The Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region has announced that, as of January 1, 2027, it will become the Northern Red River Community Foundation, a new name that better reflects the communities it serves and the connections that have shaped its work for nearly three decades.
“Our name has served us well and is an important part of our history,” said Becca Baumbach, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “But as our partnerships and impact have grown, so has our understanding of what connects the communities we serve. The Northern Red River Community Foundation reflects both our shared sense of place and the relationships that make this work possible.”
The Community Foundation was established in 1998, following the historic flood of 1997, when a group of community leaders and visionaries came together with a shared commitment to the region’s future. They understood that rebuilding meant more than restoring what had been lost. It meant investing in the long-term strength and vitality of their communities. Nearly three decades later, that vision continues through the generosity of donors, the dedication of nonprofit partners, and an ongoing investment in the region’s future.
During its strategic planning process in 2025, the Foundation’s Board of Directors voted to explore whether the organization’s name continued to reflect its partnerships and future direction. The goal was not necessarily to change the name, but to consider whether it still represented the Foundation and the communities it serves.
The new name emerged from a thoughtful process that included a community survey, listening sessions, and meetings with key stakeholders. Throughout the process, recurring themes of connection, trust, and regional identity helped guide the Foundation’s thinking. These perspectives shaped a name that reflects both the breadth of the Foundation’s work and the relationships at its heart.
The words “Community Foundation” remain central to the organization’s identity, reflecting its continued commitment to connecting people who care with causes that matter.
“The Red River has long been part of our shared history, connecting communities across generations. We don’t experience our region as separate cities and counties. Our lives and relationships are woven throughout the area. The new name reflects that shared sense of place,” Baumbach said.
“This is a new name, not a new mission. The relationships we’ve built and the legacies entrusted to us remain at the heart of everything we do. We’re honoring the foundation that has been built while making room for the next chapter.”
The Foundation introduced its new wordmark, with a full logo and additional visual identity elements to follow. The Northern Red River Community Foundation will operate as a “doing business as” (DBA) name. The organization’s legal name, tax identification number, governance, and existing charitable fund agreements will remain unchanged.
Fund holders, donors, grantees, nonprofit partners, professional advisors, and other stakeholders will receive additional information about the transition in the coming weeks.
“Ultimately, this name is about belonging,” Baumbach added. “It’s about recognizing that our communities are connected, that generosity reaches beyond boundaries, and that the future we’re building is something we share.”
