Richard Brown receives Walt Odegaard Leadership Award

Richard L. Brown received the North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations (NDANO) Walt Odegaard Leadership Award on June 5 during the Mid-America Fundraising & Nonprofit Leadership Conference in Fargo. NDANO is North Dakota’s nonprofit advocacy leader working to strengthen the nonprofit sector through leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy.

Brown is the chairman of the Children’s Village Foundation’s board of directors. During his term as chairman, the foundation, which provides a full range of services to families and children, has grown financially by 20 percent. He is also active in many other organizations throughout the state, including the North Dakota Council on the Arts. Brown had also served in the North Dakota Senate, where he contributed his talents to the Government and Veteran Affairs and the Human Services Committees. During his service as a senator, Brown facilitated budget discussions around the topics of health care and human services.

“His past and present efforts have created a better standard of living for all citizens and communities throughout the state,” said NDANO President Shelly Weppler. “He has set a great example for nonprofit leadership in North Dakota.”

He has also served as board chairman or president for many nonprofit organizations including: the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, the Plains Art Museum Foundation, the New Brighton Planning Commission, the Bismarck School Board, the Bismarck Junior College Board and Charles Hall Youth Services.

Founded in 1997, NDANO’s purpose is to strengthen the nonprofit sector in North Dakota. NDANO supports its members and the entire nonprofit sector through professional development, communications, research, advocacy and cost-savings programs.  For more information, visit NDANO online at www.ndano.org.

Brown accepts NDANO’s Walt Odegaard Leadership Award June 5 in Fargo.

Farm Rescue receives

Innovation Award

Farm Rescue received the North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations (NDANO) Innovation Award on June 5 during the Mid-America Fundraising & Nonprofit Leadership Conference in Fargo. NDANO is North Dakota’s nonprofit advocacy leader working to strengthen the nonprofit sector through leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy.

Farm Rescue is a nonprofit organization that was established in 2006 by Bill Gross to help North Dakota’s family farmers bridge crises so that they may have an opportunity to continue viable operations.

“It is an honor to present Farm Rescue with this award,” said NDANO President Shelly Weppler. “Helping one another during difficult times strengthens our communities. It takes the efforts of a large number of volunteers with a passion for helping others and the generosity of many sponsors to make the Farm Rescue program a reality. The organization’s dedication to making these community partnerships is what makes Farm Rescue an ideal recipient for the Innovation Award.”

Gross began Farm Rescue to provide assistance to farm families that have experienced a major illness, injury or an act of nature that has caused undue financial hardship. Farmers who qualify for assistance from Farm Rescue will be eligible to have up to 1,000 acres of their agricultural land planted free of charge. During its first year of operation, Farm Rescue provided the planting of crops free of charge to 10 family farmers who had experienced major injuries or illnesses.

Founded in 1997, NDANO’s purpose is to strengthen the nonprofit sector in North Dakota. NDANO supports its members and the entire nonprofit sector through professional development, communications, research, advocacy and cost-savings programs.  For more information, visit NDANO online at www.ndano.org.

Gross accepts NDANO’s Innovation Award on behalf of Farm Rescue June 5 in Fargo.