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Donor Stories

Marion Dessert Memorial Fund supports restoration of historic benches along Lake Boulevard in Bemidji

The Marion Dessert Memorial Fund has now helped fund the restoration of three historic benches along Bemidji’s Lake Boulevard.

Donor-advised fund grants to nonprofit bringing free summer programming directly to children

The Richard Hebert Family Foundation Fund, a fund in the Northwest Minnesota Foundation family of funds, has granted $20,000 to the Lakes Area Yes Network to support its efforts in bringing free summer programming directly to the children around Calloway, Frazee, Waubun, and White Earth.

Leaving a legacy: Howe Thiel Charitable Fund

Ruth Howe and Merril Thiel believed in giving back – and the strength of this belief will be realized for generations to come, as their Howe Thiel Charitable Fund will support Bemidji area nonprofits in perpetuity.

Partners for Health LifeCare Gala celebrates and supports the excellence of regional health care provider

For 17 years, the Roseau County community has come together every year to support and celebrate the excellence of its regional health care provider.

Donor-advised fund supports Honor Flight trips honoring veterans’ service

The Ole and Ruth Tweet Family Fund, a fund within the Northwest Minnesota Foundation family of funds, has supported a nonprofit that takes veterans on Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. so they can experience the memorials honoring their service.

‘Knowing that our efforts are truly making a difference inspires us to continue’

With the goal of making a meaningful, lasting impact on the Park Rapids and Nevis area, Mark and Peggy Hewitt worked with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation to hold an open grand round for nonprofits that are working to remove barriers for youth and families to achieve success.

#GivingTuesday Spotlight: ‘We’re From Here so That’s Where We Want to Help’

‘We’re from here so that’s where we want to help’ Dick Hebert moves family foundation to NMF to further local impa

NMF Staff Share Why They Give to their Workplace

I have worked at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for 5 years. Over that time, I have seen and worked with the people, businesses and organizations that benefit from our work across the region.

Ruth Howe Continues Giving Legacy In Honor Of Late Husband

Ruth Howe and Merril Thiel were both raised in families that valued giving back. Growing up in farm communities during the Great Depression, Ruth’s mother provided meals to anyone in need, and always made sure she and her siblings had a penny to contribute to the offering on Sundays.

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Bemidji, MN 56601

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