Turning donor generosity into lasting community impact!
Spring Grove is Minnesota's first Norwegian settlement, a community shaped by hard work, generosity, and a commitment to future generations. The Foundation was formed by neighbors who believe that inheritance is something a whole town can share. Through charitable giving, we help create a stronger, more vibrant future for all who call Spring Grove home.
Who We Are
A young foundation with very deep roots.
The Spring Grove Community Foundation is a newly formed 501(c)(3) serving Spring Grove and the surrounding area of southeast Minnesota. We attract and steward significant legacy gifts — estate bequests and major commitments from visionary donors — and we partner with community organizations and funding institutions to secure additional grant resources.
Our purpose is to create lasting change by focusing on investments that address root needs and generate compounding benefits over 50 to 100 years. Through rigorous stewardship, full transparency, and a relentless focus on outcomes, we ensure every dollar is used efficiently and with maximum leverage.
We’re just getting started! We’ve been working with the J.A. Wedum Foundation to establish our bylaws and investment procedures and build a strong foundation for the years ahead. Through this partnership, J.A. Wedum will provide a $10,000 donation for distribution to Spring Grove community projects once we reach our initial $40,000 fundraising milestone. When we reach $100,000, J.A. Wedum will provide an additional $10,000 for community projects. We’ve also received a generous kickoff commitment: a $20,000 match for the first $20,000 donated. Together, these commitments give us a strong start and an exciting opportunity to begin investing in the future of our community.
- Serving
- Spring Grove & the surrounding area
- Horizon
- 50 to 100 years
Governance
Board of Directors
The Foundation is guided by a volunteer board of Spring Grove neighbors who bring their judgment, accountability, and care for the community to every decision.
Saundy Solum
Chair
Jessi Strinmoen
Vice Chair
Phil Griffin
Secretary
Alex Roverud
Treasurer
Sammi Boyd
Director
Howard Deters
Director
Todd Olerud
Director