Impact of community foundations recognized

The North Dakota Community Foundation (NDCF) is celebrating the work of its local community foundations during National Community Foundation Week, Nov. 12-18. Community Foundation Week, created in 1989 by former president George H.W. Bush, recognizes the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to addressing community problems.

“Our local community foundations understand area needs and are in the best position to address the issues their community faces,” said Kevin Dvorak, President and CEO of NDCF. “They are a valuable tool in funding projects and programs and provide a way for residents to give back to their area, with built-in flexibility to meet the changing needs of the community.”

NDCF currently administers endowment funds for 69 local community foundations in North Dakota, as well as a variety of other types of charitable funds including scholarships, donor-advised funds, and organizational endowment funds, which support specific charities in the state.

Community foundations at NDCF in this part of the state include:

• the Carrington Community Endowment Fund, established in 1980,

• the Minnewaukan Community Endowment Fund, established in 1981,

• the Maddock Community Endowment Fund, established in 2003,

• the New Rockford Community Foundation, established in 2008, and

• the Harvey Area Community Foundation, established in 2008.

NDCF has already made over 1,100 grants totaling over $6.2 million in 2023 through its various funds. These grants are used in a variety of ways to improve the quality of life for North Dakota residents. Among the recipients was The Foster County Historical Society, who received a $10,000 grant from the Carrington Community Endowment Fund for an exterior painting project on the Putnam House.

Each community foundation at NDCF has an advisory committee made up of local residents that review grant applications and recommend grant awards to the projects and programs they believe will make the most significant impact in their area. They also lead fundraising efforts to help grow their funds for the future. NDCF’s board of directors makes grant award decisions for the Statewide Greatest Needs Fund.

The State of North Dakota encourages donors to direct their philanthropic dollars toward qualified North Dakota endowment funds such as the community foundations at NDCF by offering a 40 percent state tax credit on certain gifts.

For more information or to inquire about establishing a community foundation for your hometown, go to http://www.NDCF.net or call 701-222-8349.