Scholarship Foundation

Minot Rotary Scholarship Foundation

ORIGIN OF MINOT ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
Rotary Club of Minot is Minot's largest and oldest service club, dating back to 1918, and part of Rotary International (RI). Although our Club engages in a variety of service activities including community and international projects, we take particular pride in those oriented toward youth. One of our organization's greatest achievements is the establishment of the Minot Rotary Scholarship Foundation. But what was its origin?

The concept for the Foundation was started back in the 1940's and 50's when Rotarians Dr. Roy Lang, a dentist, and Ottis Tossett, a farmer, left money in their wills to the Rotary Club of Minot to provide scholarships for area youth. The Minot Rotary Scholarship Foundation was officially founded in 1984 by Mike Dolan, Dan Feist and fellow Rotarians. At that time a formal campaign was conducted to raise money for the Fund. Sixty four members pledged $500 or more to create a permanent endowment fund. Over the years the Fund continued to grow, however in 2000, through the generosity of Mike Dolan, a major gift of $250,000 was given to the Foundation which enabled it to more than double the number of available scholarships. At year end, the Fund Balance was $480,000.

Since its inception, the scholarship fund has awarded 629 scholarships totaling $547,500. Students earning scholarships are chosen by members of the Minot Rotary Club who review and score every application. Criteria for these awards are based on local geographic area, participation in school activities, involvement in community and charitable organizations, employment history and academic achievements.

This past year, the club received 124 applications. Students earning scholarships are chosen by members of the Minot Rotary Club who review and score every application. Criteria for these awards are based on local geographic business area, participation in school activities, involvement in community and charitable organizations, employment history and academic achievements.

In 2007, the Minot Rotary Scholarship Foundation transferred its assets to the Minot Area Community Foundation to ensure IRS compliance and provide additional potential for future gifts.
Through the Minot Rotary Scholarship Foundation from its humble beginnings back in the 1940's to present, local Rotarians have taken great pride in putting service above self and have truly made a difference for local youth and our future.