Silver Lining Scholarship Fund
A Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation
About the Fund
The Silver Lining Scholarship fund is dedicated to the memory of Jeff Schilling, who passed away unexpectedly in May of 2018. He was a farmer, mechanic, county commissioner, and for the last 20+ years of his life, a custodian and boiler operator at Mary of Lourdes Schools in Little Falls. During that time Jeff always managed to point out the silver lining of every situation, even the difficult ones. Part of Jeff’s characteristic optimism is that he believed in the positive impact people could have in each other’s lives and how attitude was important in any given situation. The scholarship is designed to encourage students seeking secondary education to approach the task with a positive attitude.
Donations to the fund will provide post-secondary education scholarships to former Mary of Lourdes Catholic School students, with preference given to those pursuing a career in the trades.
The Silver Lining Scholarship Fund is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation. As a program of the Initiative Foundation, all Silver Lining Scholarship Fund contributions are professionally managed and stewarded for the benefit of the community now and long into the future.
Engage With the Fund
Donate Online: Support this work by giving to the Silver Lining Scholarship 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-Silver Lining Scholarship Fund, note the purpose of your contribution on the memo line, and mail to this address:
Initiative Foundation – 446122
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 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.
Making a charitable bequest in your will is often the easiest way to make a significant gift and leave a lasting legacy. Gifts large and small are important. It is simpler than you might think to make a meaningful difference!
If you would like to leave the Silver Lining Scholarship Fund in your will, make another type of planned gift, or contribute an appreciated asset, please call the Initiative Foundation at (320) 632-9255 and a staff member will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. In partnership with the Silver Lining Scholarship Fund, the Initiative Foundation owns and manages financial contributions for the Silver Lining Scholarship Fund.
Questions?
Do you want to know how to apply for a grant or how you might leave a lasting legacy to support this fund? Contact a member of the fund’s advisory team (above) or reach out to Community Philanthropy Manager Amy Gray or Carl Newbanks, vice president of philanthropy. We’re here to help Central Minnesotans build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity.
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.