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 […]
Closer to home: Steps to move your donor-advised fund to the community foundation
At the FM Area Foundation, we work with a wide range of donors who want to support favorite charities and causes they care about. Sometimes we meet with individuals and families who have already begun their charitable giving journey by establishing a donor-advised fund at a national charitable sponsor or commercial provider. Over time, many […]
Charitable Funds Established in 2025
In 2025, we were pleased to welcome 36 new funds established by philanthropic individuals, families and businesses throughout our community. Charitable funds established in 2025: 650 Second Avenue Legacy Fund All American North Trail* Berg Legacy Fund Bethesda Lutheran Church Foundation Fund BIO Girls Permanent Endowment Fund Brittany Brandt Donor Advised Fund Darren and Andrea […]
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Timothy J. Beaton believed philanthropy had the power to transform communities. As Executive Director of the FM Area Foundation from 2010 to 2020, Tim inspired donors, community leaders and partners to think beyond today’s needs and invest in a stronger future for the Fargo-Moorhead region. Under Tim’s leadership, the Foundation experienced extraordinary growth, increasing from […]