Commission asks Impact Foundation to release Spirit of Fargo donations to support resource and recovery center

City staff asked the commission to request that the Impact Foundation release roughly $144,000 of donated 'Spirit of Fargo' funds to support the Resource and Recovery Center and winter warming operations.

Assistant City Attorney Eric Johnson described the fund’s origin during the 2009 flood response, the role of the Impact Foundation (and Dakota Medical Foundation as a fiscal agent), and that donors originally intended the funds for flood‑fighting and related disaster responses. Johnson said the foundation’s board must determine whether the proposed use fits the donors’ intent but that staff believes supporting shelter and winter warming services fits the fund parameters.

Public commenter Olivia Fisher urged the commission to secure funding for the winter warming program before October so the center can open seven nights per week through April; she said seasonal staffing and donations are needed to meet demand. Commissioners debated whether to table the request until the Impact Foundation votes and whether investing donated funds in a rental facility that the city does not own is appropriate. Some commissioners favored advancing the request to the foundation now to avoid leaving funds idle; others favored waiting for the foundation’s meeting.

The commission voted to advance the staff recommendation requesting that the Impact Foundation release the funds for the Resource and Recovery Center; Impact Foundation action is required before funds transfer.