towards New Americans who are working, job seeking, or have other commitments that make it impossible for them to attend ELL classes offered during business hours. Our classes will occur on evenings and weekends for up to 30 students per class.

ELL education fits into AADA’s core purpose: to address the need for New Americans to secure and retain living wage jobs that align with their long-term career aspirations. Our ELL classes respond to New Americans’ unmet needs around securing employment and growing in their careers. ELL education and conversational learning addresses common language barriers and builds basic vocabulary skills of class participants. In classes, we practice mock interviewing to help participants harness their language skills and build confidence to compete in the job market. All classes are assisted by volunteers from local universities who share the linguistic and cultural background of participants.

Often, New Americans have some mastery of English, but industry specific vernacular or different accents and dialects can leave them feeling lost and unconfident about their ability to communicate verbally. Our classes to expose participants to these accents and dialects and new industry specific vocabulary so participants become conversant with their pronunciation and application in speech.

AADA’s commitment to bringing ELL education to our community is inspired by seeing New Americans face trials that challenge their ability to support a family and break out of poverty. For many of our community members who are first-generation refugees and immigrants, challenges are worsened by cultural misconceptions or inability to access mainstream English-language aids. With your help we can provide the support and education our region's New Americans need to excel and make this a thriving community.

MISSION

Our mission is to alleviate poverty by supporting vulnerable New Americans and other diverse communities by building the capacities of our families and communities through training, sustainable development, economic empowerment, conflict resolution & peace building.

MISSION

The mission of the Red River Ambucs is Inspiring Mobility and Independence in the Red River Valley by working in partnership with Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists by providing Amtryke Adaptive trikes for people with disabilities.

Red River Ambucs

All across the nation, AMBUC chapters raise funds to donate Amtrykes to riders who are unable to operate traditional bikes. For more than two decades, these specially designed 3-wheeled cycles with many adaptation options have provided therapeutic benefits to both children and adults, enhancing their quality of life.

Amtrykes can be hand and/or foot powered and accommodate riders of all sizes, ages, and abilities. Many adaptations can be made to support the rider. Recipients, parents, and therapists report that Amtryke Adaptive Trykes provide increased exercise, strength, mobility, coordination, self-confidence, and opportunities to go on bike rides with their peers and family members.

We are proud to have ordered 30 Amtrykes in the Red River Valley since January 2021 and look forward to providing many more in the Red River Valley. The average cost of an Amtryke is $1,000. Your generosity will continue to help provide Amtrykes for people of all abilities and ages in our community. Together, we can help create a more inclusive community where everyone who chooses, can ride!

FACEBOOK GO LIVE SHARE

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Win $1,000 for the Caring Catalog charity of your choice.

Share the FM Area Foundation Caring Catalog Facebook GO LIVE video for a chance to win $1,000 to a Caring Catalog charity of your choice.

BIO Girls

BIO Girls has provided self-esteem and mental wellness programming for girls ages 7 - 12 for the past decade. Through this proven programming, thousands of girls have improved their self-esteem, built confidence, and learned skills to navigate through difficult social situations. We are proud of the work we have done, but we recognize that the issues do not stop at age 12.

In 2022, BIO Girls announced the launch of their Teen Program.

Hundreds of hours have been devoted to developing this program. BIO Girls conducted in-depth research into the issues teens are facing through literature review, interviews, focus groups, and discussions with professionals who actively support this demographic in the mental wellness space. As a result, the five modules for the teen program were born: Body Image, Mental Wellness, Relationships, Self-Confidence, and Faith & Teens.

“My daughter just aged out of BIO Girls and I feel she needs this now, at age 14, and in the coming years, more than she needed it in the previous years. Thank you for implementing this!”

“Thrilled at the chance to continue this conversation with the girls moving past 2-6 grade!! Praying for wild success and breakthroughs for all pilot group participants. So exciting!!”

“I am a high school English teacher, and I can attest to the fact that teenage girls are suffering in veritable silence. I’ve been waiting for a program like this because it is so necessary. Thank you!!!!”

BIO Girls piloted the Body Image module in July. Overall, teens in the program experienced increases in body acceptance and body esteem and decreases in internalization of appearance ideals and social comparison. 100% of participants experienced increased body esteem.

We’ve built it. We’ve tested it. We’re prepared to reach 400 teen girls in 2023.

Now? We need your help.

MISSION

To improve the self-esteem in adolescent girls through empowerment of self and service to others.

MISSION

Churches United

Deck the Halls with Warmth for All

This holiday season, Churches United is looking for help in ensuring our neighbors in need have a warm place to sleep, warm meals in their bellies, and the warmth of our community’s embrace. Across six sites of support, we put our mission to practice of safe shelter, stable housing, nutritious food, and a path toward healing. Churches United bridges the gap from homelessness to healing and everything along the way through a multitude of housing focused services.

Our largest shelter, Micah’s Mission, provides safety and a fresh start to men, women, and families. In a homelike atmosphere, the Dorothy Day House, provides respite to the most vulnerable men in our community. Our newest shelter, Safe Haven, offers shelter in the midst of life’s storms to women unaccompanied by children. Our food pantries ensure that no one in our community goes hunger this holiday season or any time of year.

Since 1987, we have been acutely aware that safety does not end at shelter and only with housing can we truly help our neighbors find stability. The Bright Sky Apartments provide stable housing to men, women, and families in a way that provides the permanent support that they need. Soon to be constructed, the Silver Linings Apartments will provide deeply affordable housing with supports to our elders that have had the most difficulty securing or maintaining a home.

With your donation through Caring Catalog, you can help Deck the Halls with Warmth for All in a truly impactful way. Your gift changes narratives by changing lives and ensures we can all be here for our neighbors in need.

Our mission is to provide safe shelter, stable housing, nutritious food, and a path towards healing.

MISSION

Community Uplift Program (CUP)

At CUP, we firmly and passionately believe housing is a human right and believe in a concept called “housing first.” This concept takes the stance that true and quality help cannot be achieved until a person has obtained safe and secure housing.

We are an openly queer nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by Executive Director Cody Severson and board member Sarah Benson.

One thing we see lacking in the community is inclusive and affirming services for minority groups who are often underrepresented and disproportionately affected by homelessness, like the LGBTQ+ community, Black, Indigenous, and people of color. We strive to be a safe place for people to seek help no matter what their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious belief, age, or disability is. We want to make sure people who are afraid to seek services have a place to go, are treated with dignity, and feel secure.

We understand there are a multitude of factors contributing to homelessness. After we achieve safe housing, we focus on common reasons for chronic homelessness: mental illness, substance addiction, low income, domestic

violence, and human trafficking. To help with these issues, we became Community Connect and Free Through Recovery providers.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we saw more people than ever unable to pay their rent or facing eviction because of lay-offs. CUP expanded as quickly as possible to help as many people as possible, helping people apply for North Dakota Rent Help. Through our services, the organization has kept people in their homes, found homes people who didn’t have one, and found the right resources for their needs like mental health therapy, addiction recovery, food resources, and more.

In 2022, we found another need in the community for emergency housing for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Through a grant from the FM Area Foundation and another nonprofit organization, we have been able to provide emergency temporary housing for these survivors. Our work doesn’t end here. Your continued support not only helps us as an organization, but actively keeps people from living on the street. We thank you on behalf of ourselves and on behalf of our participants directly impacted by your generosity.

To fight homelessness and its root causes.

Cultural Diversity Resources

Cultural Diversity Resources collaborates in partnership with the Multicultural Alliance of five ‘Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC) nonprofits, to conduct ‘Financial Literacy’ classes for many New American and BIPOC employees working in major healthcare employer.

Financial Literacy Program will provide classes for New American employees to increase their knowledge and skills in financial principles to manage, save and invest effectively resulting in financial security to support long-term quality of life.

The partnership will start with 25-30 New American employees at Essentia Health clinics and hospitals.

A training team with financial expertise, from banks, credit unions, and financial advisors, will teach budgeting, tracking income and expenses, saving, building an emergency fund, credit control, maximizing employer’s matching contributions, types of insurance, frauds, and investing. Measurable outcomes will demonstrate an increase in knowledge and skills application of effective management of finances.

“Give an individual the daily wages and you feed him/her for a day. Teach the individual to save and invest and you feed him/her for a lifetime.”

MISSION

FUNDAY MONDAYS

November 28 + December 5th

Every donation that each organization receives on Mondays, will be entered into a drawing for $1,000 towards their fundraising goal. The drawing will take place in the days to follow, and the winner will be announced on Facebook.

Serving as an intercultural bridge that strengthens bonds, educates and empowers ethnically diverse communities.

Down Home

Give the Gifts of Dignity & Stability

Down Home turns moving in — into moving home for those emerging from homelessness. At Down Home, we are Boots on the Ground. Our hearts help us do the heavy lifting by offering hope with our hands and feet, providing a transformative fresh start, and designing a life-changing space - a place that fosters dignity. A place to invite family and friends. A community of belonging and new beginnings.

Down Home’s process is extensive, intentional, and impactful. We serve families in the Fargo-Moorhead community. We meet with each family, coordinate items to personalize their rooms, and rehome thousands of donations to transform empty spaces into homes that are nurturing, engaging, and stable. Of those we serve, 100% have someone in their family sleeping on the floor. We prioritize the gift of brand-new mattresses to provide the comforts and dignity of a good night’s sleep to all we serve.

Down Home is furnishings, decor, and so much more. Beyond the transformation day, we connect with our families. From birthday packages to floral bouquets to free photography, vehicle repairs, and internet, our growing number of collaboration partners offer additional opportunities to break down barriers. We are committed to continued involvement and stability in the community. Everyone served is invited to our annual Christmas event. Families experience the traditions and fellowship of the season, and those served in the current year go home with a tree package. 100% of Down Home families report we provide them with security, comfort, relief from financial stressors, and community connection.

Your investment at any level is powerful. Thank you for the gift of your YES and being part of the Down Home story!

MISSION

Down Home empowers lives by furnishing homes for families and individuals emerging from homelessness.

MISSION

Emergency Food Pantry

Just the Essentials

The Emergency Food Pantry’s main purpose is to provide food, however, we meet many people lacking basic hygiene items. We ask clients if they need essentials such as toilet paper, soap, and other hygiene items. Many of us take for granted supplies such as laundry soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. Others in our community go without because they cannot afford them. These items enhance the lives of those in need by reducing the stress they experience to meet their basic essential needs.

Jonathan was a 5 year old boy who had a younger sister. His parents found themselves in need of a food basket due to an unexpected expense. The family of four came into the food pantry for the first time. While visiting with mom, the volunteer learned they had not replaced their toothbrushes in over a year. In addition to food, their family also received toothbrushes and toothpaste. Jonathan was very excited to get a new toothbrush and was excited to brush his teeth at bedtime that night.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

FM AREA FOUNDATION (409 7 TH ST. S FARGO) Tuesday, November 29 Join us from 8:30 - 11:30am + Ugly Sweater Contest! Please join us for cocoa, cookies and holiday cheer! We will have Caring Cash giveaways, and swag.

The FM Area Foundation will also host an Ugly Sweater Contest for attendees of the Holiday Open House. Winner will receive $1,000 towards Caring Catalog participant(s) of winners choice.

Supporting the community by providing food to reduce hunger.

The F5 Project

Safe + Sober Housing = Community

There are a few things that a person who is released from prison needs as they reenter our communities: a system that supports them, a way to make money to support themselves, and a safe place to sleep at night.

Give the gift of a fresh start this holiday season. F5 Project recognizes the need for individuals to have a place to call home in order to feel confident in their transition journey. F5 houses are a safe space and meant to be their home, but complete with supportive roommates and involvement in the F5 Program. We currently have seven houses spread throughout Fargo, Grand Forks, and Bismarck that support 30 individuals - but in the midst of these cold months, we need your help.

F5 Project was founded to help individuals struggling with incarceration, mental health, and addiction by providing resources and services to help obtain employment, housing, health care, and other basic needs. By empowering individuals to create meaningful change in their lives through support and grace, F5 Project restores purpose for individuals, fosters healing, and rebuilds stronger communities.

By supporting the F5 Project, you’ll help supply individuals with necessities to make their houses feel like home.

Every size gift is valuable and impactful. Your gift of:

• $25 supports the purchase of basic everyday items and cleaning supplies.

• $75 supports the purchase of bedding and pillows.

• $150 supports the coverage of the heating and utility bill for one of our houses.

• $300 supports the purchase of a twin bed.

• $750 covers rent for one of our houses for an entire month.

MISSION

To provide individuals struggling with incarceration, mental health and addiction with services and resources to reenter society and create meaningful change in their lives.

701-478-3341

Giving. A gift in itself.

701-478-3340

701-478-3338

701-478-3342

One of the rewards of what we do is helping our clients create the opportunity to truly impact their community. Building a long term investment strategy that includes local and regional foundation and philanthropic support resulting in immense human value. A return on investment that is measured beyond just a spreadsheet. It’s a gift in itself.

T R U S T C O M P A N Y

Dedicated financial stewardship.

210 Broadway N, Fargo, ND • www.thoresonsteffes.com

Charles Peterson AFM Farm Management

Kelly Steffes JD Trust Management 701-478-3339

Rick Thoreson CFA Investment Management

Dusty Richter CFP Financial Planning 701-478-3344

Kiana Majidian Client Services

Mason Anderson Investment Management

When kids play, they imagine a world where anything is possible. That’s why U.S. Bank supports nonprofit and neighborhood-based organizations in our community. We’re committed to building safe places where kids can dream big and have fun.

U.S. Bank is proud to support and partner with the FM Area Foundation

No dream is too big when kids play.

MISSION

Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre

Since 1946, the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre has been a place for people of all ages and backgrounds to create, learn, and gather. Generations of artists and art lovers have benefited from FMCT’s mission. The generous support of countless businesses and individuals through the years has enabled FMCT to continuously grow for over 75 years. Today, support is needed more than ever.

In December 2019, wooden beams spanning the 52-year-old auditorium failed, causing the organization to vacate the premises. But as they say, “the show must go on”, and go on, it did: four days later, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" opened on Concordia's Comstock Theatre stage. FMCT remained open throughout the global pandemic by serving frontline workers with educational daycare at its Studio 6 location in Downtown Fargo. During the height of the pandemic, while inperson engagements dropped, FMCT reached 45,000 people through its online storytelling series.

FMCT also creates sensory-friendly programming and provides spaces within rented venues for children with special needs. Once the new theatre

is built there will be a dedicated space for patrons with sensory needs. FMCT works diligently to create a place for everyone!

FMCT has a proven history of overcoming adversity and has continually found ways to entertain, serve, and inspire the people of the Red River Valley. Despite lacking a permanent building facility, FMCT has increased attendance at our mainstage productions and multiplied our programming engagements. In 2021, FMCT opened its mainstage theater at the Hjemkomst Center, engaging over 40,000 people in the 2021-22 season.

Fraser, Ltd.

Stepping Stones Resource Center (SSRC) Extended Hours, a program of Fraser, Ltd., provides a warm, safe shelter for youth ages 18-26 years old that are homeless or at-risk of experiencing homelessness and its associated issues; such as human trafficking and incarceration. We are seeking donations to help transition our Stepping Stones Resource Center (SSRC) into an “Extended Hours” option which is a 24-hour, 7 days a week facility for our youth during the extremely cold time of the year. We continue to see a vast increase in youth that are in need of our services right here in our community. Last year Extended Hours saw a 70.3% increase over the previous year in youth needing our services.

Now more than ever, donations are needed to help keep youth, and their children safe, and warm. While youth are with us, they have access to take a warm shower, a place to do their laundry, receive a warm meal, and most importantly, get out of the cold. Our goal for each youth at SSRC Extended Hours is to feel empowered to take the steps they need to stay on track and get back on their feet.

Fraser, Ltd. receives no state or federal funding to run this program, so we are reliant on donations received from area businesses and people in our community.

MISSION

HOLIDAY SPIRIT AWARD

Thursday, December 1st Let your holiday spirit shine! Whether it’s a festive outfit, an ugly sweater, a decked out office or your over-the-top lights display–we want to see it all. Post your photo on December 1st on Facebook or Instagram. (You must tag the FM Area Foundation and use hashtag #FMAreaCaringCatalog to qualify.) The winner will win $1,000 for their favorite Caring Catalog charity. Winner will be announced in the comments on Facebook or Instagram by noon - Friday, Dec. 2.

Supporting children, youth, and adults on their life’s journey towards independence.

MISSION

Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley

At Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley, our story is one of growth, partnership, and service. Since 2020, we have been collecting gently used furniture and household items and regifting them to people in crisis or challenge. In our first year, we started by serving an average of 14 households per month. That quickly grew to an average of 38 households per month in 2021. In 2022, we are now serving over 50 households each month and surpassed serving over 1,000 households since 2020. Again, ours is a story of growth.

Our clients are referred to us by a network of local organizations who provide resources and support for a variety of challenging scenarios, including transitioning from homeless to homed, overcoming addiction, recovering from a natural disaster, escaping an abusive relationship, and others. While we serve these shared clients directly, we also serve our referral organizations by being a resource to them. With our help, they don’t have to find, pick up, and store essential furniture for their clients – allowing them to stay focused on what they’re best at. When everyone is at their best, our whole community benefits. Ours is a story of partnership.

As we see the demand for our services continue to grow, we know we’re positioned to respond to that demand. In 2022, we hired our first full-time staff person to support expanding our operations and our team of passionate volunteers continues to grow. This is where we need your help. Your gift through the Caring Catalog helps us end the year strong as we continue to respond to support more people in their time of crisis with access to furniture. With your help, our story will continue to be one of service to thousands in our community for years to come.

Our mission is to demonstrate love and compassion by connecting furniture/ household items with individuals and families in their time of crisis and challenge.

Is a Donor Advised Fund right for you?

Do you wish you had more time to decide where to give before the tax deadline of December 31st?

As you’re thinking about retirement, would you like to spend more time giving back in the future?

Have you ever thought about a way to organize family giving or create a way for your family to give together?

Are you interested in ways to reduce your taxes?

Do you have a desire to leave behind some sort of personal or family charitable legacy?

Do you support more than three charities each year, including your church or school?

Do you gift more than $5,000 annually to charities that you are passionate about?

Do you have any assets outside your retirement, such as appreciated securities, mutual fund shares, cryptocurrency, business interests, shares, or property?

Are you expecting to earn more this year than typical, or receive variable income, or expecting a sale or financial windfall?

Are you expecting to develop or update your will or estate plan?

If you answered yes to more than one of the questions above, a donor-advised fund could be a great fit for you.

Contact

Because a donor-advised fund is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about, it's easy to contribute cash, securities or other assets. At the time you make the contribution, you're generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Then those funds can be invested for tax-free growth and you can recommend grants to IRSqualified public charities.

If you’d like to make a difference but don't know where to start, we'd be happy to meet with you to provide advice and inspiration. If you are working with a financial advisor, estate planner, accountant, or another professional advisor, we'd be happy to provide them with information, as well.

GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo

Many families are blindsided by a diagnosis of Down syndrome in pregnancy or at birth. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we shift the feelings of uncertainty to hope and potential. GiGi’s programs aim to help parents overcome the diagnosis and maintain high expectations for their child to achieve success in social, educational, and employment opportunities in the future. By encouraging children to follow routines and participate fully, parents take a big step in recognizing their child’s potential.

With your generosity, you will provide hope, potential, and the ‘Best of All’ for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Your support provides over 400 hours or one month of 22+ free educational, therapeutic, social, and physical therapy-based programs. GiGi’s goal is to provide over 5,000 hours of free programs to participants in 2023. All programs are delivered in a format that supports how individuals with Down syndrome learn best. Programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential.

Every gift makes an impact. Your gift of:

• $25 provides one hour of programming for an individual with Down syndrome and their family.

• $50 provides a welcome kit for new families to instill hope and comfort.

• $100 provides networking opportunities for parents/caregivers to know they are not alone on this journey.

• $500 supports one therapeutic program for one month.

MISSION

GiGi’s Playhouse mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and promote global acceptance for all.

MISSION

The mission of Gooseberry Park Players is to provide young people with a unique educational and multi-generational summer theatre experience.

Gooseberry Park Players

For over 40 years, Gooseberry Park Players has provided young people of all abilities with a unique educational and multi-generational summer theatre experience. Students in the age range of 11 to 18 are invited to participate in our program every summer, with performances in July. Our productions are based on classic and contemporary dramatic literature designed to intrigue, inform, educate, and entertain a family audience. We believe in providing a theatre opportunity for every child. We are a fee-free program, meaning there is no activity fee to participate.

From being able to teach students different ways to present themselves on stage, to understanding stage directions, learning new music, and seeing our productions come to life is only a small impact that this organization has on these students, but also their families.

Gooseberry Park Players will be a home away from home to over 60 students in and around the FM area being an actor or a technician in the summer of 2023. We also gain involvement with professional staff and professional musicians.

We are trying to raise funds to support our musicianship opportunities by getting a new keyboard and some new technology with it.

For our program to continually grace the lives of families and students in the FM and surrounding areas; we need your help!

• $25-$50 will sponsor a student or help with basic organization needs

• $80 will get us a new keyboard stand

• $110 will get us Mackie CR3-X3 Powered monitors -or- Keyboard Onstage Bench

• $700 will get us a professional Keyboard Case

• $3,600 will get us a Nord-5 88 key stage Piano

Harvest Hope Farms

Each summer, Harvest Hope Farm strives to impact youth in the Fargo/ Moorhead area through our Farm Camp and Llama Llama Camp programs. These programs, geared toward youth ages 3-13 years old, focus on social-emotional development and life and leadership skills building through hands-on learning in a family farm environment.

From teaching our youngest learners how to “not be a bully goat” using the popular Anna Dewdney Llama Llama books, to teaching elementary and middle school youth how they can feed the community and beyond with the knowledge of how to raise their own garden. Harvest Hope Farm is enhancing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the children that love to come to the farm for these day camps as well as their families.

Harvest Hope Farm will welcome 50 preschool youth to Llama Llama Camps in summer 2023 and up to 45 youth ages 6-13 to Farm Camps. Additionally, we plan to serve up to 150 youth through our Farm Camp on Wheels Program which brings pieces of our traditional Farm Camp program to summer school and Boys and Girls Club programs in an effort to break down financial and transportation barriers.

To make this possible we need your help!

• $50 will pay for Llama books and a bag for one youth.

• $150 will pay for one youth to attend Llama Llama Camp.

• $200 will pay for one youth to attend Farm Camp for the summer.

• $500 will sponsor a 4x6 garden box for one youth.

MISSION

Harvest Hope Farm strives to HARVEST HOPE in others by enhancing their emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial health through a hands-on farm experience and education concerning sustainable food resources and environmental stewardship.

MISSION

Committed

Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe

Heart-n-Soul Community Café serves locally-grown fresh food and operates under a pay-what-you-can model. This way, our neighbors who can’t always afford to visit a restaurant can come and enjoy a nutritious meal, no questions asked.

We are committed to addressing food insecurities, building communities, and providing delicious food to nurture the body, heart, and soul. We thank our incredible community for their continued grateful support as we serve our community local and fresh meals.

So far in 2022, Heart-n-Soul has had an amazing and busy year and held numerous cafe events with our food trailer. Our events have been in Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo, and we’ve served over 7,300 meals to community members. Of those meals, approximately 1,500 were pay-what-

you-can. We are so blessed for the opportunities the trailer has given us to serve a larger audience and reach people who otherwise may not have been able to attend a café. As the popularity of our cafe continues to grow, so does the number of cafes and locations. To continue the success of our cafe we plan to purchase our own vehicle to pull the mobile food cafe. Instead of time spent organizing our next pull, we can concentrate on more important things, such as feeding our community.

All donations, no matter the size, are valuable to us. We are so excited to be partnering with the 2022 FM Area Foundation Caring Catalog this year. We know with your support we can make Wheels for the Cafe a reality.

#FMAreaCaringCatalog

November 28 - December 9th

Be sure to watch the FM Area Foundation's Facebook and Instagram throughout the Caring Catalog for extra giving incentives. Follow along and post using the hashtag #FMAreaCaringCatalog. Many of the charities will be having their own special giveaways and contests too!

Homeward Animal Shelter

At Homeward Animal Shelter, our shelter may be small, but we have never let the size of our building determine what is or isn’t possible when it comes to the welfare of our community’s animals. Since 1966, we have gone from a simple wish of hoping to reduce the euthanasia of adoptable pets in local pounds, to finally seeing an end to the euthanization of adoptable pets in the FM area pounds in 2012. Our community has been so supportive of our efforts and continues to show us that love knows no limits; we’ve witnessed the generosity of those people in our community who are willing to adopt a 16-year-old cat or a dog that only has a few months to live.

Funds donated to Homeward Animal Shelter are allocated between the general care of the animals, including veterinary care, food/litter, housing, and general supplies, in addition to all resources needed to achieve our mission, which includes staffing, building upkeep, vehicle maintenance, and other program expenses. We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of animals in our care over the last 12 months, so many of the expenses have increased too.

We believe that every animal deserves a second chance, and will do everything within our power to ensure that each animal we rescue will find a happy and loving home. Ideally, we would love to see a world in which every animal has a home, but until that time, we will continue to rescue the animals in need in our community, and give them the love they need until they each find a home of their own.

Your gift of $50 will provide food for a large adult dog for one month. And, $80 will provide litter for all of the cats at the shelter for 2 weeks.

MISSION

Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.

MISSION

Hope Blooms

Small acts of kindness change lives. Simply knowing you are valued–especially during challenging times –can be a great source of hope and comfort. Hope Blooms is solving a problem, one in which people can feel forgotten or unimportant with a beautiful but simple message of “You matter.”

We do this through repurposing donated flowers and rearranging them into beautiful bedside bouquets and delivering them to our community members in need. Knowing you matter and feeling like you are a part of a larger purpose is essential to our wellbeing as humans. Our work is helping foster this feeling of belonging for so many – an invaluable gift of the heart.

Hope Blooms provides bouquets to individuals in hospice care, nursing homes, long-term care facilities and assisted living, memory care centers, shelters, women and families in need, individuals facing difficult times and so many more. Research consistently links flowers with mental and physical health benefits for recipients: lower blood pressure, decreased anxiety, elevated mood, and improved cognitive performance.

With the caring hands of many volunteers and thousands of hours, Hope Blooms has created and delivered more than 50,000 bouquets to community members in need. That’s 50,000 moments of joy, belonging, and hope for people who feel forgotten, lonely, or are going through difficult times.

Our work is more important now more than ever with the lasting effects of the pandemic on those we serve and our community as a whole. Our message of hope, belonging, and emotional healing through a tangible act of kindness has the potential to impact each of us in our own unique way by leaving a lasting imprint in the heart of another in their moment of need. We’re changing lives, one bouquet at a time.

With your support, we can continue this beautiful ripple of kindness in our community!

When you give to a qualified North Dakota nonprofit organization or endowment fund, like the FM Area Foundation, you can claim up to a 40% tax credit.

The FM Area Foundation can help you make contributions through:

> Endowment Funds

> Deferred Gifts

> Planned Gifts

This is on top of the savings you can receive on your federal return by itemizing your qualifying charitable donations.

By taking advantage of both the state tax credit and federal tax deduction, you can significantly lower the net cost of your contribution and triple its impact.

As you plan your giving this year, consider how the 40% tax credit can multiply the impact of your gift.

Whether you give to an established endowment fund, create a new endowment fund at the FM Area Foundation, or contribute a planned or deferred gift, your money goes farther helping support your favorite charities.

24% MARGINAL

RATE ON INDIVIDUAL RETURN

Jeffrey

Inspire Innovation Lab

Inspire Innovation Lab takes educational programming into the 21st century with a focus on design thinking and social emotional growth. We utilize project-based learning to create what we like to call “secret learning” opportunities, where our students feel empowered to build and engineer and grow with freedom from expectations. We use trauma-informed techniques as well as other teaching methods focused on neurodivergent learning behaviors to create a space where all our students feel safe, heard, and understood, because we know that without strong relationships, no learning is possible.

We believe strongly in growing community through education, support, and connection, which goes hand-in-hand with our mission to never turn away a student because of economic or behavioral struggles. Through summer programming, our micro-school, and after school programming, we served well over 100 families in the greater FargoMoorhead area in 2022, giving over $30,000 in financial assistance.

We believe we can change the world, one child at a time.

MISSION

To provide professional development, student programming, and innovative learning experiences for teachers, students, and the community in an effort to achieve widespread educational impact with a focus towards the empowerment of underrepresented groups.

MISSION

Jail Chaplains

Consider partnering with Jail Chaplains in making Life Recovery Bibles available for inmates in the Cass County Jail and participants in Living Free groups in the community. Lives are being transformed when men and women have the opportunity to have a personal copy of God’s Word in a translation they can understand and includes life application notes referring to recovery. We anticipate providing 750 Bibles in 2023.

Recently we met Jacob who shared this, “I started drinking at age 14 with my mom. From 16 to 21 I received 15 minors, 2 or 3 domestics, 3 DUI’s and spent a lot of time in jail. This was followed by 12 more years of craziness and prison time. This past Aug 27 I was arrested and booked into Cass County Jail. One of the other inmates asked me if I would like to do a Bible study with him and God started to pull me close.”

Jacob was asked what it means to him to have his own personal copy of the Life Recovery Bible, his reply was, “It means the world to me. It’s easier to read and understand. It works through Jesus to teach me about addictions I battle with. Just being able to get a Bible, in a place like jail, and seeing other’s get them and read His Word, shows how

powerful He is and loving also. I spend 1½ - 2 hours a day reading my Bible and doing the Bible study sheets, it makes me feel more whole. I feel if I stay with Jesus in prayer letting him know my sins, I start knowing myself more.”

Your generous donation to Jail Chaplains will ensure more people, like Jacob, will receive their own personal Life Recovery Bible and find the hope available through Jesus.

Sharing the message of salvation as we serve and disciple through the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world.” - Anne Frank.

With the tremendous support, we have received from our ‘Memory Café Village’ we are improving the world for the memory loss community and their loved ones. At the heart of what we do is recognize the intrinsic beauty and value of these individuals and celebrate their remaining strengths throughout the course of their disease.

“I love Memory Cafe. The people still ‘see’ my wife and not just all that she can’t do.” – Paul I.

The pervasive and brutal stigma associated with dementia is devastating for the individuals and families we are privileged to serve. The fear of being judged, marginalized, or embarrassed causes them to hide instead of remaining engaged in our beautiful community. As the disease progresses, their world shrinks and they often become dangerously anxious, lonely, and depressed.

With your financial partnership, Memory Café is rapidly shifting this perilous paradigm. We inspire hope, joy, and a sense of empowerment for the individuals living with memory loss and their care partners. Without us, a gaping hole would exist in their world. We offer at no charge three opportunities each week for our participants to laugh, learn, and engage in the community and a monthly caregiver support group to help address their special challenges.

“The gratitude our family feels for Memory Cafe is hard to express in words. You provided an outlet for both Clark and me that was fun, loving, and supportive. We admire your commitment to the community and people like us living with memory loss. What you do is so needed. Thank you!”

- The Weisser family

We are thrilled to partner with you, –our Village, to continue providing these vibrant opportunities to improve the world for our memory loss community.

MISSION

Our mission is to provide empowerment, hope and joy through socialization, education, creative arts, and community engagements/ services.

Nexus-PATH Family Healing

Brighter Tomorrows

Help us to create a brighter tomorrow for North Dakota youth and families!

At Nexus-PATH Family Healing, the youth and families we serve through our programs in foster care, residential treatment, independent living and community-based mental health programs come to us from all different life circumstances. Many youths arrive in foster care or at Luther Hall, our residential treatment program with very little belongings, often everything in one plastic tote or suitcase. For many families in our community-based mental health programs, meeting emergent basic needs such as providing a meal, providing transportation to an appointment, or connecting them to a community resource can provide real hope for a brighter tomorrow. Now, more than ever, the mental health of children and families in North Dakota is being challenged. These challenges call for a courageous step forward and enormous effort. Nexus-PATH is answering that call and we ask you to join us in helping to provide brighter tomorrows by making a gift to help stabilize the needs of youth and families.

We need your help! A gift of:

• $25 can provide supplies for the emergency food pantry

• $100 provides pajamas, underwear and a blanket for youth coming into the Nexus-PATH program

• $500 provides apartment basics for a first apartment or dorm

• $1,000 provides group recreational equipment and opportunities for offsite recreation such as gym time, bowling, and bicycling for youth at Luther Hall.

All gifts make a lasting impact on our youth and families and assists NexusPATH with engaging them within the community we live!

MISSION Changing the course of a child’s life by stabilizing families and strengthening mental health.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

When a child is sick, nothing is more important than being together and near needed medical care. RMHC of the Red River Valley helps families focus on what matters most by limiting the additional stress and financial burden of receiving medical care far from home.

In 2021, together with you, we were able to serve over 700 sick kids and their families through two main programs.

Our Ronald McDonald House provides hotel-like rooms, home-cooked meals, and the amenities of home for up to 24 families a night. Our Ronald McDonald Family Room offers a respite space within the Essentia Health NICU to support families while they are bedside with their premature child.

Your support of RMHC through the Caring Catalog offers hope for the healing process and ensures families can stay together and access critical medical care for their child.

SHARE YOUR MISSION MOMENT

Thursday, December 8th Is there a nonprofit you love? Tell us your why in the comments of this Facebook post, whether it be a comment, a photo or even a video. The winner will be selected by the FM Area Foundation team by 12pm, Friday, December 9th, then that person gets to choose a Caring Catalog charity to receive an extra $1,000! Tag the FM Area Foundation and use hashtag #FMAreaCaringCatalog to qualify.

MISSION Keeping Families Together and Providing the Comforts of Home while their Kids Receive Medical Care.

Since our humble beginnings in 1910, First International Bank & Trust has built a strong foundation on the bond between our employees and our customers. Over the years, we’ve grown from a single bank in Arnegard, North Dakota, to a large group of community banks spanning four states, but our heart is the same, we’re here to help our communities Live First.

Youthworks

At Youthworks, our mission is helping to ensure all youth have a safe place to belong and be heard. Homeless, runaway, trafficked and at-risk youth can find safe shelter, counseling, case management and support within our programs. Youthworks staff believe in Positive Youth Development, building relationships with young people that challenge their growth, encourage positive decision-making, and community engagement.

Short Term Care & Assessment Center: Providing 24/7 emergency shelter to youth in crisis, with opportunities for clinical intervention, family reunifications services, and follow-up counseling.

Umoja Writing Workshop: An educational leadership program developed to help youth find their voice and build a sense of unity with their peers by expressing their authentic selves, through writing prompts, poetry and spoken word.

Beyond the Game: Using athletics to focus on health and wellness, positive character development, improved self-confidence and advocacy skills through mentoring relationships, team participation, and community service projects.

Street Outreach Program: Building relationships and providing resources, supplies, and support to youth where they are at, encouraging additional safety supports and connection with programming in the community.

Transitional Living Program: Providing transitional housing and support to homeless young adults, in order to build a foundation for youth to live independently.

Bridges: Providing immediate assessment and educational support to youth suspended or expelled from school to address their behavioral needs.

Anti-Trafficking Program: Intensive, coordinated case management for youth victims of human trafficking in eastern North Dakota.

In order to meet a variety of youth needs, Youthworks hosts a Drop-In Center with food pantry, hygiene supplies, laundry and connection to other community assistance.

In supporting Youthworks, all funds raised stay local to support the needs of youth in the community.

MISSION

Helping ensure all youth have a safe place to belong and be heard.

MISSION

YWCA Cass Clay

Give Her Safety + Warmth

Give the gift of warmth to women coming in from the cold to YWCA Emergency Shelter. YWCA is where 72 women and children survivors of domestic violence or homelessness live every night in safety. The heat and cooling in each shelter room are controlled by a heat pump, and many need replacing. As a unit starts to fail, a room becomes frigid during sub-zero winter or sweltering in the summer. Sudden failure means a room cannot be used until repairs are made. Our heat pump fund urgently needs your donation so we can immediately replace units and keep a backup on hand. Your gift right now will ensure every shelter room is ready and warm when temperatures plunge!

Our shelter was built in 2004. Across 18 years, our HVAC system has performed a staggering job in comforting 20,000+ who in this time have called YWCA a temporary home. Heat pumps are used throughout our building: in sleeping rooms, our dining hall, childcare, education and employment wing, computer center, and nurse’s office. These are important spaces where women move from fear to empowerment.

Your gift will keep rooms ready 365 days a year for women to escape dangerous relationships or life on the streets. Our team will work alongside women to gain jobs, heal and find housing, supporting them to overcome every life barrier. There must never be a gap for women and children to gain these resources.

• $25 will help stoke our heat pump fund

• $2,700 replaces a single heat pump

• $45,000 invests for new heat pumps in sleeping rooms in line for replacement

• $140,000 will proactively swap out all remaining aged units in our shelter building.

YWCA Cass Clay is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and children and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Your Partner in Giving.

The FM Area Foundation makes it easy to give effectively. Our personalized service and customization provide you with confidence that your gifts go where you are most passionate and maximize return on investment.

WHY PARTNER WITH THE FM AREA FOUNDATION?

EXPERIENCE.

Our team brings over 60 years of combined experience in nonprofit and philanthropic causes. We make it easy to give effectively. Our fundholders are doing spectacular things across the philanthropic spectrum, initiating thousands of grants each year. For the fundholder, it’s as easy as choosing where to give, but we add the sophistication of a trusted philanthropic partner with your priorities top of mind.

WE’RE FIERCELY LOYAL.

We’ll work with you, your family, your business, and your financial advisor to discuss how we can best fulfill your charitable giving interests and needs, while making the most of your philanthropic dollars. We’ll also perpetuate your philanthropic legacy beyond this lifetime, giving recognition to your fund or maintaining anonymity, if you desire. Whatever your cause, we’ll do the research, partnership-building, site visits, and impact assessment to ensure your philanthropy lives on and drives the change you desire.

IMMEDIATE & LONG-TERM IMPACT.

As your Community Foundation, our commitment to the stewardship of assets within this region ensures that the charitable goals of donors are met now and for generations to come. We have a well-earned reputation for results within our communities and work to bring fundholders together with nonprofits to maximize social return on investment.

LOCAL COMMITMENT & EXPERTISE.

With deep roots in our local communities and a board of directors made up of knowledgeable community leaders and volunteers like you, we have a broad understanding of local needs and where there are opportunities to invest in innovative solutions that create lasting impact. We are nimble enough to support those solutions and able to advise you and your family on your philanthropy.

TAX ADVANTAGES.

As the region’s only Community Foundation, a public charity, your donations qualify for the maximum available deduction for charitable contributions in the year when the gift is made. From simple cash gifts or complex gifts of land, shares, or other appreciated assets your fund grows while your tax obligations decrease.

Learn more online about all the types of funds and flexible options we offer to help you meet your charitable goals.

If you’d like to make a difference but don't know where to start, we'd be happy to meet with you to provide advice and inspiration. If you are working with a financial advisor, estate planner, accountant, or another professional advisor, we'd be happy to provide them with information, as well.

Fargo, ND 58103

areafoundation.org/caringcatalog SCAN HERE