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Build Bold Dreams into Extraordinary Impact

About Impact Foundation

Empowering Communities. Impact Foundation is the driving force behind the training and support that fuels Giving Hearts Day. We’re here to help charities and leaders grow, thrive, and serve more effectively through personalized coaching, valuable resources, and powerful networking opportunities.

Our mission? To unlock the full potential of individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference.

Founded in 2004, Impact Foundation was created to meet a growing need—helping charities across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota build their capabilities and expand their impact on health and quality of life in the region.

As a proud co-host of Giving Hearts Day—alongside Dakota Medical Foundation and the Alex Stern Family Foundation—we’ve helped make it the longest-running giving day in the U.S. Since 2008, this movement has empowered charities to raise nearly $195 million, with 100% of every dollar going directly to participating organizations.

At Impact Foundation, we believe in empowering communities. Whether you’re leading a charity, supporting a cause, or looking to amplify your impact, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s grow, together.

The High Impact Approach

BoldDreams

BrilliantDelivery

Burning Desire to Serve Others

ExtraordinaryImpact

LOW

HIGH

HIGH

Bold Dreams

Brillant Delivery

HeartBreak

Mediocrity

Extraordinary Impact

Status Quo

This simple formula, which we call the “High Impact Approach,”guides everything we do at the High Impact Institute, from content creation to our won workplace culture. We think that if you adopt it in your organization, it will become jet fuel for taking your charity to a whole new level.

You’ll reach previously unattainable heights, and you’ll do so faster, smarter, and with a greater perspective about why you do the important work that you do. In a world of endless distraction and demands on your time and energy, the High Impact Approach anchors and illuminates what’s truly important.

Meet the Team

Impact Foundation Board

Dan Carey

Dan Carey

Chair | VISIONBank Founder

Dr. Susan Mathison

Dr. Susan Mathison

Catalyst Medical Center Founder

Eric Monson

Eric Monson

Project Consultant

J. Patrick Traynor

J. Patrick Traynor

Executive Director, Ex Officio

Sindy Keller

Sindy Keller

Retired Brandt Holdings Controller

Jacob Strinden

Jacob Strinden

Corporate Attorney

Phil Hansen

Phil Hansen

Philanthropist, Color Commentator

Staff

Evan Balko

Evan Balko

Multimedia Lead

Kelly Barbot

Kelly Barbot

Design Lead

Riley Boese

Riley Boese

Digital & Operations Lead

Tara Bujold

Tara Bujold

Director of Executive Operations

Madeline Strong

Madeline Strong

Foundation Coordinator

Nate Mickelberg

Nate Mickelberg

Communications Director

Amanda Sayre

Amanda Sayre

Chief Programs Officer

J. Patrick Traynor

J. Patrick Traynor

Executive Director, Impact Foundation

Faculty

Kelsey Buell

Kelsey Buell

Erv Inniger

Erv Inniger

Dan Jacobson

Dan Jacobson