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Community Strength Foundation reports 2024 finances; charitable-gambling proceeds remain primary revenue
Summary
Community Strength Foundation presented its year-end report to the council, reporting roughly $124,014 in 2024 income, $123,501 in expenses and an ending balance of $31,688.35; charitable gambling accounted for 76% of revenue.
Coon Rapids — Members of the Community Strength Foundation (CSF) presented the foundation’s 2024 year-end financial report and a grants synopsis at the Jan. 21 City Council meeting, outlining revenue sources, event support and a new memorandum of understanding with the city.
Tiffany Fick told the council the CSF is an all-volunteer group that funds and supports community events including Snowflake Days, the Fourth of July fireworks, Rocky’s Pumpkin Patch and the Tree Lighting Festival. She said the foundation’s 2024 income totaled $124,013.61; expenses were $123,501.46; and the ending balance as of Dec. 31, 2024 was $31,688.35.
Charitable gambling proceeds supplied 76% of CSF funding in 2024, Fick said; Twin City Gateway contributed about 14% and other groups or tips provided smaller shares. The foundation said fireworks accounted for 56% of CSF spending in 2024 and that larger fireworks displays have driven costs higher.
“The MOU between CSF and the city formalizes our partnership so both entities work together on major events and the city’s business sponsorship program supports CSF activities,” Fick said, describing an agreement implemented in 2024 that connects business sponsorship dollars to events.
CSF representatives summarized programming supported in 2024, including concerts, Movie in the Park (noting a sponsorship model), Pumpkin Patch (estimated attendance above 3,000; 1,386 pumpkins distributed), Tree Lighting (estimated attendance 850–900) and community grants such as Shop with a Cop and safety camp. The presentation noted that some events experienced weather-related impacts in 2024 but that volunteers and partners helped events proceed.
Board members present included Bill Shicker and John Fick; Diane Busta noted she is transitioning off the board after long service. The CSF asked the council and public to consult the foundation website for volunteer and donation information.
No formal council action was required; the presentation was received during the meeting’s presentations portion.
