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.

Contact Jason: jason@depotfoundation.org
Office: 218-733-7592
Cell: 218-409-58 87

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.

Contact Shelly: info@depotfoundation.org
Office: (218) 279-9913

Board of Directors

Officers

Amy Kuronen

Chair

Christine Melone

Vice-Chair

Bob Fischer

Secretary

Jenny Miller

Treasurer

Directors

Elissa
Husby

Patrick Cutshall

Kris
Kapsner

Dennis Lamkin

Rick
Lubbers

Jill Pinkney Pastrana

Barb Perrella

R. Craft Dryer

Erica Walli

"The Depot Foundation, through its donors, has always been among our strongest supporters. Because of funding from the Depot Foundation we have new exhibits, restored equipment, better interpretation and a much richer guest/visitor experience."

"With 14 grants and over $450,000 over 13 years, the Depot Foundation helped the DAI support over 3,000 artists over 143 exhibitions. We appreciate the how the foundation helps pay artist’s stipends, gallery needs, and recently, scholarships for classes. Thank you donors!"

The Foundation has been there every step of the way to celebrate performances for out community inside the Depot’s many spaces. We are thrilled to have a partner such as the Foundation in this community.

The Depot Foundation has been Minnesota Ballet's steadfast partner for more than 40 years. Minnesota Ballet is so grateful for the Depot Foundation's commitment to preserving the Depot as a dynamic hub for the arts, culture and history.