A Visionary Legacy
The 100 Associates Endowment Fund was established in 2021 to provide a permanent financial pillar for our Foundation. Inspired by the original 1627 Compagnie des Cent-Associés (Company of One Hundred Associates) founded to establish New France, we created this fund to secure the next century of French-American heritage in Minnesota and the Midwest.
Our goal is to gather 100 dedicated Associates, including individuals, families, and organizations, who commit to building a $100,000 permanent endowment.
Goal: 100 Associates to secure a $100,000 legacy.
“Our grandparents’ stories are the foundation of who we are today. I reached out to my cousins, and together, we joined the 100 Associates to ensure their legacy, and our shared French-American heritage, is never forgotten in Minnesota.”
Claim Your Place in History
To join with a standard one-time gift of $1,000 or a multi-month pledge, you can do so immediately online. We invite you to join the 55+ families who have already stepped forward.
How the Fund Works
We believe in “giving for the future.” Unlike a standard donation, your contribution to the 100 Associates Endowment Fund becomes part of a perpetual fund.
- The Principal is Never Touched: Your $1,000 contribution is held in a permanent endowment managed by the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation.
- Only the Interest is Spent: The earnings from the fund are used to award Heritage Grants. See more about our grant program here.
- A Living Tribute: Because the principal remains intact, your gift will continue to support the French-American community in your name, your family’s name, or your organization’s name forever.
Double Your Impact: Matching Gifts
From time to time, matching gifts of $500 are available to help new Associates reach the $1,000 membership threshold.
Interested in a match? Please Contact Us to check current availability.
The Impact
The interest income generated by the 100 Associates Endowment Fund provides funding for our Heritage Grants. These grants are awarded to qualified applicants for projects that embrace or feature French and French-Canadian heritage in Minnesota and the Midwest.
Your support allows us to fund community-led initiatives in:
- Historical Research: Supporting independent researchers uncovering local stories.
- Arts & Culture: Funding projects in visual arts, textiles, music, and folk arts.
- Education & Events: Supporting classes, theater, and community events.
- Digital Preservation: Funding technology, cinematography, and videography projects
The 100 Associates
We are deeply grateful to the following individuals, families, and organizations who have committed to our future. We currently have 55 members toward our goal of 100.
