HISTORY OF TRCF
| HISTORY OF TRCF |
|
|
| TRCF Highlights - from "great idea" to community resource September 19, 1987 - The 2001 Community Conference identifies the creation of a community foundation as a potential economic development tool. An ad hoc Elk River Area Foundation Committee composed of Ted Cornelius, Don Heinzman, Vonna Henry, Peter Kimball, John Kuester, Harald Palm and Bill Pollard begin to study the feasibility of the creation of a local foundation. Encouraged by a growing positive response, supporters organize to make the proposed foundation a reality. Co-Chaired by Jim Simpson and Vonna Hentry, the group performs a number of tasks that set the stage for the birth of what will eventually become the Three Rivers Community Foundation. February 25, 1989 - The Committee makes a recommendation at a follow-up 2001 Conference to establish a local community foundation. August 4, 1989 - The support group agrees to a five-year, trial affiliation with the Central Minnesota Initiative Fund (DMIF), during which time the foundation will function as an operating division of CMIF. Affiliation with CMIF enables any gifts to the foundation to meet all IRS requirements for charitable donations. The foundation is officially named the Greater Elk River Area Foundation. Members of the founding Board include Linda Lee - Chair, Chuck Christian - Vice Chair, Vonna Henry - Secretary, Peggy Dahlhimer, Don Heinzman, Peter Kimball, John Kuester, Carrol Mills, Dwn Moyer, Harald Palm, Bill Pollard and Jim Simpson. September 27, 1990 - The Greater Elk River Area Foundation holds an official kick-off luncheon at Riverwood Conference Center. During this event, The Bank of Elk River announces a $10,000 pledge to the Foundation. January 17, 1991 - The Greater Elk River Area Foundation officially changes its name to the Three Rivers Community Foundation in order to better define the Foundation's service area. June 5, 1992 - The fifth annual Best Ball Golf Day, sponsored by Century 21 Christian and Christian Builders, raises $10,000 for the TRCF Endowment. Seven subsequent events continue to raise substantial additional funds for TRCF. In 1994, TRCF and CMIF agree to another five year partnership agreement. May, 1994 - TRCF awards 3 separate grants of $1,000 each. In November, two additional grants totaling $3,600 are awarded bringing the Year 1 total of $6,600. October 9, 1999 - TRCF celebrates its 10th year anniversary. In 1999, TRCF and the Initiative Foundation (formerly CMIF) agree to another five year partnership agreement. The present - The TRCF endowment is in excess of $500,000. People who know the Three Rivers story: FOUNDERS: Chuck Christian, Rogers * = past president PIONEERS Pam Black, Otsego |
 | Three Rivers Community Foundation |