Nearly 35 years ago Eagan could have been described as an up-and-coming suburb, with new infrastructure underway and a new focus on education. Many schools were being built, including Eagan High School, to which Tom Wilson was tasked and would be Principal for many years to come. “Along with planning, he had the foresight to think about how the community might support the students,” says Jamie Hopkins, Executive Director of the Eagan Community Foundation (ECF). Tom, along with other community leaders, chartered the Foundation in 1990.
“We help people help people.”
This is the philosophy that drives the Foundation to this day. Between their Annual Fundraiser that’s a year in the making to their Scholarship Awards Ceremony, board members and volunteers alike work tirelessly to see that these events are successful. Hopkins emphasizes, "With hundreds of attendees, these community members recognize that the process is as important as the outcome."
Everyone who gets involved with the Foundation, regardless of where they came from or where they are going, will be taking a piece of this valuable legacy with them. For the rest of their lives, they will be applying core values of community, education, productivity, passion, and awareness wherever they go.
The ECF understands the value of connection and their Scholarship Program isn’t just about tuition. They’re working to help kids earlier at crucial times in their lives, recognizing that every kid deserves the same opportunity. “The real message to students is that they come from a community that stood up for them and that cares about what they’ve done and who they are.” Hopkins is grateful for the privilege to recognize “kids who have a fire in their belly,” as many of these are first generation college students.
“We want philanthropy to be accessible.”
Although education was at its roots, future success and healthy growth depend on a diverse approach. It’s clear that the scholarship program is a cherished ‘darling’ of the Foundation. Hopkins continues, “We hope to evolve, offering more ways for our community to connect and collaborate to impact and shape Eagan’s present and future.”
The Youth Philanthropy Initiative is one of those evolutions. It allows kids to get involved, learn about the issues that are important to the community, and make a real difference with real funds. These aren’t just words as their board always possesses two youth members whose talents and viewpoints are a welcome addition. “If we can give them a running start into a nonprofit board position with some basic knowledge of nonprofits, community issues, and grants, we feel like our time is well spent,” says Hopkins.
With the Donor Advised Fund services recently added, more community members have a tangible opportunity to invest locally through charitable giving. “We work hard to honor the investment the community makes in us.” Every penny is conscientiously directed to have the highest impact. Waste is not a word the ECF is familiar with.
Accessibility is key with their Community Connections Happy Hour, where community leaders can get together in a fun and relaxed setting. This Eagan-centric event connects businesses, and creating connections is an important Foundation goal. One faith leader commented that she loved this event because people interact with her in a certain way at church, but at this event, with a beer in her hand, she gets to relate to people in a different way.
Hopkins concludes, “The Foundation has a huge heart for the community.” With such strong civic involvement, the Eagan Community Foundation certainly wears its heart on its sleeve.