Home / Foundation
North Dakota American Legion Foundation
Securing the future of Legion programs through charitable giving, endowed support, and long-term stewardship.
About the Foundation
The North Dakota American Legion Foundation was established in 1993 when the assets of the original LOVE Trust—Legion Ongoing Veterans Endowment Trust, established in 1982—were converted to a Foundation. The original founders recognized that membership dues might not always be enough to sustain Legion programs and envisioned a permanent charitable resource to help fund those programs well into the future. The NDAL Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charity with tax-deductible donations approved by the IRS, and it is also recognized as a charity by the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Our Purpose
The singular purpose of the NDAL Foundation is to continue our tradition of service by promoting the causes we as Legionnaires stand for, including Patriotism, Children and Youth, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, and National Security—the Four Pillars of the Legion. To do so, we must build an endowed principal large enough that the annual income from those funds can sustain Legion programs indefinitely. Endowed funds are held in perpetuity for that sole reason.
Patriotism
Children & Youth
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
National Security
Foundation Funds
More than half of the Foundation’s assets are dedicated to specific programs, meaning the earnings from each fund are used exclusively to support that program. The remainder of the principal constitutes an undesignated fund, allowing income to be used where it is most needed.
Oratorical Fund
Supporting speech and leadership development.
Boys State Fund
Developing future leaders and engaged citizens.
Baseball Fund
Supporting American Legion baseball programs.
ND State Legion Band
Preserving our musical heritage and youth opportunities.
Legion Riders Scholarship Fund
Providing educational opportunities for Legion Riders and families.
Youth Trooper Academy Fund
Supporting law enforcement youth programs.
Nesheim Scholarship Fund
Investing in North Dakota’s youth through education.
Undesignated Fund
Flexible support where needed most to advance Legion programs.
Administration
The NDAL Foundation is administered by a 7-member Board of Directors. Each year, 10% of income from dividends and interest is available for costs of operation, 60% is available for program support dispersal, and 30% of annual earned income is used to grow Foundation principal.
10%
Operations
Available for costs of operation
60%
Program support
Available for program support dispersal
30%
Growth of principal
Used to grow Foundation principal
Foundation Board of Directors
Meet the seven members of the North Dakota American Legion Foundation Board of Directors.
Harvey Peterson
Chairman
36817 Hwy 12
Dayton, WA 99328
701-872-6049
hleepete@gmail.com
Approved by the DEC; serves without term limits.
Todd Rikke
East Region Director
Bruce Sailer
Central Region Director
1509 N 35th St Unit #3
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-737-9711
mbsailer@beu.midco.net
Current term expires 2027.
Mark Ihringer
West Region Director
Derrick Childs
Department Finance Officer
Don Herrly
Department Adjutant
Dan Sauerwein
SAL Chairman
Regional directors: Recommended by the NDALF Board and confirmed by the DEC for up to three 3-year terms. Terms expire at the conclusion of the annual convention in the final year.
Directors serving by office: The Department Adjutant and Finance Officer serve as required by the National Adjutant and Judge Advocate. The SAL director serves as chair of the North Dakota SAL.
Foundation By-Laws
Review the by-laws that guide the North Dakota American Legion Foundation’s governance and operations.
Amended June 23, 2023 | PDF · 8 pages
We Need You
Help raise the principal of the NDAL Foundation to the level required to fund all Legion programs. The future depends largely on donations from our members, posts, and other supporters. Your donation may be cash, life insurance, a required minimum distribution, or other planned giving methods. Please consult your tax advisor, accountant, or attorney for more information.
Tax-deductible charitable giving
Your donation is an investment in North Dakota’s veterans, youth, and communities.
Support programs for future generations
Help ensure Legion programs remain strong for years to come.
How to Contact Us
Our address is PO Box 5057, West Fargo, ND 58078.
North Dakota American Legion Foundation
PO Box 5057
West Fargo, ND 58078