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 […]
Foundation Awards Grants to Local Organizations
The FM Area Foundation has awarded $711,905 in community grants to 101 nonprofit organizations serving Cass County, N.D., and Clay County, Minn. Through its annual competitive grant program, the Foundation connects charitable resources with community needs by investing in local nonprofits that are creating lasting impact throughout the region. Nonprofit organizations apply for funding, and […]
FM Area Foundation Helps Bring America 250 Mural to Downtown Fargo
The FM Area Foundation was honored to attend the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the new America 250 Mural on the VFW building in downtown Fargo. Created in recognition of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the mural serves as a lasting tribute to our nation, the veterans who have served it, and the values that […]
FM Area Foundation Invites Community to Celebrate $100 Million in Grants Awarded
The FM Area Foundation is inviting community members, nonprofit partners, donors and professional advisors to join a special Summer Celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 11, as the Foundation marks a significant milestone: more than $100 million in grants awarded to charitable causes throughout Cass and Clay counties. For more than 65 years, the FM Area Foundation […]
Charitable giving, due diligence, and how the FM Area Foundation can help
Many people want to be thoughtful in their charitable giving, but that doesn’t always make the process easy. In fact, one of the most common challenges donors face is simply feeling confident in their decisions. With so many worthy organizations, urgent needs, and compelling opportunities, it can be difficult to know where to start—or how […]
Spring Professional Advisor Social
Sip, Connect & Celebrate a Year Worth Toasting Thanks to the partnership of advisors in our region, this past year marked a record for new charitable funds and contributions at the community foundation, reflecting growing client interest in strategic, purpose-driven giving. We’re excited to host our Professional Advisor Spring Social on June 2, 2026, from […]
What type of fund, or funds, is right for you?
At the FM Area Foundation, we know that charitable giving is deeply personal and that choosing the right tools matters just as much as choosing the causes you care about. Whether you are considering establishing your first fund with the FM Area Foundation or considering adding another fund to complement the ones you already have, […]