The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) has been building a hunting and conservation legacy in Minnesota for the last 43 years and they have nearly 20,000 members throughout the state. Their mission is to ensure the preservation and enhancement of wild deer hunting opportunities through Habitat, Education, Advocacy and Legislation. MDHA has also been planning ahead for future generations, which is why they established an endowment fund at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. The purpose of building their endowment fund is to provide for future generations of hunters and ensure that MDHA can continue its mission.
An endowed fund differs from other funds in that the total gift is invested. Each year, only a portion of the income earned is spent while the remainder is added to the principal for growth. In this respect, an endowment is a perpetual gift. With the endowment, the fund will continue to grow and the amount available to be spent each year will also continue to grow and provide MDHA with sustainability into the future. MDHA can use those available funds each year for programs, projects, or operations.
Garth Albers, MDHA’s President, says to “please consider donating to MDHA’s endowment when you are doing your estate planning to ensure MDHA’s future for generations to come.” Recently, the MDHA Endowment Fund has been notified of a planned gift from MDHA member, Terry Hopponen, who is donating property to the MDHA Endowment Fund. MDHA is so grateful for Terry’s generosity and for leaving a legacy for future MDHA generations.
If you are interested in supporting the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, you can donate through the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation website www.gracf.org/donate and search for Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Endowment. You can also send or drop off donations to the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, 350 NW 1st Avenue, Suite E, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. If you have questions or want more information, please call the Community Foundation at 218-999-9100 or visit the GRACF website at www.gracf.org.
