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Legacy Giving with Northern Lakes
Arts Association

Transform Assets into a Lasting Legacy for the Arts

Your assets—whether stocks, properties, vehicles, or other valuables—can play a vital role in advancing the arts and enriching lives in Ely and beyond. By donating non-cash assets to Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), you can support creative programming while benefiting from significant financial and tax advantages.

Why Donating Other Assets is a Good Thing

Non-cash gifts are not just a way to support NLAA—they’re a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact while aligning your financial goals with your passion for the arts.

  • Maximize Tax Benefits. Many non-cash assets, such as appreciated stocks, avoid capital gains taxes when donated directly to a nonprofit. In addition, you may receive a charitable tax deduction for the full market value of the gift.

  • Make a Meaningful Impact. Your donation helps NLAA continue to offer inclusive arts programming, support local artists, and create cultural experiences that strengthen the community.

  • Flexibility. Gifts of various assets—from real estate to vehicles—allow you to support the arts in ways that make the most sense for your financial situation.

  • Ease of Giving. Non-cash asset donations can simplify the process of managing or liquidating certain holdings.

Your thoughtful gift of assets ensures the arts remain a cornerstone of life in the North Country, inspiring generations to come.

Types of Assets You Can Donate

  • Stocks and Securities. Avoid capital gains taxes and claim a deduction for the full fair market value of the donated shares.

  • Real Estate. Properties such as homes, vacation cabins, or undeveloped land can provide significant support for NLAA’s mission while reducing your taxable estate.

  • Vehicles. Cars, trucks, RVs, and boats can be donated to support arts programs while freeing you from the responsibilities of ownership.

  • Valuable Personal Property. Artwork, jewelry, or other items of value can be donated to support NLAA’s work and may qualify for a tax deduction.

Why NLAA?

Northern Lakes Arts Association has been a beacon of creativity in Ely, MN, for almost four decades. From theater camps and dance classes to professional productions and community events, NLAA brings the transformative power of the arts to people of all ages. Your donation of assets helps ensure this vital work continues, fostering creativity, connection, and culture in the North Country.

How It Works

  1. Assess Your Assets. Determine which assets you wish to donate, keeping in mind their market value and any potential tax implications.

  2. Contact NLAA. Reach out to us to discuss your intended gift. We’ll help you understand the process and ensure your donation aligns with your intentions.

  3. Transfer Ownership. For stocks and securities, your broker can transfer shares directly to NLAA. For real estate or vehicles, we’ll guide you through the necessary paperwork.

  4. Enjoy Tax Benefits. Depending on the asset, you may receive a charitable deduction for the full market value and avoid certain taxes.

  5. Make an Impact. Your gift will directly support NLAA’s programs, creating lasting opportunities for artists and audiences alike.

Let’s Plan Your Gift

We’re here to make the process of donating non-cash assets as seamless as possible. Whether you’re considering stocks, property, or other valuables, we’ll work with you to create a plan that meets your goals and maximizes your impact.

Contact us:
Email: contact@northernlakesarts.org
Phone: (218)-235-9937

Thank you for your generosity and vision. Together, we can shape a vibrant, creative future for Ely and beyond.

Where Will the Arts Take You?

At Northern Lakes Arts Association, every program is a doorway into Ely’s vibrant Rural Arts Ecosystem. Choose your path below and see what inspires you most:

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MainStage Productions

Experience unforgettable theater, concerts, and dance performances that set the standard for artistic excellence in Ely.

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Northern Lakes Arts Academy

Grow your skills through workshops, camps, and hands-on mentorship for artists of all ages.

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Community Arts & Events

Connect with neighbors through inclusive programs, local showcases, and celebrations that bring the arts to everyone.

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Northern Lakes Arts Association 

1900 East Camp Street, Ely, Mn 55731
218-235-9937
Contact@NorthernLakesArts.Org
EIN: 36-3485240

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2026 Donors and Sponsors

Legacy Circle Members

Catherine Aldrich

Kari Wenger

Anonymous

Season Sponsors ($1500+)

Boundary Waters Connect

Brainstorm Bakery

Ely Outfitting Company 

Motel Ely

Sherpa

The Boathouse

Barb & Laverne Dunsmore

Bernie & Kari Dusich

Holly Rom

Larry & Catherine Bogolub

Jamie & Cindy Gardner

Joe & Mary Bianco

Anonymous x2

Gold Level Donors ($1000+)

Bridgette Sundell

Carrie Bezak

Caroline Owens

David & Kathleen Miller

Heidi Buettner

Mary Louise Icenhour

Nancy Piragis

Paul & Sue Schurke

Roger & Nancy Benjamin

Rusty & DiAnn White

Sarah Wigdahl-Vollom

Sue Duffy & Linda Ganister

Virgie & The Ivancich Family

Silver Level Donors ($500+)

Al Gerhardstein & Mimi Gingold

Brian Batzli

Carolyn & Keith Dehnbostel

Christine Stevens

Karen McManus

Katie Heitzig

Jan Carey

Kristine & Krista Woerhide

Laura Myntti

Norma McKinnon

Pamela Saunders

Sheldon Damberg

Steven & Mona Johnson

Tim Deyak

Town of Morse

Troy West

Bronze Level Donors ($250+)

Kathleen & Byron Anderson
Bear Island Realty
Linda Carlson
Sue Germek
Grand Ely Lodge
Glenda Harbaugh
Mrs. Pamela Kearney
Roberta Klar
Brian Krause
Karl Kubiak

Andrea Landro-Pike

Albert & Karen Maddern
James Montana III
Darlene Nemanich
Rebecca Nova
Sue & Wayne Pasmick
Piragis Northwoods
Raven’s Wing B&B
Dave & Rene Settergren
Mindy Shulfer
Ann Spitler
David & Michelle Young

Patrons of the Arts ( $125+)

Barbara & Bill Godlin

Brian & Kathy Dahlin

Cathy Bell

Corrie & Andrew McKibbon

Debbie & Bill Erzar

Dolores Delaney

Elizabeth LePlatt

Elizabeth Vosburgh

Ellen & Emily Roose

Elton & Emily Brown

Eric & Ria Jokela

John Eckfeldt & Nancy Schultz

Julie Lucas

Julie Nester

Kathy Neiman

Mark & Laurie Cramer 

Mike Gilgosch and Linda Sutton 

Marguerite Ahola 

Mary Zupancich

Nancy Keller

Nancy Sorganen

Pam Ransom

Pat Zupancich

Ruth Reha Lah

Sharon Friedler

Sue Remes

Tom & BJ Kobierski

Anonymous x2

Friends of NLAA (Up to $124)

Alan and Nancy Andrea
Benjamin Anderson
Elizabeth M. Anderson
Carla Arneson
John Arisensi
Harry Avila

Zachary Barry
Patricia Bartlett
Ellen Bernardson
Adam Bisbee
Joe and Mary Bianco
Patricia Bieber
Ann Bock

Autumn Campbell
Deb Campbell
Carole Carlson-Bursch
Justine Carlson
Laura Carlson Keely
Autumn Cole

Richard Davis
Shayshay Degagne
Brad Dekkers
Linda O’Neil Deremee
Carolyn Dehnbostel
Celia Domich
Ruthie Dixon
Dean Dewberry
Diane Toms
Dollie O’Neill
Daniel MacCoy
Debbie Mackie
David O’Donnell

Nancy Edson
Kathy and Don Ellerton
Elizabeth Engelman
Jan Erchul

Stephen Field
Jackie Fischer
Tara Forsman
Anna-Lena Forsman
Mary Kay Fortier

Jean Green
Jan Guerin
Barb Gipple

Rebecca Katz Harwood
Bethany Hway
Johnna Hyde
Phil Hyde
Todd & Meg Heiman
Alison Hoffman
Paula Hill

Bob and Jude Jalonen
Robert Jalonen
Anne Johnson
Jane Johnston

Patricia Katauskas
Nancy Keller
Peter Keely
Laurie & Paul Kess
David Kess and Sally Koski
Grace Klein
Marian Klobuchar
Betty Kobierski
Helen Koski
Kekakabic StudiosSammy Lah
Janine LaMontagne

Kevin LawlerBeth LewisLinda Lenich

Barbara & Dan Litchfield

Becca Manlove
Cheryl Martinetto
Mike Mathiasen
Paul and Tracy McDonald
Andy and Corie McKibben
Albina Medved
Carolyn Meier
Pat J. Merfeld
Deborah Miller
William and Deb Milker
Kim & David Mitchell
Tamia Moe
Megan Olson
Molly Olson
Isaac Olson
AJ Ostlund

Wende Nelson
Donna Niskala

Mary P O’Halloran

Barbara Palmer
Judith PopeWinifred Renner
Sina Richert
Donna Rogers
Donna Rogers
Rebecca Rom

Molly Roske

Sharon Shannon
Sharon Svatos
Sara Skelton
Dixon Shelstad
Liz Schendel
Sally Schultze
Margaret E. Schumacher
Mary & Joe Schwinghamer
Anne Schroeder
Lacey Squier
Lacey Squier
Ann Spitler
Bonnie Starkman
Richard Stevens
Jordyn Stocks
Andrea Strom
Lucy Soderstrom
Barb & Kurt Soderberg
Kurt Soderberg
Jodi Summit

Rebecca Trancheff
Pamela Toleikis
Anna & Doug Thompson
Jennifer Toddie

AmberBeth Vanningen

Alain-Daniel Wa-Baguma
Dana Whalberg
Emily Weise
Troy West
Jacob White
Kate Willis
Mary Willits
Linda Wiedmann
Carly Wogen
Krisa Woerheide
Cathy Wright

Elizabeth Yoders

Michelle Zupancich

Anonymous x8

The individuals , businesses and families listed above help make Northern Lakes Arts Association possible. Their generosity supports artists, youth programs, and live performances that bring our community together.

If you would like to join this circle of supporters, we welcome you.

And if we have accidentally missed your name in this listing, please let us know so we can properly recognize your support.

To make a gift or update your information, click the button below

Thank you for helping keep the arts alive in Ely.
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