About The

DEPOT FOUNDATION

Established in 1979 by a generous donation from Elizabeth & John Adams, the Depot Foundation has been a staple in preserving the historic Depot in Duluth, MN and the art and culture within it for over 40 years.

What We Do

Our goal is to protect the Depot and assist the extraordinary artistic and historical organizations housed there by providing them with programmatic funding. In 2020 alone, we provided $224,998 in Programmatic Grants, as well as an additional $141,000 in Operational Grants to our grantees to assist them through pandemic-related closures.

In 2021, the Depot Foundation brought aboard a new Development Director in order to build upon our donor base and help us reach our goal of transitioning from a private foundation status to that of a public charity. In the summer of 2021, our offices moved back to the historic Depot building on 506 West Michigan Avenue in order to better serve our grantees, donors and our region.

Top Awarded Non-Profit

Our History

The Depot Foundation was established in March 1979 due to the fundraising efforts of Elizabeth & John Adams as a charitable, non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Minnesota with a purpose to receive, invest and disburse funds on behalf of the arts and heritage of the Duluth community and greater surrounding area.

Our Mission

The Depot Foundation is dedicated to preserving the St. Louis County Depot as a vibrant and welcoming forum for the arts, culture and history through managing and growing a permanent endowment.

Staff

Jason Young, Development Director

Jason started with The Depot Foundation in 2023. In addition to his 16 years of experience working in philanthropy, Jason is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2021. Most recently, he has worked with Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank and the UW-Superior Foundation. Born and raised in Duluth, MN, he currently lives in Hermantown with his wife and 2 children.

Shelly Vanneste, Administrative Assistant

Shelly was born and raised in the Duluth area.  She lived in Arizona for 14 years and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in Business Management.  Prior to working with the Depot Foundation, she owned her own childcare business.  Shelly is active in her church and sits on the REA3D Board.  She has always been passionate about her hometown and the history it shares with generations of her family.  She is currently living in Proctor with her husband and twin daughters.

Board of Directors

Officers

Amy Hietapelto

Chair

Amy Kuronen

Vice-Chair

Karol Sowers

Secretary

Bill Gravelle

Treasurer

Directors

Jennifer Miller

Elissa
Husby

Patrick Cutshall

Kris
Kapsner

Dennis Lamkin

Rick
Lubbers

Jill Pinkney Pastrana

Barb Perrella

R. Craft Dryer

Christine Melone

Bob
Fischer

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