Non-profit spotlight
January 15th, 2025
By HPR Staff
We’re all a part of building strong, healthy and inclusive communities. But the region’s non-profit organizations do a lot of the heavy lifting. Now it’s time for these organizations to step into the spotlight.
We asked several North Dakota and Minnesota nonprofit organizations to share three easy ways our readers can help them reach their goals in 2025. From Fargo-Moorhead to Grand Forks, Valley City to Bismarck, these groups showcase great art, local agriculture and regional history. They rescue animals, combat food insecurity and housing discrimination and help us be more thoughtful, informed and connected citizens. They educate children, support and honor elders and lift up our most vulnerable populations.
Make no mistake, giving money is great; even if an organization doesn’t specifically list donations as a top way to help, your financial contributions are usually the most effective way to help a cause. But funding is just one resource we can provide. Our time, talents, in-kind donations — and even our social media activity, our chats with our friends and our attendance at community events and performances can all make a big difference.
Emergency Food Pantry
“The Emergency Food Pantry's role in the community is to provide food to neighbors who can not afford food for the entire month,” explained Executive Director Stacie Loegering. “We know that consistent, healthy food options are vital. When an individual or family is struggling with hunger, they are not able to be the best they can be. We all pay the price of hunger. As the economic and social costs of malnutrition, chronic illness, unemployment and low productivity rise, we all benefit when fewer are hungry.”
Three ways to help:
Donate non-perishable food and hygiene items: Items on the wish list include canned beans, tomatoes and fruit, one-pound containers of peanut butter or rice, as well as bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Give cash to feed families: “Financial donations allow us to manage the most immediate needs,” Loegering explained. “A $35 donation will provide a week's worth of food to a family of five.”
Volunteer: The pantry needs helpers to assemble food baskets. Volunteers also hold food drives, help with organizational tasks and serve on committees or on the Board of Directors.
Plains Art Museum
“Plains Art Museum connects art, artists and audiences to foster creative, resilient and welcoming communities,” said Cody Jacobson, graphics and communication manager. “Plains Art is the only accredited art museum in North Dakota, connecting local and regional artists to national artists. The museum is also home to a thriving education department that includes a fully functional print studio, a ceramic studio and a 2D community art studio.
Three ways to help:
Give money: “Your donation keeps Plains Art Museum general admission free every day of the week,” said Jacobson.…
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