A monthly newsletter for Community Foundation friends, donors, and fund holders. | |
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Hello from the Community Foundation!
We hope summer is treating you well. If you’re already working with the Community Foundation to organize your giving and make an impact, thank you! If you have not yet established your donor-advised or other type of fund at the Community Foundation, we look forward to working together to explore the best options for you and your family.
In this issue of Giving Matters, you'll find a selection of highlights and educational materials:
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Julie Nelson reflects on how civic involvement- such as serving on the board of a nonprofit - contributes to a strong, healthy, and successful community.
- The Summer Performing Arts Company (SPA) shares how private donations and grants, such as those through the Community Foundation, were able to assist 110 students this summer, allowing them to participate regardless of financial circumstances.
- Unfortunately, many people (as well as their attorneys, accountants, and even financial advisors) are not aware that a donor-advised fund established at the Community Foundation is in most cases a far better fit for their clients than a donor-advised fund set up at a national financial institution. We offer much broader services, more personal attention, and deeper connections to the nonprofits whose work is essential to effecting positive community change.
- Building good habits is important in many areas of your life, and charitable giving is no exception. The Community Foundation is happy to offer tips and suggestions to make your philanthropic endeavors easier and more satisfying, which in turn makes it more fun to add regular giving into your routine.
As always, it is our pleasure to work with you as you fulfill your charitable intentions. Every day, we are inspired by the generosity of our donors and fund holders.
Have a great September!
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Becca Baumbach
Executive Director
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WHY I SERVE: JULIE NELSON | |
Learn about a volunteer member of the Community Foundation's Board of Directors. | |
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 Julie Nelson |
I have always been actively involved in the communities in which I have lived over the years and understand the importance of working together towards common goals. Having spent nearly three decades in health care leadership roles, I have a full appreciation of the problems that arise from a lack of resources and community support - especially as it relates to social determinants of health.
I believe a strong, healthy community is critical to the success of the population served and community boards, such as the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region, are instrumental to success.
When I first learned about the Community Foundation, I was immediately drawn to their focus on strengthening our community by connecting people who care with causes that matter. I have great appreciation for the “grass roots” approach to making investments and continue to be impressed by the work taking place in our community as a result of their efforts. I am proud to be on the Board and enjoy being a part of an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of others every day.
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MAKING AN IMPACT: SUMMER PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY (SPA) | |
Highlights from a recent grantee of the Community Foundation. | |
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The Grand Forks Public Schools Summer Performing Arts Company (SPA) has just completed its 37th season. 1,153 area students participated in SPA this summer – a record-breaking year of enrollment.
SPA offers various Fine Arts programs for students of all ages and abilities. Programs vary in length and curriculum depending on the age group, and all culminate in a performance opportunity.
- Pre-K and Elementary students participate in a workshop of creative dramatics, theatre games, and movement exercises.
- Middle School students have a workshop-style program that focuses on drama, movement, and vocal music.
- High School students work on stage and behind the scenes on main stage musical productions.
- Bands on the Red is a three-week band program that focuses on lighter music like movie themes, show tunes, and marches.
- MySPA is an Arts opportunity developed for students with special needs or challenges. It focuses on a variety of creative expression including drama, music, movement, literature and visual arts.
- SPA provides guest artists in various disciplines to work with Multilingual students taking Summer School. In addition, vocal and instrumental lessons are offered as well.
Our High School mainstage productions this summer were “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Grease”. We were fortunate to have full houses for all of our performances, and we are grateful for the community support.
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Because SPA has gained so much community support through the years, we feel it is important to give back to the community that is so generous to us. This summer, we hosted a spare change drive to benefit the Grand Forks Foundation for Education Giving Tree and the Santa Claus Girls – two programs that help many area children and students. The Giving Tree helps Grand Forks Public Schools students and their families by providing a pantry stocked with critical items such as personal care products, essential household items, school supplies, snacks, and more. The Santa Claus Girls provide a gift bag that includes a toy, candy, reading book, coloring book/crayons, toothbrush and toothpaste, hat, gloves, and socks to children aged 12 and under from low-income families during the holiday season.
One of the greatest accomplishments of the SPA program is that no student has ever been turned away from participation due to financial hardship. Because of private donations and grant programs such as those offered through the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region, we were able to assist 110 students this summer. Post-COVID, the requests for assistance have steadily increased. The number of extreme hardship cases has increased as well. Though Arts education is the primary focus of the program, we recognize the importance of providing a safe and positive environment for our students. In some cases, SPA may be one of the only safe spaces some students may encounter outside of the school year. Supporting all students’ mental health and social well-being is critical.
All in all, 2024 was a tremendous season for SPA. We thank everyone for their continued support to ensure that all of our students shine brightly on stage and behind the scenes.
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Stay up-to-date on benefits, opportunities, and changes that may impact your charitable giving. | |
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 | | If you’ve already established a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation, you can understand why it’s become such a popular tool to organize your family’s giving and serve as a springboard for so many other ways to make a difference in our region. |
|  | | August is national Make-A-Will month and a great time to check in on key components of your estate plan. The reality, as we know, is that all property remaining at death has to go somewhere. |
|  | | The team at the Community Foundation is committed to sharing tips and insights that can help you get more satisfaction from your charitable giving and in turn make an even bigger difference in the causes you care about. | |
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GRANT PROGRAMS
- The Brockman Feldman Family Fund seeks to increase the reach and accessibility of academic extracurricular activities in Grand Forks, Walsh, and Polk Counties. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
- The Neel Family Fund Grant Program supports music education for children 18 years of age and younger in Grand Forks County, ND. Public entities, such as schools and libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits (or organizations fiscally sponsored by such) are invited to apply for funding. Applications open September 3 and close October 31 at noon.
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PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
- The Community Foundation invites regional financial professionals and attorneys to a Trusted Advisors Seminar and Social, featuring Christy Boysen, CEO of Apex Legacy Consultants. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 9 at The Landing at the Olive Ann Hotel. Doors open at 3:30pm with seminar at 4:00pm and social at 5:00pm. Drinks and light hors d'oeuvres provided. Advanced registration appreciated.
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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HOURS
Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 4pm. Meetings are by appointment. We keep remote hours on Fridays from 10am to 4pm and are available by phone and email.
This newsletter as well as any referenced materials are provided for informational purposes only. They are not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice.
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