We want to connect with those who share our lifetime passion for the Albany Area Schools. Our donors are as varied as the community we serve. Whether this is your first gift, or you seek to increase the strategic impact of your charitable giving, we offer the information and options you need.

Together, we can achieve a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. It’s easy to make a difference in a way that’s meaningful for you!

If your employer makes matching donations for their employees, be sure to find out their process before making your gift.

Purple Pride

Purple Pride — Our Annual Event

The foundation’s main fundraiser, the Purple Pride event, was on April 15, 2023 from 4:00 – 8:00 at Fischer’s Club in Avon. Funds raised allow the foundation to award grants to spur innovative teaching and learning practices and expand educational opportunities for students in the Albany Area district. The evening was a great night of fun and fundraising for our students, one that the community anticipates every year.

This year’s event included a silent auction, a few raffles, live music by the Better Man Duo, and great appetizers. Tickets included appetizers and a drink ticket.

Our next Purple Pride fundraising event will be fall of 2024. Consider becoming an event sponsor.

Make a Donation

Make a Donation

When you give to the Albany Area Education Foundation Annual Fund, your gift gives the board the most flexibility to meet today’s grant needs and establish an enduring legacy that will benefit the people of Albany, Avon, Farming, St. Anthony, and St. Martin for years to come. We accept credit card donations through our online portal. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated!

Online Giving

Mail a Donation

Prefer to mail a check?

To make donations and payments more secure and to streamline processes, the Initiative Foundation partners with Bremer Bank. Please write the check to Initiative Foundation-Albany Area Education Foundation, note the purpose of your contribution on the memo line, and mail to this address:

Initiative Foundation – 446122
Attn: Albany Area Education Foundation Fund
P.O. Box 64182
St. Paul, MN 55164-0182

While the mailing address may be in St. Paul, the Initiative Foundation continues to maintain its headquarters in the heart of Central Minnesota at 405 First St. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345.

If you would like to contribute another type of gift, please call the Initiative Foundation at (320) 632-9255. An Initiative Foundation staff member will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Raise Awareness

Planned Giving

Planned Giving

Making a charitable bequest in your will is often the easiest way to make a significant gift. With this gift you can continue to help make an important difference in the communities of Albany Avon, Farming, St. Anthony, and St. Martin. Gifts, both large and small, are important. Creating a lasting legacy is easier than you might think!

If you would like to include the Albany Area Education Foundation in your will, make another type of planned gift or contribute an appreciated asset, please visit the Initiative Foundation website for more information.

Impact your community and leave a legacy
Achieve your long-term goals through a variety of gift options and tax benefits
Ensure the economic prosperity of Central MN both now and into the future

Learn More About Planned Giving

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. In partnership with the Albany Area Education Foundation, the Initiative Foundation owns and manages financial contributions for the Albany Area Education Foundation. No goods or services will be exchanged for your gift.

Past Fundraising Events

Who’s Your Caddy 2019

Huge thank you to Chad and Jill Bettin who again this year partnered with AAEF to host their annual “Who’s Your Caddy?” fundraising golf tournament on July 27 at the Albany Golf Course. Special thanks to hole sponsors, NHS students who volunteered to work the event, and all the great folks who came out. Making unforgettable learning experiences possible at Albany Area Schools!

Purple Pride by Lakeside

The second annual Purple Pride by Lakeside fundraising event, held at Fisher’s Club in Avon, was a resounding success with over 170 guests in attendance. Ticket sales to the event and the auctioning of 50 items donated by community businesses and residents raised over $16,000 for the foundation. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported this event, and to Better Man Duo for providing the live entertainment.

This is an annual community event to raise funds, but ultimately to have a good time with good food, live entertainment, and great people.

Thanks to this event’s sponsors: Lange Trenching, JT Electric Service, Central Minnesota Credit Union, and Kotzer Excavating, Inc.

Pork Chop Feed

Football and tailgating. It goes hand-in-hand. Underneath the Friday night lights, the foundation fired up a huge grill. With the finest seasonings and pork chops galore, foundation members grilled a sold pork chops to the entire football stadium at Micheal Field. One more small way this community supports our students and their education.

Who’s Your Caddy 2018

This past summer the proceeds from the “Who’s Your Caddy” gold tournament, organized by Avon residents Chad and Jill Bettin, were donated to the foundation. The Bettins planned this golf tournament as a fun outing for friends and community members — a chance for parents, who often spend their Saturdays watching their children participating in sport, academic, and art events, to spend a day devoted to fun and golf. This event has grown over the few years the Bettins have hosted it and has turned into a fundraising event.

The foundation is grateful to the Bettins, for the financial support as well as for the exciting day looked forward to by many. This year’s “Who’s Your Caddy” golf tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 27 at the Albany Gold Course.

Mission Statement:

The Albany Area Education Foundation (AAEF) is an independent, non-profit organization devoted to supporting the continued excellence of Albany Area Schools. Partnering with the school district and the community, the AAEF secures private, supplemental funding to support district programs, spur innovation, and expand opportunities for students and staff in the areas of academics, activities, arts, and athletics.