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Create Your Charitable Legacy

The Black River Falls Area Foundation was established to help people give back to their communities by meeting their charitable objectives in the most flexible, easy and efficient ways possible. The Foundation features convenience, tax benefits, personalized service, and knowledge of community needs.

Why Give Through The Foundation?

  • We build charitable funds that grow and benefit Black River Falls area Communities.

  • We help donors create permanent individual or family legacies.

  • We offer donor involvement in selecting charities.

  • We are known for prudent stewardship and investment practices.

  • We are a local organization meeting a broad range of changing local needs.

  • We provide a simple way to fulfill multiple charitable interests, with low-cost administration.

  • We deliver personalized donor service and we are flexible and responsive to unique needs.

  • We accept a wide variety of assets.

  • We offer maximum tax advantages.

  • We will preserve donor intent even when community needs and organizations change.

  • We will preserve donor anonymity if asked to do so.

What Are The Different Type Of Funds?

A fund may be established in an individual donor’s name, a spouse’s name, company name or any other title you desire. The Foundation offers you the opportunity to form a fund and will advise you on the type of fund most advantageous to you and your family or business.

Designated Funds
A Designated Fund allows donors to select a specific charity or charities to receive annual, long-term distributions of interest earned by the fund. The fund can be named after the donor. We regularly review designated charities to make sure that grants to these groups remain relevant over time and responsive to changing circumstances.

Scholarship Funds
Scholarship Funds enable individuals, families, companies, and organizations to help students pursue their academic goals. We administer the scholarship and you may choose to determine the guidelines. Recipients are selected by both school and foundation representatives.

Field of Interest Funds
A Field of Interest Fund allows you to support areas of specific interest such as the arts, human services, education, health, the environment, the elderly or other interests you may have. Our Trustees make grants to support programs and projects within the field of interest you have specified.

Pass-Through Funds
Pass-Through Funds are wholly expendable to grant recipients over a period of time as determined by the agreement between the donor and the Foundation. They may be discretionary, designated or field of interest funds.

Donor-Advised Funds
Donor-Advised Funds allow donors and a second generation to advise our Trustees on the distribution of funds to specific eligible charities. The recommendations reflect the donor’s interests and the donor may make recommendations at any time during the year. Grants can be made outside of Jackson County. Donor-Advised Funds may be endowed or pass-through, discretionary or field of interest funds.

Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds allow the Trustees the greatest flexibility to award grants to projects or programs that have the greatest need at any given time. The fund can be named for the donor.

Agency Funds
Agency Funds enable an agency to establish its own fund with the trustees handling the investment and management of the assets, distributing the earnings to the agency.

Legacy Funds
Legacy Funds recognize individuals who wish to benefit our community through careful estate planning. It can be through a bequest in your will or by naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement plan or trust.

Established Funds With The Black River Area Foundation

The following funds have been established through the Foundation.  Gifts to any of these funds are welcomed and appreciated.

Donor-Advised Funds
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Black River Falls Educational Enrichment Fund

An idea of the fund was initiated by Al Lahmayer in 2005.  After meetings, discussions and a commitment of a donation from Al and Jeannette Lahmayer, the fund was established in 2006.  Since then, alumni and community fundraisers have been held to increase the fund.  Earnings on the fund are used for the purchase of goods and/or services that will enrich the educational and extracurricular experiences of students within the Black River Falls School District.  In 2009, with their donated funds, the Lahmayers established within the EEF the Black River Falls School District Music Fund, which was renamed in 2010 as the Lahmayer Family Music Fund with earnings on the fund going to grants from the Music Department of the Black River Falls School District.  

 

City of Black River Falls – Field of Honor/Veterans Park Maintenance and Improvement Fund

In 1999, with the support of the American Legion Post #200, the DAV Chapter 61, and the AMVETS Post #5494, the VFW Post #1959 requested the City of Black River Falls establish the former Swimming Pool Park as a Veterans Park.  The request was accepted.  A committee was formed and the fund drive began. The Field of Honor/Veterans Park Maintenance and Improvement Fund was established with the Foundation in 2003 and earnings on the fund may be used for maintenance, improvements or repairs at the Field of Honor Park. 


Jackson County Humane Society Jane Erickson Memorial Fund

In November 2004, the Jackson County Humane Society (JCHS) received a donation from Jane Erickson’s Estate.  Jane was a long-time supporter of the JCHS who felt strongly about humane treatment towards animals, responsible pet ownership, and reducing the number of unwanted companion animals by using incentives to alter pets.  In honor of Jane, the JCHS invested a portion of these funds to use for future endeavors that may be necessary to maintain the strength and quality of the JCHS mission. 


Mills Park Maintenance and Improvement Fund

With donations by family and friends, the fund was established in 2002 by the Mills Family.  Its purpose is to pay for periodic maintenance of the Park required to keep it attractive and in good condition.  The Foundation may also consider requests from the fund advisors for new improvements such as additional play equipment.

 

Alma Center Area Community Fund

Established in 2008, this fund is the first geographic affiliate of the Foundation.  Its purpose is to provide opportunities for charitable giving to enhance the quality of life in Alma Center and surrounding area.  Grants will be awarded from the annual earnings to non-profit groups and organizations for beautification projects, such as maintaining the Turtle Pond Park, social, recreational and tourism opportunities, and health and safety programs for residents.


Peter and Jone Hoffman Fund  

Established in 2001, Peter and Jone specified the following to be recipients of funds:  the Black River Falls Area Foundation for annual grants; the Black River Falls United Methodist Church for their operations budget; the Gateway Council Boy Scouts in La Crosse for their annual operations of Camp Decorah; the Boys and Girls Club of Black River Falls for operating expenses; and the Hazelton Foundation in Center City, Minnesota for admissions payments to those unable to pay for entry into the recovery program.  In recent years, Peter and Jone have increased contributions to the fund wanting, as Peter said, to see and participate in the outcomes during their lifetime. 


Erwin and Thelma Homstad Memorial Fund

Established in the 1990s, the four Homstad children can recommend the distribution of annual earnings. If no recommendations are made, the Foundation Trustees are directed to distribute annual earnings as they so determine. 

 

Gil and Alice Homstad Fund

The fund was established in 2002 for the purpose of funding grant requests.  The donors can recommend the distribution of annual earnings.  If no recommendations are made, the Foundation Trustees are directed to distribute annual earnings as they so determine.  A portion of the principal may be distributed if recommended by the donors or their advisors. 

 

Jackson County Bank Community Service Fund

Established in 2009, this fund’s annual earnings will be used for the purpose of funding community grants. The donors can recommend the distribution of annual earnings.  If no recommendations are made, the Foundation Trustees are directed to distribute annual earnings as they so determine.  

 

Hoffman Construction Fund

Established in 2010, the fund was established by the Hoffman Construction Company on behalf of its President Jim Hoffman and his wife Andrea, Vice President Mark Hoffman and his wife Amy, and current and past employees as a means to contribute to this community now and for future generations.  Earnings from the fund will be used for annual grants. 


Designated Funds
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Developmental Disabilities Fund

The fund was established in 1988 with earnings to be used annually to help the developmentally disabled in Jackson County.

 

Foundation Trail Maintenance and Improvement Fund

The fund was established in 2002 and 2003 by generous community donors.  In 2004, the first Foundation Trail Maintenance Fund Walk, called “The Trail to Better Health,” was held to raise funds for trail maintenance and improvements.    In 2006, to help maintain this community asset, the Foundation announced a two-fold project: 1) to raise funds to increase the existing Trail Maintenance Fund so that it can become a permanent funding source; 2) to develop a small and attractive Park along the trail.  

Skyline   -

  • Clubhouse Capital Improvements Fund  
  • Golf Course Capital Improvements Fund  
  • Legacy Fund

Skyline has been a central part of the lives of many people in the Black River Falls Area.  Families have played golf, dined and held social functions to celebrate graduations, weddings and class reunions at the Skyline.  Each year Skyline receives requests to accept contributions from families for whom Skyline represents a memory of some happy event.  The year 2007 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Skyline Golf Course. To commemorate this milestone these three Skyline funds were created with the Foundation into which contributions could be accepted to help Skyline continue as a community resource for many years to come.  Earnings will be distributed once the fund reaches a pre-determined level. 

 

Mary Van Gorden Endowment Fund for the Black River Falls Public Library’s History Room

The fund was established by Mary in August of 1995 for the purpose of providing financial support for the Library’s Jackson County History Room.  Earnings from the fund are used for: a) salary and fringe benefit costs of any paid employee(s) within the History Room; and b) educational experiences for the History Room’s paid employee(s) and/or volunteers, which will enhance the value to the History Room.


Grace Webb Memorial Library Fund

In 1986 Grace Webb’s sister, nieces and nephews established the fund in her memory.  Grace retired from many years of teaching in Jackson County schools.  Annual earnings from the fund are used to purchase materials to enhance the enjoyment of reading by elementary school students in Jackson County.  


Stanley Held Fund

The fund was established in 1998 and restricted for grants from Jackson County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Black River Memorial Hospital, Alma Center First Responders and the Alma Center Library.   Stanley grew up on a farm in Alma Center and later moved to town with his parents.  He worked many years as manager of the Jackson County Bank’s branch office in Alma Center.  


Lunda Community Park Maintenance and Improvement Fund

The fund was established in 1997 with $100,000 to provide $10,000 a year for maintenance and improvements of the Lunda Community Park.  A small balance currently exists.  


Black River Falls Rotary Club Skatepark Maintenance and Improvement Fund

Established in 2008 by generous donations from members of the Black River Falls Rotary Club and the Club’s funds, this fund provides for the maintenance and repairs of the Skatepark.  


Boys and Girls Club Fund

The fund was established in 2009 with proceeds from a life insurance policy donated by Ken Olson and cashed in for the purpose of building a greater fund for the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County. 


Unrestricted Funds
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Jim and Carol Dougherty Family Fund

The fund was established in 1977 by Jim and Carol Dougherty with the stipulation that 2/3 of the annual fund earnings be used as determined by the Foundation Trustees and 1/3 be added to the principal.  Earnings are to be used for charitable purposes once the fund reaches a pre-determined level.  

 

Timothy and Kay Finch Fund

This fund was established in 2010.  Annual earnings can be distributed at the discretion of the Foundation Trustees. 

 

Unrestricted and Designated Funds
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Incubator Economic Development Fund

This fund was established in 2010 with the sale of the Incubator Building located in the Industrial Park.  Fund earnings will be used for annual grants (unrestricted) and the principal will be available for low-cost economic development loans to the City of Black River Falls and Jackson County (designated).  

 

Pass-Through Funds
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Carroll Zillmer Memorial Fund 

This fund was established in 2010 in memory of Carroll Zillmer.  The purpose has not yet been established. 

 

Field of Interest Funds
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Black River Area Youth Fund

Established in 2008, the fund is to be used for any special project that includes youth who will be enlightened by an educational experience or by serving others. 

 

Type of Fund and Purpose to be Determined
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Mona Anderson Memorial Fund

This fund was established in 2010 in memory of Mona Anderson.  The purpose has not yet been established..

 

Gifts to any of these funds are welcomed and appreciated.

For information on how you may start one of these funds, call the Black River Falls Area Foundation at 715- 284-3113.