Endowment payout supports entrepreneurs

Each year, payouts from endowment funds held by the Clayton County Foundation for the Future support organizations’ missions and improve quality of life in local communities. The Halvorson family of Marquette donated the 2022 distribution from the Roger and Connie Halvorson Family Fund for Entrepreneurship to support six workshops for small businesses in Clayton County. 

Clayton County Development Group (CCDG) organized the workshops, which were held in person over two days in December. Darla Kelchen, executive director of CCDG, was pleased with the 45-person turnout. Following the workshops, 22 participants received one-on-one assistance from business counselor Ralph Kluseman with Northeast Iowa Community College’s Small Business Center. The training focused on leveraging Google to attract customers, share information, and engage with customers to build a Google listing.  

“Small business owners in rural communities face unique challenges. Roger and Connie Halvorson recognized the need for business assistance years ago, and their endowment makes it possible to provide affordable, professional training to businesses in Clayton County,” says Kelchen. “It has been a pleasure and honor to carry out the wishes of the Halvorson family by helping others.”

"My family is proud to partner with the Foundation to annually provide business workshops to help our county's entrepreneurs start up, strengthen, and grow their own businesses,” says Rogeta Halvorson. “Everybody wins when our businesses employ local residents, attract new patrons, increase sales potentials, and generate higher tax revenues by which to operate our towns and county."

The Foundation holds funds for many nonprofits as well as individuals and families with charitable goals. In 2022, the Foundation’s family of funds made $240,000 available to community projects in Clayton County. 

“The Foundation connects donors with the greatest needs in our community,” says Foundation Coordinator Emily Sadewasser. “We offer many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues.” To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Sadewasser at 563-880-6044 or email ccff@dbqfoundation.org.