MINNEAPOLIS – December 22, 1999 — Hundreds of Minnesota youth will have an opportunity to attend camp next summer through a scholarship program funded by the Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation. The success of this program during last summer prompted the board to commit funds to repeat the program again next year.

“More than 840 children received camp scholarships last summer. A recently completed program evaluation found that the opportunity to attend camp was a significant positive experience for the vast majority of youth, “ said Bill Pohlad, president of the Foundation. “We are proud that these grant funds will again provide caring school and nonprofit personnel the opportunity to enhance the services provided to youth.”

The Foundation Board also approved $450,000 in grant support to building projects at the Basilica of St. Mary’s in Minneapolis, Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina and The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Hopkins. The Basilica of St. Mary’s also received $250,000 in dedicated support for expansion of outreach programs that help disadvantaged families and children.

“My family worships at these churches, so we are aware of the need to maintain, upgrade and expand facilities. But we are particularly proud to support the expansion of the Basilica’s outreach programs because compassion and care for those in need is an important and natural expression of the Catholic faith,” said Bill Pohlad.

Eleven grants totaling $135,000 to Twin Cities-based nonprofit organizations were also approved. Chrysalis, A Center for Women and Freeport West, Inc., large providers of services to women and youth in need, received grants for capital campaigns. Nine other organizations, providing a broad range of services received general operating grants ranging from $3,000 to $12,000.

The Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation is a private family foundation focused on improving the lives of economically disadvantaged families and children. With $14 million in assets, the Foundation carries out its mission by providing support to nonprofit organizations through a community grants program, by creating its own initiatives or directing support to organizations that are important to family members.

The Foundation is part of the Pohlad Family Charities, an umbrella organization that also includes the Minnesota Twins Community Fund and Marquette Financial Companies Community Support Program. Together, the three entities distribute charitable funds or operate programs totaling several million dollars annually.