When today's gifts become tomorrow's legacy

New Rockford Community Foundation advisory committee kicks off fundraising campaign to grow permanent endowment fund

Charitable giving is an important way small and rural communities like New Rockford thrive, and we all know how it works. Typically, donations make a straight line from the donor to the recipient. When most people make a donation, they find pride in knowing exactly what that money will be going towards, and how it will be used. The donation itself is then spent within a short time after it is received, to install playground equipment, provide emergency medical services, build a pool or beautify a green space.

But what if you knew that the gift you make today will generate more than twice its original value over the course of your lifetime? What if you knew your dollars will be given to help numerous organizations and projects based on the community's greatest needs? What if you knew your contribution would remain intact and still increase in value over time?

For those donors who wish to leave a local impact and lasting legacy year after year, there is the New Rockford Community Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2008 by the New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation and serves as a permanent endowment- so the principal is never spent. Instead, the earnings that result from investing the fund's principal become available in grant monies, and the principal fund remains in perpetuity.

The Foundation emerged through the work of a fundraising committee that consisted of Bob Belquist, Jim Belquist, Craig Meehan, Melinda Martin, Michael Nicolai, Amy Wobbema and Donn Frahm. During this time, the fundraising campaign consisted of personal approaches and letter writing to potential donors and businesses. Anyone who donated to the fund during the first year was recognized as a "Charter Contributor" and given a plaque in honor of their gift. The fundraising goal for that initial year was set at $25,000, which was met and then matched with contributions from the North Dakota Community Foundation for a total of $30,000. The North Dakota Community Foundation is the statewide organization that manages the New Rockford Community Foundation and more than 60 other community endowments in North Dakota. Right now, the statewide organization has more than $80 million in assets.

Each year the foundation takes the earnings, typically between 3.5 and 4 percent of the fund's balance, and extends a call for grant applications from organizations who serve the community. At the end of its inaugural year, the fund's balance was $30,000. During the first grant cycle, which occurred in April 2010, the foundation awarded $1,100 to two local organizations. Over the past nine years, the foundation has given nearly 50 grants totaling more than $21,500. Most recently, in 2018, nine organizations were awarded a total sum of $3,610 in grant funds.

This year the foundation will give back to local organizations for the tenth time in its existence. With the fund's balance at $116,862, there will be $4,069 in grants available to non-profit organizations and projects serving the community of New Rockford.

Do you see how this has grown over time? For example, an individual donor who contributed a sum of $1,000 to help establish the fund in 2008 has effectively generated an additional $350 dollars to contribute to local organizations over the past 10 years. The best part is, over the coming years, the original gift will remain intact as grant dollars are derived only from investment earnings. Therefore, 40 years from now, that same $1,000 gift will have generated $1,750 in grants, nearly twice its value! And the $1,000 will still be in the fund to generate dollars for the next 100 years or more.

Usually this time of year, the foundation committee begins selling tickets to the annual fundraising event, "Luck of the Irish" Deal or No Deal. The event was organized in 2012 as a fun way to raise awareness about the foundation and recognize businesses who donate to the fund. Held in March, around St. Patrick's Day, the Irish luck-themed game show Jessica Hawkes. Donning a sparkling evening gown and often accompanied by local "leprechaun" legend Loren Nieuwsma, Hawkes engaged the crowd with audience challenges, Lucky Duck Pluck 50/50 raffles and other sidelines and drew "losers" out of the game. Thousands of dollars were generated for the fund each year through ticket sales and business sponsorships, and more than $22,000 in cash and prizes was handed out to participants.

After seven years in the fundraising limelight, Hawkes is hanging up her dress as she takes on a new role with the state's attorney's office. Thus, giving Deal or No Deal a well deserved hiatus. This year, the foundation is going back to its roots with a traditional letter writing and community outreach fundraising campaign.

Individuals and businesses with the interest in ensuring New Rockford's future are encouraged to consider making contribution to the fund. Gifts of all sizes, even as little as $10, are welcome and greatly appreciated. All donors will be publicly recognized, and all donations are fully tax deductible. Further, the state offers donors an income tax credit on 40 percent of donations made to the fund, up to $10,000 for individuals or $20,000 for married couples. The credit effectively reduces or eliminates income tax liability, and any unused credit can be carried over for up to three taxable years after the donation is made.

The NRCF advisory committee is led by chair Josh Guler. Foundation directors include Laura Hager, Kerri Allmaras, Trisha Tedrow, Amy Ellingson, Barb Granger and Alyson Myhre.

Donations can be mailed to New Rockford Community Foundation, c/o New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation, PO Box 775, New Rockford, ND 58356. For more information, go online to https://ndcf.net/learn/community-endowment-funds/newrockford.html.