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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]