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

249

Scholarships awarded since inception

$145,000

Amount awarded in scholarships

13

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 SchoolLinks 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 Old National Bank. Please write the check to the Initiative Foundation, noting the Fund name on the memo line, and mail it 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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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.

Advisory Team Chair

Jennifer Gerads

Advisory Team Chair Term: 05/25-05/28
Advisory Team Secretary

Jessica Wells

Advisory Team Secretary Term: 12/24-12/27
Advisory Team Member

Jessie Feld

Advisory Team Member Term: 12/22-12/25
Advisory Team Member

Carla Fowler

Advisory Team Member Term: 6/24 - 6/27
Advisory Team Member

Scott Christman

Advisory Team Member Term: 05/25 - 05/28
Advisory Team Member

Mark Alcorn

Advisory Team Member Term: 02/24 - 02/27

2026 Scholarship Recipients

The Holdingford Scholarship Endowment awarded 30 Holdingford High School seniors with scholarships for their continued education. The students were recognized at the annual high school awards banquet on May 13, 2026.

$750 HSE Scholarship Recipients:

  • Alissa Bengston
  • Rilee Breth
  • Ariel Brill
  • Gabrielle Bruns
  • Angelika Diakite
  • Jaden Ebnet
  • Makenna Fiedler
  • Lindsay Ford
  • Sara Hanson
  • Kenzie Harren
  • Jenna Huls
  • Emma Kobernusz
  • Caleb Krattenmaker
  • Brooklyn Kuklok
  • Rachel Kuklok
  • Ciara Leaders
  • Olivia Meyer
  • Cali Opatz
  • Bradley Revermann
  • Kaylen Ronning
  • Afton Scegura
  • Aidah Schlueter
  • Nathan Streit
  • Brooklyn Swenson
  • Emma Voigt
  • Lexus Wilczek

$1000 Aaron Welle Memorial Scholarship:

  • Marcus Gerads

$1000 Lane Family Scholarship:

  • Devon Engebretson
  • Joshua Klaphake
  • Mavrick Novitzki
Holdingford Scholarships
Holdingford Scholarships
Holdingford Scholarship Endowment

Fundraising Events

Much of the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment’s funding comes from fundraising.

Host a Fundraiser for Your Holdingford Class Reunion

Class reunions are all about reconnecting, celebrating memories, and honoring the legacy of Holdingford. Make your gathering even more meaningful by supporting future graduates through a gift to the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment. When alumni come together to give back, you’re not just celebrating the past; you’re investing in the future. By hosting a scholarship fundraiser, your class can create a lasting impact for generations of students. We’ve put together a helpful fundraising guide to make it easy.

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 the Fund

Are you looking for how to engage with the fund, leave a legacy, or donate? Contact a member of the fund’s advisory team or reach out to the Initiative Foundation. We’re here to help Central Minnesotans build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.

(320) 632-9255

Ask to speak to someone about the Holdingford Scholarship Endowment

Initiative Foundation – 446122
Attn: HSE
P.O. Box 64182
St. Paul, MN 55164-0182

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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.