This week, in recognizing National Volunteer Week, we are highlighting members of our Fund Advisor Council.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation Fund Advisory Council is comprised of a selection of dedicated and committed fund advisors from NMF’s family of funds who are helping us champion our work in their communities.
These individuals volunteer their time – over and above what they are already doing on behalf of their fund – to provide the NMF Philanthropy team with suggestions, feedback, and guidance on how we can better support and equip the fund advisors for our 430+ funds.
There are six members of our Fund Advisory Council and we are very thankful and appreciative for their time and leadership in championing community.
Fund for which they serve as a fund advisor: Bemidji Area Arts Endowment
Length of time as fund advisor: Twelve years!
What do you believe is the value of the Fund Advisor Council and why did you decide to join? As a member of the newly formed Fund Advisor Council, I have enjoyed meeting other Northwest Minnesota Fund Advisors. Council meetings have provided each fund advisor the opportunity to engage, share insights, and best practices with each other. By building relationships with peers, we are learning about the various endowments we each represent, and the unique characteristics, goals, and stakeholders of the numerous endowments managed by Northwest Minnesota Foundation. The sharing of insights and challenges enriches our perspectives of what’s possible when it comes to setting goals and expanding our fund’s stakeholders.
What is your favorite part of serving as a fund advisor? Our fundraising efforts have consistently been successful, allowing us the unique opportunity to grant thousands of dollars annually, back into the arts community in and around the Bemidji area.
Do you have a favorite “impact moment” from your work as a fund advisor? Having served for years as a Bemidji Area Arts Endowment advisor, I have experienced numerous “impact moments” associated with the successes of our annual fundraising efforts and ability to help grow and support a vibrant area arts community. Grants from the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment help fund musical and theatrical performances, art classes, music lessons, music concerts, summer art festivals, student art shows, gallery opening events, poetry slams, and other art related events in and around the Bemidji area. Impact moments occur each time I see the large number of people, of all ages, who benefit from these art experiences.
