History
The History of our Funding
Five “named” permanent endowment funds are part of the family of funds within New Ulm Area Foundation: the Somsen Fund, the Macklin Fund, the Nuvera Fund, the Dr. James & Jane Seifert Fund and the Emma Gebser Fund. In addition, the Foundation holds the Charlotte Raymond Anderson Teaching Scholarship Fund, Roger & Carol Ryberg Scholarship Fund, the Kathleen Bartl O’Phelan Scholarship Fund, the Richard and LaDonna Reinhart Scholarship Fund and general scholarship, operations and general endowment funds.
The Henry and Anne Somsen Fund
In 1987, New Ulm Area Foundation was started with a donation from Henry Somsen, a former New Ulm attorney. He endeavored to set an example with his charitable giving and hoped to attract similar gifts from those sharing his passion for the New Ulm community and its excellent quality of life. He also started the fund to honor the memory of his wife Anne Duncan Somsen.
“Henry’s gift of $100,000 as a memorial and tribute to his wife made possible the start of the community fund that would see their volunteer efforts continue into perpetuity by grants to community causes. The legacy of Heine’s 98 years of life lives on in New Ulm today.” – Mary Ellen Domeier
The Bill Macklin Fund
In 1991, Mickelson Media wanted to encourage the idea of “community funds” and made a $100,000 donation to create the Macklin Fund. This fund was meant to honor former Journal Editor, William Macklin, and foster his devotion to community service.
“We arrive at a community of our choice, being on the receiving end of those who have gone before. It is our duty to do more than simply earn a living and raise a family. It is our duty to contribute our time and energy to make improvements to what we found.” – Bill Macklin
The Nuvera Fund
In 2012, Nuvera, formerly NU-Telecom, reached its goal of donating $100,000 to create its own “named fund.” Nuvera has been a long-standing community partner. This endowment fund will allow their commitment to continue into infinity.
“NU-Telecom believes that when people work together, great things happen. We realize we are only as strong as the communities we serve. NU-Telecom emphasizes giving back, building trust and enhancing our reputation as an innovative, caring company.” – Nuvera, formerly NU-Telecom
Dr. James & Jane Seifert Fund
In 2020, the Dr. James & Jane Seifert Fund was established by the Seiferts’ children with contributions totaling $210,000. Based on the strong and lifelong commitment of the elder Seiferts to New Ulm, their legacy will support a wide variety of human and civic services that will be continued into perpetuity.
“My parents had three core values: faith, family and service. The fund is also a thank-you to the people of New Ulm. My parents both loved New Ulm and wanted to see it improve.“ – Jim Seifert
The Emma Gebser Fund
Emma Gebser, a lifelong resident of New Ulm, directed in her will that portions of her estate be distributed to the New Ulm Public Library, Brown County Museum and Hermann Monument Center. These areas of interest were combined into the Emma Gebser Fund, which came under the management of New Ulm Area Foundation in 2022.
Born in 1863, Emma worked to educate herself and actively engage with other local residents. In her later years, she was determined to give back to her beloved hometown. She has left an ongoing legacy paying it forward to future generations.
Warta Family Fund
A lifelong New Ulm resident, Denis Warta volunteered with the Foundation’s board going back to its inception. In 1996, he was named part-time Executive Consultant, supporting its volunteers in a role he held until 2008. Throughout his life, Denny encouraged generosity in others. In his later years, he furthered that commitment by establishing a charitable remainder trust (CRT) directing part of the proceeds to the Foundation upon his passing, which occurred in 2025.
“Denny’s philosophy on philanthropy is simple,“The willingness to act on charitable impulses may become as much a part of family identity as wealth creation, if not more.”“
Ryberg Family Fund
Well-known in the community for their generosity and support of many worthwhile organizations and causes, Roger and Carol Ryberg have been longtime supporters of New Ulm Area Foundation. Their gifts have made a lasting impact on the community. With humility in mind, they have agreed to establish a named fund in order to encourage and inspire others to give back. The Ryberg’s said they appreciate the New Ulm community and view their giving as a way to say “thank you.”
The Ryberg’s value the diligence shown by the NUAF Board to fulfill its mission, managing its assets on behalf of the donors and conducting the granting process in an open and fair manner.
Furth Family Fund
With family roots tracing back to New Ulm’s earliest settlers, Mark and Gaile Furth established the Furth Family Fund to support community needs for generations to come. Following Mark’s service on the Foundation board from 2022–2024, the Furths made a gift with a simple request: use it where it can do the most good. Their generosity reflects a strong belief in the Foundation’s ability to support local organizations, programs, and projects that enhance quality of life throughout the community.
“I’ve supported NUAF for a long time and serving on the board has given me even better appreciation for the purpose, the process and the leadership of NUAF.” – Mark Furth
