About Us

We invite you to learn more about The Community Foundation for Carver County.

For more information, please contact Mary Langworthy at (952) 250-5138, e-mail: info@carvercounty
foundation.org.

Founded in 2004, The Community Foundation for Carver County is a public charity created by and for the people who live and work in Carver County. The Foundation complements existing nonprofits by connecting emerging community needs and interests with resources. It enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about. All assets gifted to the Foundation remain in the region.

Beyond the gifting of assets, the Foundation helps donors identify issues of importance to them and inspires engagement with organizations addressing those issues.

The Foundation builds on the work and progress of others, empowering individuals, families and businesses to have a direct and lasting impact on Carver County for generations to come.

Our Mission
To serve as a catalyst for community investments that contribute to the health and vitality of those living and working in Carver County.

Our Goals

Connect the dots
We convene and foster dialogue among stakeholders to identify emerging needs and create a sense of shared responsibility for community.

Secure resources
We attract the charitable contributions of individuals, families and
businesses, providing an opportunity for donors to give back locally.

Provide support
We provide financial and other resources to strengthen organizations and initiatives that contribute to the health and vitality of those living and working in Carver County.

What is a community foundation?
A community foundation is a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people in a local area. It enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about — immediately or through their will or estate plan.

Donors can give to an existing fund or establish a charitable fund by contributing a variety of assets to the
Foundation.

A community foundation looks to the well-being of the total community, not just one part of it.

How is a Community Foundation different from other public charities?
Most public charities provide direct and specific services to the community, such as feeding the hungry, providing shelter, or developing health care education. They are what people tend to think of when they use the term "nonprofits." When donors make gifts to these organizations, they are usually making a gift to help the organization perform a specific service.

A community foundation, while also a public charity, is primarily a grantmaker and not a direct service provider. Rather than focus on servicing a particular community need, a community foundation serves donors and the broad needs of a community.

Bob Roepke, Chair
Klingelhutz Development

Mary Welch, Vice-Chair
Executive Director, Chaska Community Land Trust

John Roebke, Treasurer
CPA, Roebke Bratsch, Ltd.

Members At Large:

Jim Weygand

Mayor,

City of Carver

Jonathan Larson
Family Physician, Lakeview Clinic

Karsten Anderson

Superintendent,

Watertown-Mayer Public Schools

Lisa Steinbauer
Editor & Manager of Special Projects, Southwest Newspapers

Paul David
Owner, Paul David Productions

Rae Jean Madsen
Manager, Carver County Public Health

Richard Scott
Consultant, CHS Consulting

Timothy Looby

Attorney, Melchert Hubert Sjodin, PLLP

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Foundation Staff

Executive Director:

Mary Langworthy

Planned Giving Specialist:

Bob Golberg