Evan Hazard

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In honor of NMF's upcoming 30th anniversary and National Philanthropy Month, we want to celebrate the contributions of our donors! We will be highlighting a donor a day for the month of November.

Please be sure to check the blog often to read about the wonderful stories of giving back to the northwest region. 

If you are interested in making a difference through the services of our community foundation, our development officers would be happy to assist you. Please contact Caryl Turnow or Lisa Peterson at 218-759-2057 to learn more.


Evan Hazard, Bemidji


Evan Hazard was introduced to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation through his financial planner after expressing a desire to make a difference for the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. The Foundation has the flexibility to explore the interests and goals of prospective donors and Evan's consultant knew to call us to help him. 

 Evan's wife Elaine passed away a few years ago. She had always made the decisions about gifting to various local charities.Together, they long supported the Bemidji Symphony, and now the organization has a permanent source of support through an endowed fund, set up in memory of Elaine.  

 After staff met together with Hazard and his planner, it was determined that establishing the Elaine J. Hazard Bemidji Symphony Orchestra Fund was a perfect fit. The fund supports the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra and its mission to bring classical music to new audiences through the purchase or rental of music, instruments, equipment, or materials used in the performances, for educational programming or outreach.

 "I can't read a note - but I fell in love with classical music and it brings a richness to my life," said Hazard. Music is just one of the many ventures he supports. His philanthropic interests are vast - education, science, healthcare, and his church, to name only a few. 

 Hazard was a professor at Bemidji State University - but he and Elaine were raised during the Great Depression, and knew how to pinch pennies. Their frugal lifestyle has afforded them the opportunities to have great impact, both nationally and locally. 

 "I feel deeply good about giving. I'm enabling someone to do what they do best." 

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