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Empower Creativity,
Enrich Lives,
Leave a Legacy

Your thoughtful contribution to Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) ensures that the arts remain an accessible and transformative part of life in Ely and the surrounding region for years to come. By including NLAA in your estate planning, you support the enrichment of our community through music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

Why Legacy Giving is a Good Thing

Your decision to include NLAA in your estate plan is not just a gift to an organization—it’s an investment in the community, the people, and the future of creativity in the North Country.

  • Sustained Impact. Your gift directly supports programs like youth theater camps, pay-what-you-can performances, and opportunities for local artists to thrive. It ensures that residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can participate in and benefit from the arts.

  • Inspiring the Next Generation. Your legacy fosters creative opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have access to arts education. This investment builds confidence, encourages self-expression, and helps create a vibrant cultural landscape.

  • Strengthening the Community. Arts bring people together. Your contribution helps to create a shared sense of place and pride, while also driving economic growth and vitality in the Ely area.

When you give to NLAA, you’re making a commitment to a brighter, more connected future where the arts are at the heart of community life.

Benefits of Legacy Giving

  • Control and Flexibility. You retain full control of your assets during your lifetime and can adjust your gift as circumstances change.

  • Tax Advantages. A legacy gift can provide significant estate tax savings for your heirs.

  • Recognition. Join NLAA’s Legacy Giving Circle, gaining access to exclusive events and acknowledgment of your role in sustaining the arts.

  • Personalized Tribute. Your gift can be made in honor or memory of someone who inspired your love of the arts, creating a meaningful legacy.

  • Enduring Impact. Your generosity ensures NLAA continues to provide high-quality, accessible arts programming long into the future.

Why NLAA?

Northern Lakes Arts Association has been a cornerstone of creativity in Ely, MN, for over 20 years. From youth camps and theater productions to professional performances and community workshops, NLAA fosters a love of the arts and serves as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural vibrancy. Your gift ensures that everyone—from students discovering their creative potential to seniors finding joy in lifelong learning—has access to these life-enriching experiences.

How It Works

  1. Include NLAA in your estate plan. Add a provision in your will or trust to designate a particular asset, dollar amount, or percentage of your estate to NLAA.

  2. Choose your gift’s purpose. Gifts can be unrestricted to support NLAA’s top priorities or designated to a specific program. We’re happy to help craft the language to ensure your wishes are honored.

  3. Inform NLAA of your plans. Sharing your intentions helps us plan effectively and ensures we can honor your wishes. This is especially important for gifts of real estate, business interests, or other specialized assets.

  4. Impact lives. Upon receipt, your gift will help enrich the community and secure the future of the arts in Ely and beyond.

Legal Language

If you wish to name NLAA in your estate plan, we should be identified as:

Northern Lakes Arts Association
A nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of Minnesota.

Principal address: Ely, MN 55731
Tax ID: 36-3485240

Let’s Talk

We understand that legacy planning is a deeply personal decision. If you’d like to explore how your gift can reflect your values and priorities, we’re here to help.

Email: contact@northernlakesarts.org
Phone: (218)-235-9937

Thank you for helping NLAA bring the transformative power of the arts to future generations. Together, we can ensure that Ely continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and community.

Where Will the Arts Take You?

At Northern Lakes Arts Association, every program is a doorway into Ely’s vibrant Rural Arts Ecosystem. Choose your path below and see what inspires you most:

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MainStage Productions

Experience unforgettable theater, concerts, and dance performances that set the standard for artistic excellence in Ely.

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Northern Lakes Arts Academy

Grow your skills through workshops, camps, and hands-on mentorship for artists of all ages.

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Community Arts & Events

Connect with neighbors through inclusive programs, local showcases, and celebrations that bring the arts to everyone.

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Northern Lakes Arts Association 

1900 East Camp Street, Ely, Mn 55731
218-235-9937
Contact@NorthernLakesArts.Org
EIN: 36-3485240

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2026 Donors and Sponsors

Legacy Circle Members
Recognizing individuals whose enduring generosity has helped shape and sustain Northern Lakes Arts Association over time. This circle reflects long-term impact and may include supporters who prefer not to list a public giving amount.

Catherine Aldrich

Kari Wenger

Anonymous

Season Sponsors ($1500+)

Boundary Waters Connect

Brainstorm Bakery

Ely Outfitting Company 

Motel Ely

Sherpa

The Boathouse

Barb & Laverne Dunsmore

Insula

The Vermilion Campus Foundation

Bernie & Kari Dusich

Holly Rom

Lindsey Lang

Larry & Catherine Bogolub

Jamie & Cindy Gardner

Joe & Mary Bianco

Raven Words Press

Firefly Antiques

Anonymous x2

Gold Level Donors ($1000+)

Alanna Dore

Bridgette Sundell

Carrie Bezak

Caroline Owens

David & Kathleen Miller

Heidi Buettner

Mary Louise Icenhour

Nancy Piragis

Paul & Sue Schurke

Roger & Nancy Benjamin

Rusty & DiAnn White

Sarah Wigdahl-Vollom

Sue Duffy & Linda Ganister

Virgie & The Ivancich Family

River Point Resort & Outfitting Co.

Silver Level Donors ($500+)

Al Gerhardstein & Mimi Gingold

Alanna Dore

Brian Batzli

Carolyn & Keith Dehnbostel

Christine Stevens

Ely Auto

Karen McManus

Katie Heitzig

Jan Carey

Kristine & Krista Woerhide

Laura Myntti

Norma McKinnon

Pamela Saunders

Sheldon Damberg

Steven & Mona Johnson

Tim Deyak

Town of Morse

Troy West

Bronze Level Donors ($250+)

Albert & Karen Maddern

Andrea Landro-Pike

Ann Spitler

Bear Island Realty

Brian Krause

Darlene Nemanich

Dave & Rene Settergren

David & Michelle Young

Ely Flower and Seed

Frandsen Bank & Trust

Grand Ely Lodge

Glenda Harbaugh

James Montana III

Karl Kubiak

Kathleen & Byron Anderson

Linda Carlson

Log Cabin Coffee

Mindy Shulfer

Nancy Sorjanen

Mrs. Pamela Kearney

Piragis Northwoods
Raven’s Wing B&B

Rebecca Nova

Roberta Klar

Sue Germek
Sue & Wayne Pasmick

The individuals , businesses and families listed above help make Northern Lakes Arts Association possible. Their generosity supports artists, youth programs, and live performances that bring our community together.

If you would like to join this circle of supporters, we welcome you.

And if we have accidentally missed your name in this listing, please let us know so we can properly recognize your support.

To make a gift or update your information, click the button below

Thank you for helping keep the arts alive in Ely.
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