NMF’s strategic plan emphasizes Quality of Place by prioritizing local capacity – the leadership of its residents, the strength of its institutions, and the retention and use of its financial resources.
Central to this priority are NMF efforts to assist in the growth and development of communities with the philanthropic capacity and volunteer commitment to enhance their own quality of place and with grassroots organizations that can respond to locally identified needs.
In the fall of 2010, the Otto Bremer Foundation awarded a grant to NMF for its Sustaining Community Success project. This partnership effort augments the culture of philanthropy in five communities served by Bremer Banks in Northwest Minnesota: Crookston, Fertile-Beltrami, Fisher, Stephen and Warren. The program includes the establishment of viable, effective and efficient community fund programs that are responsive to the needs of both donors and the communities.
In order to assist these communities, four focus areas are being addressed:
Development and growth of a general endowment that will augment a culture of philanthropy and help communities meet emerging needs. The Otto Bremer Foundation grant provides each community with a $50,000 endowment match challenge over a 3-year time frame. In addition, NMF will provide 10% endowment match on the first $100,000 raised.
Discretionary grant making that demonstrates the benefits of a general endowment with support that is responsive to the needs of both donors and the communities. The Otto Bremer Foundation grant provides $5,000 a year over three years to enable the fund’s advisory committees to recommend grants to qualifying organizations.
Promotional and training programs supporting local awareness and leadership capacity to continue the community fund programs indefinitely. The Sustaining Community Success process includes a component of four training sessions that focus on assisting and supporting Community Fund Advisory Committees with strategic planning, marketing, fund development and creating legacy. NMF staff will provide technical assistance to each Advisory Committee.
Development of community priorities through a concerted and targeted community stewardship effort. This process helps communities formulate a plan to move forward in a consistent and strategic effort. The Stewards Councils help the community get traction on projects and work effectively and efficiently together. NMF has partnered with the Headwaters Regional Development Commission to facilitate this process in the five communities.
Selection of Communities Community Training Materials Stewards' Councils
