Philanthropist of the Year

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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.

 Each year the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northern Plains Chapter presents Philanthropy Awards to various honorees in our region. On Thursday, November 19th -- National Philanthropy Day -- Robert F. Foley Sr. was recognized. 

Robert F. Foley Sr. has spent his lifetime focused on learning and serving, and at 87 years old, he has no intention of stopping. "I've always had a strong feeling that you can succeed if you try to make your community better," said Foley. "My wife Marian and I raised five children in Roseau, and we understood that to make your community enjoyable you must participate."

 After Marian passed away in 2003, he established a scholarship in her name for local high school students, and he is a big believer in the importance of education. "My father was a great reader, and he taught us to read incessantly after our chores were done," said Foley, recalling his days growing up on a dairy and grain farm in Grand Forks County, North Dakota during the depression and its aftermath.



Each day he spends time reading a book, two national newspapers and "Googling" topics of interest. "I have spent my life learning or teaching, and I believe education is so important for young people, especially in today's competitive world. It's our future."

Foley has served on the Roseau Area Hospital and Homes board and is a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

 "Mr. Foley has been philanthropic in his community, regionally, and at his alma mater," said Caryl Turnow. "In addition to his financial gifts, he has motivated others to join him in making a difference with their own gifts and talents."

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