In 2018 the Owatonna Foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary. This incredible milestone was made possible by the continued support of the people of Owatonna, our local businesses and organizations. The Owatonna Foundation is truly YOUR community foundation and after a very successful fundraising campaign we want thank you, our supporters, and the community for your continuous philanthropic spirit!

In 2018 over $620,000 was raised and will be used to carry on the Owatonna Foundation’s mission of improving the quality of life for present and future generations by supporting worthy projects that focus on community, arts, recreation and education. The capacity of giving in our community is truly a blessing!  As a Trustee I am both honored and humbled by this amazing support. The entire Board of Trustees wants to personally thank every one of our committed donors!

Annually, the Foundation gives financial support to capitol projects that positively impact Owatonna. The Foundation Trustees respond to our communities needs via our grants program. It is a true “grass roots” process, with local 501C 3 non-profits applying for worthy projects, and since the Foundation’s inception 60 years ago, over 11.9 million dollars has been reinvested into Owatonna!

In 2018 our generous donors helped to provide funds for the following projects:

Owatonna Tennis Association: Funds were provided for part of a phase one remodel of the facility at West Hills.

Steele County Historical Society: The two cabins in the Village of Yesteryear were given new period appropriate roofs to preserve the exterior of the cabins and the artifacts located within them.

ISD761 Scoreboard: Citing a failing scoreboard at OHS a new scoreboard for multiple sports was partially funded.

Owatonna Soccer Association: The Trustees allocated funds to be used towards the new soccer complex that will be located the intersection of Rice Lake Street and Willow Ave.

SEMCAC/Senior Place: Funds were granted towards a State mandated kitchen remodel where meals are prepared for the Meals on Wheels Program.

Owatonna Swimming Association: Funds were needed for a new scoreboard for keeping track of diving scores and times during swim meets.

Central Park: A new bench was placed in the park honoring Ken Wilcox’s service as a Foundation Trustee and as his tenure as President of Norwest/Wells Fargo Bank.

Besides the money awarded annually for grants the Foundation also sets aside $30,000 in scholarship dollars a year for traditional and non-traditional students that are enrolled in post-secondary programs for technical and vocational training.

And, looking to the future the Foundation has partnered with the Junior Achievement program and the Owatonna Middle School to teach our children about the importance of Philanthropy and also provided the funds for the students to make their own donation to the charity of their choice.

As I write this, I am awed by the overwhelming generosity and support that each year has helped to shape the future of the Owatonna Foundation!

Again, we thank you for helping us to continue to invest in our beloved community, our future, and the future of generations to come. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Most sincerely,
Betsy Kennedy Lindgren, President
Owatonna Foundation