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 […]
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 […]
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 […]