2007 Report Index 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

  2007-Chair and President Report
   
   
 

Joanne H. Ottmar, Chair

 Kevin Dvorak, President
  There is a dichotomy in the foundation world. There are foundations that make grants with a small board. These grants are generally focused on a narrow “problem” with specifically designed solutions. Sometimes this approach does work and make the “problem” better. Unfortunately, sometimes the narrow focus limits the effectiveness of the solution because there is little room for creative and different approaches to the “problem”.
  The North Dakota Community Foundation works with a totally different method. We understand a couple of basic truths. We believe that “problems” are moving targets and often, those closest to the “problem” have the best solution.
  Consequently, NDCF does not have a narrow focus. Our grant guidelines are quite broad and our board considers every letter proposal. The Board’s one overriding guideline is this: Where will NDCF’s grant have the biggest impact on the project? Notice that we don’t say “problem”. Life is a project, a work in progress. None of us are ever done until we are “done”.
  North Dakota is a work in progress, a project. We have all seen the huge demographic and population changes in the last 30 years. The North Dakota Community Foundation and its unrestricted grantmaking is also a work in progress. The beauty of the NDCF’s Unrestricted assets is that they are able to be applied to various projects each year as the needs of North Dakota and its citizens change.
  Depleted, victims, violence, disabled, senior, distance, couldn’t pay, need, homelessness, far; these are words used below by our grantees to describe the challenges they face. The grantees who do the difficult, rewarding face to face work with those in need. Here are some quotes from organizations funded in 2007’s Unrestricted grant round:
  From the Pembina County Meals & Transportation: “The donation (grant) was used to pay for senior meals served during the month of October at the restaurant sites in Walhalla St. Thomas and Cavalier. Federal funding for meals is depleted by August, so your donation was greatly appreciated.”
  From OPERA in Ellendale: “This letter is to inform you that the heating and cooling system has been installed and is in operation at the renovated lobby of the Ellendale Opera House…The new room was used for several Christmas functions in December by local businesses and private individuals.”
  From Second Story in Minot which serves developmentally disabled persons: "The members have blossomed in our new accessible building. Thank you for being part of that.”
  From Rolla Community Daycare—Preschool: “Thank you so much for your generous donation to our preschool program. We are using the funds to purchase materials and supplies for the 2007-2008 school year.”
  From the Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation: “The assistance we have received from the ND Community Foundation has been so helpful and has been instrumental in accomplishing our goals….the 7 Trails Trading Post souvenir shop/educational center has seen visitors from all over the United States. We are looking forward to the tourist season next summer…to promote the history that North Dakota has to offer.”
  From the Women’s Action & Resource Center in Beulah: “Homelessness is a real presence in North Dakota. At WARC we see its effects everyday in victims seeking refuge when violence forces them from their homes. This grant will enable us to assist more individuals with the hope and the security they so desperately need.”
  From the Faith in Action Health Coalition in Cavalier: “The North Dakota Community Foundation Grant will assist us in helping to keep our long distance drivers to aid the residents to their appointments near and far. I speak for many when I say that this is a wonderful gift to us.”
  From the Fun and Friendship Club-Senior Citizens Pembina: “It (the grant) came at a very crucial time- On Friday Nov. 2, our gas tank was on empty-Saturday, Cavalier Gas delivered 225 gallons @ $1.98/gallon, however, our bank account held a little over $200 after we paid the water and phone. The bill was $454.41 for the gas which I couldn’t pay. So, how very grateful we are. We have senior noon meals 5 days a week which are delivered from Drayton.”
  Appreciated, installed, renovated, blossomed, new, generous, purchase, assistance, instrumental, accomplishing, helpful, refuge, crucial, assist, aid, grateful, enable, hope, wonderful, looking forward; These are words from above used to describe the NDCFs Unrestricted grants’ impact on the issues faced by nonprofit organizations across North Dakota. Isn’t that a wonderful way to show what the NDCF’s Unrestricted Fund does to meet the changing needs of North Dakota’s citizens? Isn’t it proof that the Board’s single most important criteria, that of the impact of our grant is a wise one to use?
  Join with us in addressing the changing issues of our State and its people by giving to the North Dakota Community Foundation’s Unrestricted Fund.