CommunityGiving

💡 What’s Your Legacy? Let’s Build It Together! 💡 Imagine having a simple, flexible, and powerful way to give back to the causes you care about most – now and for generations to come. That’s the power of a Donor Advised Fund with your local community foundation! Here’s why donors LOVE it: ✔️ Flexibility: You recommend grants to the charities that matter to you, at your pace. ✔️ Tax Benefits: Maximize your charitable giving while minimizing your tax burden. ✔️ Local Impact: Your support stays in our community, helping causes that align with your values. ✔️ Legacy Building: Create a fund in your name or honor someone you love. Giving is more than a transaction—it’s an investment in your vision for the future. Let’s make your giving easier, more meaningful, and impactful. Learn more about Donor Advised Funds at https://lnkd.in/gVgb8MVM or message us to start the conversation!

Here are some reminders as this year comes to a close, celebrating your community this holiday season. #PowerOfGiving

Do you know someone who would be excited to advance philanthropy and create impact in the Paynesville community? There is an opportunity to join the Paynesville Area Community Foundation team! We are searching for the next Executive Director for the Paynesville Area Community Foundation (PACF). The ideal candidate will bring both development and nonprofit leadership experience while possessing an entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic heart. The Executive Director of the Paynesville Area Community Foundation will provide leadership and oversight to the development, grantmaking, and community activities of PACF. This is the key community representative for the PACF, supported by both the PACF Board and the CommunityGiving team to collaboratively advance philanthropy in the Paynesville Area community. For more information: https://lnkd.in/gMHcPajX

This year, let’s come together to make a difference right here at home! 💙 Giving Tuesday, happening on December 3, is your chance to support the causes that strengthen our community. When you give locally, your generosity: 💙 Fuels programs that uplift neighbors in need. 💙 Supports scholarships, arts, and education. 💙 Builds a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone. Every dollar you give stays here, helping to create lasting change for the people and places you love. Ready to make an impact? Join us by giving to https://lnkd.in/gSyajGf ! Together, we can transform hope into action. Share this post to spread the word and inspire others to give back! #GivingTuesday #CommunityGiving #PowerOfGiving

Scholarships are now open today, December 1st! We believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to take advantage of the education available to them. That’s why we encourage you to apply for scholarships whenever the opportunity arises. These scholarships are available to both high school and college students, so don’t miss out! For more information and to apply online, visit https://lnkd.in/eV_9VnkH. Take the next step toward achieving your educational goals!

The Virginia Community Foundation (VCF), in partnership with CommunityGiving, is pleased to announce that Maija Biondich has been chosen to serve as Executive Director of the VCF. 🎉 Join us in welcoming Maija to the VCF and CommunityGiving team! With a strong dedication to the Virginia community, Biondich has served as a small business owner, city councilor, and active volunteer. Known for effective communication and a genuine, trustworthy approach, she has built lasting relationships with residents and the business community alike. Her experience includes operating a small business for over two decades, managing all aspects from marketing and customer relations to bookkeeping. As a six-year city council member, Majia contributed to economic development, city planning, and various committees, further enhancing Virginia’s growth and engagement.   Greg Gilness, Board Chair of VCF stated, "We are pleased & excited to have Maija step into the role of Executive Director for the Virginia Community Foundation. Having been with the Foundation for the past five years, Maija is passionate for our organization and our community. We look forward to the future of VCF with Maija at the helm." #powerofgiving #buildingcommunity #virginiacommunityfoundation

Mark your calendars for our annual EmpowerCF conference on April 23 & 24! This year's theme is "The Power of Giving" and we will be featuring a variety of speakers to showcase how harnessing this can be a game changer for any community. With over fifteen breakout sessions, keynote speakers and networking opportunities spread throughout the course of the conference, attendees are sure to leave with new ideas, connections and inspiration. Early bird registration available before March 1st. https://lnkd.in/dd9tz8Nx #EmpowerCF #PowerOfGiving 

The important work of community foundations was showcased in the 2024 Giving Guide published by Twin Cities Business. We are thrilled they are shining a light on our work and the work of community foundations across the state. Check out the article to learn more. There might even be some of our CommunityGiving team and communities highlighted! #powerofgiving #connectingresources #philanthropy

The Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation (GWBLCF), in partnership with CommunityGiving, is pleased to announce that Meredith St. Pierre has been chosen to serve as Executive Director of the GWBLCF. Join us in welcoming Meredith! 🎉 “I am honored to step into this role and to deepen my involvement in our community. Over the coming weeks, I look forward to connecting with foundation board members, fundholders, nonprofit organizations, and local leaders to learn more about the foundation and the many ways we can serve our community together. I’m excited to engage with each of you and to be part of all the inspiring work we’ll continue to do to make our area a better place—today and for generations to come.," shared Meredith St. Pierre, new Executive Director of the GWBLCF. Bringing a wealth of experience in nonprofit development and fundraising, St. Pierre previously served as the Director of Development for Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN and as Development Officer at Great River Greening. Prior to that, Meredith was the Associate Director of Alumni Relations at Hamline University, leading alumni engagement initiatives and serving as a mentor for first-year students. St. Pierre has lived in the White Bear Lake community for over a decade and appreciates the community's vibrant downtown, arts and culture, and access to green space and parks.   Tim Torgerson, Board Chair of GWBLCF stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Meredith as the new Executive Director of the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation. With a proven record of leadership and a passion for our community, Meredith is poised to guide us into an exciting future. We look forward to the positive impact she will bring to our organization and the community."   Steve Joul, President & CEO of CommunityGiving noted, “At CommunityGiving, we are excited for the bright future ahead for the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation with Meredith’s addition. Her deep commitment and passion for the White Bear Lake community are inspiring. Meredith will also join the broader CommunityGiving team, working collaboratively to serve local donors and enhance the work of the Foundation to make an even greater impact.” #powerofgiving #philanthropy

In observance of Veterans Day, our office will be closed on Monday, November 11th. We honor and thank all veterans for their service and sacrifice. We will be open again on Tuesday, November 12th.