A new resource for charitable giving
For years, the FM Area Foundation’s Caring Catalog helped connect generous people with local nonprofits serving Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota. Now, the Foundation is building on that tradition with a new resource designed to help people discover local organizations and give with purpose: the Giving Guide. A NEW CHAPTER FOR LOCAL […]
Apples and oranges: Lifetime and legacy giving with IRAs
Retirement assets are becoming an increasingly important part of charitable planning. Americans hold more than $50 trillion in retirement accounts—nearly $20 trillion of which are held in IRAs. Meanwhile, the Great Wealth Transfer is underway, with more than $120 trillion expected to change hands over the coming decades. In light of these trends, it is […]
Year-end checklist: Repeat, repeat, repeat
It’s almost November! You are well aware of the calendar, of course, and so are your clients. You’ve also likely already begun reminding clients about year-end tax deadlines and important loose ends to tie up before 2027 hits. Remember, though, that memories are short, and just because you’ve already mentioned year-end deadlines doesn’t mean you […]
Estate planning: The thirteen magic words
In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution supporting the designation of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, observed each October. You’ve likely heard of this, and you may know that October 19 through 25 is the week in 2026. Chances are, though, you’ve not recently (or ever) looked at the actual resolution. The […]
Rooted in Gratitude, Guided by Faith
After more than 40 years in the Fargo area, Jason and Nikki Loney chose to establish a fund with the FM Area Foundation as a way to turn gratitude into lasting impact. Their decision was shaped by a desire to partner with an organization that would understand their long-term vision for giving and help them […]
Early birds, “bunching,” and planning for year-end
When “back to school” enters your vocabulary, you know the rest of the year will go by in a flash! That’s why it’s important to check in on your charitable goals for 2026 before fall gets into full swing. Otherwise, you may find yourself scrambling to synchronize tax planning, financial planning, and gifts to favorite […]
Estate planning: More than just a will
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is coming up from October 19 through 25. This comes on the heels of August’s Make-A-Will Month. A reminder to “make a will” is good advice, of course, but a thoughtful estate plan usually involves much more than a single document. And if charitable giving is important to you, making […]
Philanthropy Education Webinar Set for October 20
**We’ve made a change to the event format. This session will now be held virtually only via Microsoft Teams. Register using the link below!** 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 […]
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 […]