Donor Education Event Set for October 20
Charitable giving doesn’t always have to mean writing a check. For donors looking to make the most of their generosity, assets they already own, such as appreciated stock or funds held in an IRA, can offer additional ways to support the causes and organizations they care about. The FM Area Foundation will host a free […]
Foundation Welcomes New Board Members
The FM Area Foundation is pleased to welcome five new members to its Board of Directors. The new board members bring diverse professional backgrounds, community experience and a shared commitment to strengthening the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region through philanthropy. Their collective experience spans nonprofit leadership, business, finance, entrepreneurship, community development and civic engagement. As members of […]
Berg Family Foundation Awards Grants
The Berg Family Foundation at the FM Area Foundation has awarded $72,060 in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations. The Elmer & Kaya Berg grant round honors a legacy of generosity rooted in supporting basic human needs, education, and health and wellness programs. Elmer and Kaya Berg were cherished members of the Fargo-Moorhead community, leaving behind […]
Highs and lows: Reminding clients about stock gifts
As an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor, you’re well aware that your clients are typically better off from a tax perspective if they donate to charity by giving appreciated stock held for more than one year instead of writing a check. That’s because the client’s charitable deduction is calculated based on the stock’s fair market […]
FM Area Foundation awards $454,725 in scholarships to area students
The FM Area Foundation has awarded $454,725 in scholarships to more than 200 area students for the 2026–2027 academic year, helping students pursue their educational goals at colleges, universities, technical schools and other post-secondary programs. These scholarships are made possible by generous individuals, families and businesses who have created scholarship funds through the FM Area […]
Bunching charitable gifts, year-end, and getting ahead
For many attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, the last weeks of summer mark the beginning of year-end planning season. As clients return from vacations and turn their attention to tax and financial planning, it’s an ideal time to revisit charitable giving strategies that could be important to help clients achieve their 2026 planning objectives. A […]
Business succession planning: Four questions and one word of caution
At the FM Area Foundation, we work with a wide range of individuals, families, and businesses for whom charitable giving is a priority, especially related to supporting causes in our community that improve the quality of life for everyone. In many cases, we’re helping business owners structure their personal and family philanthropy. A natural extension […]
All that and more: Your donor-advised fund may surprise you
You might initially think of a donor-advised fund as a simple charitable savings account: contribute assets, immediately receive a tax deduction, if eligible, and recommend grants to your favorite 501(c)(3) nonprofits over time. While that is certainly true, many people are surprised to learn just how flexible a donor-advised fund at the FM Area Foundation […]
August is Make-A-Will Month: What legacy will you leave?
August is Make-A-Will Month, making it the perfect time to think about more than just your financial plans. It’s an opportunity to consider the legacy you want to leave for your family, your community and the causes that matter most to you. For many people, creating a will is about ensuring loved ones are cared […]
Checking in on your charitable plan
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” — John Lennon You’ve certainly heard that well-known quote. But have you thought about it in the context of your charitable giving? It’s common to create a charitable giving plan during a particular season of life. Perhaps you established a donor-advised fund after […]