Holdingford Scholarship Endowment
A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation
About the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment Fund
Building stronger communities doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of many dedicated individuals coming together, each offering their unique talents, insights, and strengths to create positive change. In Holdingford, Minnesota, our community is built on values of hard work, neighborly support, and a commitment to education.
Established in 2013, the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to ensure a sustainable source of scholarships for Holdingford High School students. Each year, we award scholarships to graduating seniors, empowering them to pursue higher education at community, technical, or four-year colleges.
The Holdingford Scholarship Endowment Fund is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As part of this partnership, all contributions are professionally managed and stewarded, benefiting our community today and into the future. The HSE Fund is guided by a local advisory board of Holdingford volunteers, committed to nurturing the educational dreams of our young people.
Holdingford Scholarship Endowment Impact
170
Scholarships awarded since inception
$100,500
Amount awarded in scholarships
11
Years in Holdingford
Scholarship Qualifications
Each January, the scholarship application opens for students to complete and closes around April 1. Holdingford High School seniors use their Google Classroom to apply. Students may also speak with the school’s counselor to access the application.
To be eligible for a scholarship, students must:
- Be currently enrolled as a senior at Holdingford High School;
- Complete the applicate in full and accurately, following all instructions;
- Plan to enroll in a higher education program;
- Be actively involved in the school and the community;
- Graduate from Holdingford High School to receive a scholarship;
- Apply by the due date.
Scholarships will be awarded based on extra-curricular activities, jobs, volunteer activities and the quality of essay.
Engage With the Fund
Donate online: Support future generations of Holdingford students by giving to the fund. Donate now! If your employer makes matching donations for their employees, be sure to inquire on the process before making your gift.
Mail a Check: To make donations and payments more secure and to streamline processes, the Initiative Foundation partners with Bremer Bank. Please write the check to Initiative Foundation-Holdingford Scholarship Endowment Fund, note the purpose of your contribution on the memo line, and mail to this address:
Initiative Foundation – 446122
Attn: HSE
P.O. Box 64182
St. Paul, MN 55164-0182
While the mailing address may be in St. Paul, the Initiative Foundation continues to maintain its headquarters in the heart of Central Minnesota at 405 First St. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345.
Give a Planned Gift: If you would like to contribute another type of gift, please contact a member of the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment advisory team or call the Initiative Foundation at (320) 632-9255. An Initiative Foundation staff member will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Contact us learn more about joining the advisory team or volunteering for an event.
Engage With the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment
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Each year, the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment Fund holds a car and motorcycle show during Holdingford Daze and a golf outing in August. Watch the Facebook page for more information.
Meet the Advisory Team
As local volunteers, advisory team members know their neighbors and are invested in the future of Holdingford. Their partnership with the Initiative Foundation combines local knowledge and leadership with professional expertise and guidance to identify community needs, serve donors and manage investments.
By promoting local generosity, the advisory team strives to strengthen the community by connecting people, resources and needs. The endowment fund is a charitable investment account in which the principal contributions are never spent; only the earnings provide a flexible, dependable funding stream to support important projects.
Jennifer Gerads
Board Chair Term: 05/22-05/25
Jessica Wells
Board Secretary Term: 12/21-12/24
Josh Ottman
Term: 12/21-12/24
Scott Christman
Term: 05/22-05/25
Jessie Feld
Term: 12/22-12/25
Mark Alcorn
Term: 2/24 - 2/27
Carla Fowler
Term: 6/24 - 6/27
Chris Swenson
Ex-officio, District Superintendent2024 Scholarship Recipients
The Holdingford Scholarship Endowment awarded 22 Holdingford High School seniors scholarships for their continued education. The students were recognized at the annual high school awards banquet on May 8, 2024.
$750 Scholarship Recipients:
- Lorraine Mrosla, University of Minnesota Duluth
- Gracelyn Gerads, University of North Dakota
- Jadielyn Rudolph, St. Cloud State University
- Aubrie Opatz, North Dakota State University
- Jenna Pallow, Ridgewater in Willmar
- Connor Breth, North Dakota State University
- Madison Mitchell, North Dakota State University
- Drew Lange, St. Cloud State University
- Grace Doucet, Alexandria Technical and Community College
- Breanna Gertken, Bemidji State University
- Dierks Opatz, North Dakota State University / Itasca Community College
- Ayla Young, South Dakota State University
- Erin Hartung, Winona State University
- Hannah Kuklok, Alexandria Technical and Community College
- Kirstyn Sand, Winona State University
- Carter Wunderlich, St. Cloud Technical and Community College
- Collin Friedrich, St. Cloud Technical Community College
- Paige Fiedler, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
$1,000 HSE Lane Family Scholarship Recipients:
- Kendall Isder, Minnesota Technical and Community College, Detroit Lakes
- Nathan Lex, Central Lake College- Staples Campus
- Kendra Johannes, St. Cloud Technical and Community College
$1,000 Aaron Welle Scholarship Recipient:
- Mason D Bengston, North Dakota State College of Science
Fundraising Events
Much of the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment’s funding comes from fundraising events. We’d love to see you at one of our summer events.
Holdingford Daze Car & Motorcycle Show
The Holdingford Scholarship Endowment hosts the annual Holdingford Daze Car & Motorcycle Show on Main Street in July. Admission is free, and attendees can enjoy music and concessions.. Hundreds attend, and get to see more than 150 cars, trucks and motorcycles. Those entering their vehicles in the show get to vote for their favorites. Awards are given to the top five.
Two Rivers Enterprises Golf Outing
Two Rivers Enterprises graciously partners with the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment Fund to support educational scholarships for Holdingford graduates. A four-person scramble golf tournament is held in mid-August at the Albany Golf Course. Those not wanting to golf, may join for the dinner. Local businesses are invited to sponsor a hole or provide a prize donation.
Contact Us
If you’re interested in supporting local students, the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment advisory team is here to guide you. Whether you’d like to learn more about scholarships, apply to join the advisory board, volunteer your time, or explore options for making a financial contribution, our team is eager to connect. Contributions of any kind—time, expertise, or donations—help to grow the scholarship fund and ensure more opportunities for future graduates. Contact us today to learn more about how you can make a difference.
ADVISORY BOARD EMAIL
hse@ifound.orgMAILING ADDRESS
Initiative Foundation - 446122; Attn: Holdingford Scholarship Endowment; P.O. Box 64182; St. Paul, MN 55164-0182CALL
Initiative Foundation: (320) 632-9255 Ask to speak to someone about the Holdingford Scholarship EndowmentSubscribe to HSE Newsletter
Start a Fund
Looking to leave a legacy in Central Minnesota? Start a Partner Fund with the Initiative Foundation and maximize your tax benefits while supporting important causes and organizations.