Donation Details

_{Donation details are available at www.nwmf.org. You can also donate by mailing a check to First National Bank Bemidji at P.O. Box 670, Bemidji MN 56619-0670 or Northwest Minnesota Foundation at 201 3^rd Street NW, Bemidji MN 56601. Checks can be made payable to Northwest Minnesota Foundation with Project Canopy in the memo.}

In the wake of the devastating storm that swept through the region on June 21, destroying millions of trees across Bemidji and surrounding communities, First National Bank Bemidji is planting hope for the future by launching Project Canopy.

First National Bank Bemidji announced a $25,000 commitment to launch Project Canopy, a tree replanting fund in partnership with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF). This fund, designed to restore the green canopy that has long defined the Northwoods landscape, will serve as a community Kickstarter campaign, encouraging individuals, families, and organizations to contribute and grow the impact.

“The storm may have stripped us of trees, but not our character,” said Ryan Welle, President of First National Bank Bemidji. “We believe in investing in things that grow, like families, futures, and the soul of our town. This fund is about more than planting trees, it’s about planting resilience and rebuilding the legacy of our community.”

Donations to the fund will be managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, ensuring transparency and alignment with local reforestation efforts. The initiative seeks to engage the entire Bemidji area in rebuilding efforts, making it possible for everyone to have a hand in restoring the natural beauty and environmental strength of the region.

“For nearly 130 years, we’ve stood with Bemidji through seasons of growth, moments of challenge, and the changes that shape a community over time,” Welle added. “This campaign is our promise to you, your kids, and theirs—and hopefully, our community’s first step toward something even stronger than what we lost.”

How to donate to Project Canopy

Donate at www.nwmf.org. You can also donate by mailing a check to First National Bank Bemidji at P.O. Box 670, Bemidji MN 56619-0670 or Northwest Minnesota Foundation at 201 3^rd Street NW, Bemidji MN 56601. Checks can be made payable to Northwest Minnesota Foundation with Project Canopy in the memo.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding Project Canopy, please email projectcanopy@fnbbemidji.com.

About First National Bank

For nearly 130 years, First National Bank Bemidji has served Bemidji’s businesses and families. It is a community bank – investing in local people and their dreams – and celebrating the successes that enhance quality of life. First National Bank Bemidji has had a partnership with Bemidji for generations. In 1985, our employees invested in the bank through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This means we’ll always be Bemidji’s bank because we are owned by employees, certifying that we will be your banking partner for generations.

First National Bank Bemidji is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

About Northwest Minnesota Foundation

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a regional foundation that invests in communities, fosters leadership, and supports partnerships to make northwest Minnesota a better place to live and work. NMF will serve as the fiscal sponsor and administrator of the replanting fund.