Starting a local community foundation
Submitted by Loren Femrite, Dawson
The Dawson Community Foundation (DCF) story began with a well attended community based event called Project Future initiated by the University of Minnesota Extension, coordinated by John Olson from the Lac quie Parle County 4-H office. It was a very large turnout that broke into small groups to identify community needs. One of the many suggestions was to start a community foundation. A small group met monthly for what seemed like years until SWIF offered to match and accept our tiny startup fund. Dianna Anderson often attended our first meetings with needed advice.
In 2001, an all community reunion happened with many donations to the endowed fund as well as non-endowed funds for school projects. The numerous original donations were smaller amounts that have grown to what it is today. Several other funds joined the DCF along with some greater donations. The DCF has served as a vehicle for many to give back to the community. Starting members were Lois Pollei, Dave Peterson, John Tollefson, Gerald Michaelson, Loren Femrite, and Dr. Phil Maus.
Share your story
As Southwest Initiative Foundation marks 40 years, we’re celebrating the people who make this region home and the partners who make our work possible. We’d love to include your story.
‘Small towns can bloom in big ways’
Picture a city where streets bloom with baskets of flowers, trees grow to shade the sidewalks and residents take pride in their surroundings. This is the city of Dawson, thanks in part to Dawson Community Foundation grants dedicated to city beautification efforts.
