Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Join Joan Berntson as she reflects on the full cycle of transitioning from an NMF beneficiary to an NMF staff. And a lifelong commitment to showing up for her neighbors and serving the place she calls home.
As we gather to mark our 40th anniversary, we are celebrating four decades of community strength—and we are writing to thank you, because you are the ones who made it possible.
The Polk County Fairgrounds had long been part of the community's story. But time had left its mark. Together, the community raised enough funds to build a new year-round event center at the Polk County Fairgrounds.
Fred Madsen did not grow up in Bemidji, nor did he attend school or begin building his career there. His connection began much more simply — with love.
