Investing in the Future of Adventure
Endowment funds provide an ongoing source of financial support so future generations can find belonging and adventure with Wilderness Inquiry. Many funds are established in memory of a loved one whose spirit of adventure and generosity is reflected in the mission of Wilderness Inquiry. View our established endowment funds below.
An endowment gift works differently than a one-time or legacy gift. The principal stays invested, and only the earnings are spent each year, which means a permanent gift outdoor equity nonprofit work like this keeps funding the same work indefinitely: adaptive equipment, scholarships, and staff training, year after year, instead of once.
Considering starting an endowment? Contact our development team or call 612-676-9400.
J.P. Morgan Chase holds and manages Wilderness Inquiry’s Endowment Funds.
Wilderness Inquiry Named Endowment Funds
Wilderness Inquiry Founders Endowment Fund
The Founders Endowment was created to honor the legacy of Wilderness Inquiry’s Founder Greg Lais and others who helped him shape the organization’s mission to facilitate accessible outdoor recreational and educational opportunities for people with physical, emotional, cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, as well as others in our community who face barriers to accessing the outdoors.
Proceeds from the Founders Endowment Fund will provide adaptive gear and equipment; staff training and support; and scholarships for individuals and families that experience disability and due to financial circumstance may be limited in their ability to participate in Wilderness Inquiry programs. Click here to give to the Founders’ endowment.
Whitney Ulvestad Memorial Endowment Fund
Whitney worked as a guide for Wilderness Inquiry for several seasons, developing a deep love for the Apostle Islands. Her enthusiasm for life and all its possibilities, and her curiosity and adventurous nature, took her all over the world. She brought joy to everyone she met. This fund provides scholarships and financial assistance for all persons to experience community, the possibilities of the natural world, and living with intention through shared outdoor activities. Click here to give to Whitney’s endowment.
Andrew Murphy Memorial Endowment Fund
Driven by his desire to experience the wilderness and his belief in social integration, Andrew Murphy participated on an 8-day trip to Ontario with Wilderness Inquiry in 1987. Not only was this his first wilderness trip, it was his first trip away from home and was a turning point in Andrew’s life. This fund provides financial assistance to individuals experiencing communication disorders and other disability.Click here to give to Andrew’s endowment.
The Finch Family Endowment Fund
Martha Finch became involved with Wilderness Inquiry after an accident left her with a severe disability. Martha was determined to participate again in activities she loved, like canoeing and camping, and went on more than a dozen trips with Wilderness Inquiry. This fund provides scholarships for people experiencing traumatic brain injury, physical and cognitive disability, and others in financial need to participate. Click here to give to Martha’s endowment.
Harriet Spencer Yellowstone Area Endowment Fund
Provides scholarships for underserved and underrepresented populations to directly experience the wonders of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding Greater Yellowstone Area. Click here to give to Harriet’s endowment.
Sean Maher Endowment Fund
Sean Maher returned from his Wilderness Inquiry trip to Voyageur’s National Park full of enthusiasm for the experience. According to his parents, Sean talked a lot about midnight canoe rides, full moons, rock sculptures, and a “Friday Night Live” variety show. This fund provides scholarships for people with developmental disabilities and others to enjoy the outdoors. Click here to give to Sean’s endowment.
Neil DuBois Endowment Fund
Neil was a passionate young man who loved the outdoors and all kinds of outdoor activities. This fund provides scholarships to allow people with financial need to participate on Wilderness Inquiry trips. Click here to give to Neil’s endowment.
Carol Beim Nulsen Endowment Fund
The Carol Beim Nulsen Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Carol Beim Nulsen and her passionate support of Wilderness Inquiry’s mission of connecting youth to nature. This fund provides scholarships to build positive relationships between youth and the outdoors. Click here to give to Carol’s endowment.
Common Questions About Endowment Funds
What is an endowment gift?
How is an endowment gift different from a legacy gift?
Can I start a new endowment fund at Wilderness Inquiry?
Yes. Contact our development team at development@wildernessinquiry.org or 612-676-9400 to discuss establishing a new named endowment fund.