Earlier this spring, MACF awarded a grant from the foundation’s Donald & Genevieve Roush Fund to support the Western North Dakota Honor Flight, which flew from Minot International Airport in April. The Honor Flight provides aging veterans living in western North Dakota — primarily those who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars — with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., and the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. The MACF grant specifically sponsored the Welcome Home Ceremony, ensuring participating veterans received the recognition and gratitude they deserve.

“It was a true honor to stand among so many heroes and help ensure they received a heartfelt welcome home,” said Jason Zimmerman, MACF president. “We’re proud to support efforts like the Western ND Honor Flight that give back to those who have given so much for our country.”

In addition, the MACF Impact Fund recently awarded a $30,000 grant for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, operated by Community Action Partnership-Minot Region. The program provides housing placement, rental assistance and case management for veterans experiencing homelessness in our area.

This funding comes at a critical time, as the Minot region has experienced a growing number of homeless veterans, according to MACF. Compounding the challenge, federal funding through the SSVF VA program, distributed across the state, has proven insufficient to meet local needs. MACF’s grant will help bridge that gap by supporting the rapid rehousing and rental assistance components of the program, both of which are vital to helping veterans transition out of homelessness through a holistic, sustainable support model.

“At MACF, we believe in meeting needs where they exist,” Zimmerman said. “Whether it’s a dignified homecoming or a safe place to call home, veterans in our community deserve both. We are committed to honoring their service not just in words, but through meaningful action.”