Milnor Community Foundation
Established in 2015 through the estates of brothers Russell and Dale Brown, the Milnor Community Foundation is a permanent endowment fund that will support our community for years to come. Earnings from the fund are given as grants to support nonprofit projects or programs in the Milnor area that work to improve our community and quality of life. The Foundation is affiliated with the North Dakota Community Foundation, which is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under IRS code 501(c)(3) and North Dakota Law. The Milnor Community Foundation (MCF), the Russell F. Brown Memorial Fund for Milnor, and the Dale L. Brown Memorial Fund for Milnor are all component funds managed by the North Dakota Community Foundation. (NDCF).
The Milnor Community Foundation is managed locally by a group of volunteers whose main activities are building the fund and recommending grants annually. The Board is comprised of the following individuals:
- Chad Fyre (President), term expires - Fall 2026
- Bud Heinert, term expires - Fall 2027
- Andrea Hogness (Secretary), term expires - Fall 2027
- Bobbi Haugen, term expires - Fall 2028
- Mike Schutt, term expires - Fall 2028
- Kyle Peterson, term expires - Fall 2028
- Keely Lehmann, term expires - Fall 2031
North Dakota Community Foundation Information
History of the Brown Brothers
The Milnor Community Foundation was established in 2015 with a $4.7M bequest from the Russell and Dale Brown estates, creating a permanent endowment fund. The income from the fund is given as grants to support projects and programs in the Milnor area that improve our community and quality of life.
Russell and Dale Brown were born at home in Rosemeade Township of Ransom County, south of McLeod, North Dakota. Russell Brown was born on March 12, 1923. Dale Brown was born December 5, 1924. They both attended Salund country school and ranched with their parents, Howard W. and Cora E. Brown. Russell served his country in the US Army, stationed in Korea. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to the ranch with his parents and brother, Dale. Russell enjoyed ranching and auction sales. He served as the Rosemeade Township Assessor and was a member of the Sheyenne Valley Grazing Association. Dale enjoyed gardening and was known for his smile and soft spot for children and animals. He served as a Supervisor of Rosemeade Township. Russell and Dale retired from ranching in 1980 and sold their ranch in 2000, thence moving to Lisbon. Russell passed away on December 21, 2014. Dale passed away on April 20, 2015.
The Milnor community will be forever thankful for the generosity of Russell and Dale as their gift will continue to benefit our area for generations.