Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Region

**ABOUT US** Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) community foundation created by and for the people of the region to encourage a spirit of philanthropy. Working in partnership with individuals, families, businesses, and trusted advisers, the Community Foundation manages charitable funds and provides grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and causes. The Foundation has granted nearly $16 million to create stronger, more vibrant communities across Grand Forks, Walsh, and Polk Counties. **Mission & Vision** Our mission is to connect people who care with causes that matter. Our vision is to serve as a trusted and visible leader in the region, responsible for actively growing and strengthening partnerships, connecting donors with regional causes, and responsibly stewarding resources to create lasting impact. **Values** In alignment with our mission and vision, our work is grounded in our values. We value: - **Partnership**: We build enduring relationships rooted in trust, collaboration, and respect, honoring donor intent and strengthening regional connections. - **Grantmaking**: We practice thoughtful and responsive grantmaking that supports organizations and initiatives dedicated to community good throughout the region. - **Advocacy**: We champion regional priorities by securing and directing resources to address emerging challenges and opportunities. - **Stewardship**: We serve as stewards of philanthropic resources, ensuring lasting impact and honoring community trust. - **Action**: We serve as a catalyst for action, uniting public and private partners to spark innovation and address regional need. **What is a Community Foundation?** **STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH CHARITABLE GIVING** A community foundation is such a unique place that it is often difficult to describe. To our fund holders and their trusted advisors, the Community Foundation is a place where individuals and families can organize their charitable giving, maximize tax benefits, and work with a team of professionals to support their favorite causes. To the nonprofits in our region, the Community Foundation is a valuable connecting point to align with philanthropists, grow an endowment, and work together to ensure that quality of life improves for everyone who lives here. To civic leaders and everyone who wants to see our community thrive, the Community Foundation is a knowledgeable and helpful convener, often taking a behind-the-scenes lead in regional initiatives toward positive change in the place we all call home. To everyone in our community, we are *your* foundation. **History** **BEGINNING YEARS *As reported by Mike Maidenberg, President of the Foundation Board of Directors on August 9, 1999*** Community leaders had been discussing the need for a community foundation since the beginning of this decade. The concern was that there was no local institution that addressed broad-based philanthropy in the way a community foundation can. The North Dakota Community Foundation, based in Bismarck (255 miles away) seemed too distant to be a solution. The Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation (80 miles away) was another alternative, but Grand Forks was concerned about being able to steer an independent path. To be subsumed under Faro-Moorhead would have discouraged local giving, in the judgment of community leaders. There was a working committee that met once or twice a year. The last meeting ironically, was two days before the flood on 1997. It was in the aftermath of the disaster that a stronger push for a community foundation emerged. First and foremost, when Joan Kroc (“the Angel”) said she wanted to give $15-20 million to Grand Forks, she (or her advisers) first sought to channel the dollars through a community foundation. They found that Grand Forks did not have one. As it turned out, the Kroc dollars went through the North Dakota Community Foundation. But those of us who wanted Grand Forks to have its own community foundation thought there was a gaping hole by not having a foundation in place. Even though Kroc said she wanted all her funds to pass through, we felt that in the case of this gift or future gifts, there ought to be a way to transform the giving impulse into philanthropic endowment. So on November 21, 1997, the foundation was incorporated. Tom Clifford, former president of the University of North Dakota and chair of the Mayor’s Task Force for Flood Recovery, was a key member of the group urging that the foundation get under way. On January 18, 1998, we receive our provision 501(c)(3) status, and organized the board. We adopted a set of bylaws, and I assumed as its president.