In the same way that we value the deep and lasting partnerships we have with our clients, we place a strong value on being partners in our communities. The commitments we make to the communities in which we live and work are our investments in the future.

Members of the Carlson Capital Management team are actively involved as volunteers with more than 25 organizations. In addition, we have committed financial resources to programs that we believe strengthen the fabric of our communities. And, as part of our commitment to provide integrated wealth management services for our clients and their families, we founded the American Center for Philanthropy – a non-profit organization that supports donors and their dedication to making meaningful and effective charitable contributions.

Some of the non-profit and civic organizations in which our employees are actively involved as volunteers:

  • 5th Bridge
  • Bethel Lutheran Church
  • Boy Scouts of America, Hastings Council and Northern Star Council
  • Care Abounds in Communities
  • Circle of Service, Northfield
  • Community Action Center, Holiday Sharing
  • Emmaus Church
  • Feed My Starving Children
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Minnesota Chapter
  • Friends of Africa Education
  • Green Lake Lutheran Ministries
  • Habitat for Humanity, Rice County
  • Hastings Area Rotary Club
  • Hastings Family YMCA
  • Hastings High School
  • Hastings Young Life
  • Let’s Go Fishing, Hastings Chapter
  • Northfield Area Family YMCA
  • Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use
  • Northfield Mayor’s Youth Council
  • Northfield Nursery School
  • Northfield Rotary Club
  • Paradise Center for the Arts
  • Prairieville United Methodist Church
  • St. Charles Catholic Church
  • St. Croix Catholic School
  • St. Dominic School and Church
  • St. Olaf College
  • St. Philip’s Lutheran Church
  • St. Stephen Lutheran Church
  • The Merlin Players, Faribault
  • TIAA-CREF Institute

Firm believers in the transformational power of giving experienced by both donor and recipient, the founders of Carlson Capital Management established the American Center for Philanthropy in 2002. The organization is committed to increasing charitable giving by providing donors with useful information, unbiased guidance and advantageous ways to give. Since its inception, the American Center for Philanthropy has made contributions to public charities exceeding $6.5 million.

Recognizing the natural connection between giving of one’s time and of one’s treasure, in 2006 the Board of the American Center for Philanthropy entered into a partnership with a volunteer-oriented initiative in the Northfield, Minnesota community called 5th Bridge. As a volunteer, donor-focused organization the mission of 5th Bridge is to enhance individual and community life by encouraging the habits of volunteerism and philanthropy.

Carlson Capital Management is pleased to support the 5th Bridge Utter Joy campaign that endeavors to make volunteerism “a way of life” by encouraging community residents to commit five hours per month in service to others. To help support the campaign, CCM contributed $10,000 to 5th Bridge, to match the first 10,000 hours of volunteer service pledged by community members.

Since the fall of 2007, the Carlson Capital Management team has partnered with 5th Bridge to help host a mobile unit for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), an organization whose mission is to package healthy meals and distribute them to malnourished children in 60 countries around the world. At the end of these (now annual) three-day events more than 1,100 community volunteers participate in packing over 300,000 meals.

Additionally, the annual Northfield Jingle Bell Run/Walk has been a tradition in our firm for a number of years. Colleagues and families of Carlson Capital Management join forces to plan and implement this fun community-centered event held each December. In 2009, more than 300 people participated as runners, walkers or volunteers. A new non-profit partner/recipient organization is selected each year.

Northfield News Guest Column on Corporate Volunteerism by Greg Carlson, Principal of Carlson Capital Management and 5th Bridge Co-founder.

We know that when we invest in our communities, we receive far more than we give.