More than $500,000 raised in donations over the last 6 years of partnership
Note: This article was featured in the FY23 Impact Report, which reports on NMF’s activities between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. To read the report in full, click HERE
The strength of our workforce in Northwest Minnesota is dependent on the strength of the technical education being offered in our region. Without local educational opportunities, we are at risk of being without nurses, plumbers, HVAC professionals, and so many others.
In 2017, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) contracted with Northwest Technical College (NTC) in Bemidji to further the work of its NTC Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to enhance the educational experiences of NTC students through scholarships, equipment, and program support.
At the time, the NTC Foundation was led by volunteer board of directors without staff support, and the college was under new administration, searching for a dean and about to undergo strategic planning.
Wanting to align the college’s path forward with the NTC Foundation’s goal for fundraising and expanded educational opportunities, the college partnered with NMF, whose mission is to promote philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.
Ashley Johnson, senior philanthropy manager at NMF, became NTC Foundation’s executive director, devoting a percentage of her worktime to leading the NTC Foundation.
That partnership has proven enormously successful. The NTC Foundation fund initially came to NMF with around $400,000 in assets, which are nearly doubled today. Further, the NTC Foundation has fundraised more than $500,000 over the last six years.
The arrangement between the NTC Foundation and NMF has now entered a new chapter. While NMF will continue to hold the fund among its 430+ local funds, the ongoing operation of the NTC Foundation and its fundraising efforts moving forward will be led by NTC staff and its board of directors.
“I’m incredibly pleased by the results of our work over the last six years,” said Ashley, in reflection. “But even more so, I’m excited for the opportunities that await future NTC students. There has not only been growing awareness of the opportunities available through technical education, but there has been growing support as well.
“To have quality education opportunities, we need to be able to offer scholarships and cutting-edge technology. Through our work, we’ve developed strong partnerships with local businesses that strengthen those efforts. The future looks very strong for NTC.”
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- An annual Day of Giving for NTC was established, raising nearly $150,000 to support the Student Success Center, scholarship fundraising, and an emergency fund for students.
- George W. Neilson Foundation supported first-year NTC students with $1,000 scholarships annually for six years.
- Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation granted $50,000 to increase the enrollment of underrepresented students in the NTC Dental Assisting Program.
- NTC raised more than $320,000 in leveraged equipment dollars by seeking gifts of equipment donated from local businesses. This is a match program offered by the state system office, which gives a dollar-for-dollar match; the money was given to the college to purchase new equipment.
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
- 2017: $40,000
- 2018: $42,800
- 2019: $44,030
- 2020: $37,500
- 2021: $55,200
- 2022: $122,500
Total scholarships awarded: $342,030
