It’s here! The All School Reunion weekend in Bemidji is happening now, through this weekend, from which a proceeds of the event will benefit the Bemidji 31 Education Foundation, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, and go toward its $20,000 matching grant from the George W. Neilson Foundation.
Since 2020, the Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund has granted out almost $15,000 to 24 different projects in ISD #31. (To learn more about the fund, visit its website HERE.)
Today, we continue sharing some insights about the fund and the motivations of its volunteers.
What are your dreams for the fund for the future?
Our dream if for this fund to be on par or exceed the capabilities of our peers. It would be outstanding if magnitude of our contributions were felt in every building at every grade level. It would be a dream come true if every educator in the district marked “grant period” on their calendars, knowing that help is available. They just need to ask.
What brings you joy about this fund? What makes you proud?
I owe much of my success to the education that I received. Also, I am the proud son of a lifelong educator. To be able to give back to the system that has already given me so much is very rewarding. The first round of successful impact grant made the entire experience feel amazing.
What is your favorite fund memory?
My best memory is the first successful round of impact grants. The hard work of the team became reality. We were able to get feedback from the grant recipients. It felt like a victory at a time when victories were very hard to come by.
To donate to the Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund, please visit THIS LINK.
Want to learn even more? Read earlier posts about the Bemidji 31 Education Foundation Fund HERE and HERE — and visit its Facebook page!
