Bismarck Recreation Council

Invest in the Future of Parks and Recreation

The Bismarck Recreation Council was formed as the foundation and fundraising arm of Bismarck Parks and Recreation District in 1984. BRC, governed by a board of directors, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that contributes to the betterment of the community by supporting the development of recreational programs and facilities in Bismarck.

Capital Campaign Success

For more than 40 years, donations to BRC have helped fund many capital campaigns, including upgrades to ice complexes, baseball and softball fields, trails, playgrounds, and more. These improvements were made possible with funds raised by volunteers working through BRC, as well as collaborations with other agencies and businesses.

Current Campaign: Satchel Paige Recognition at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark

Endowment Fund for the Future

The BRC Endowment Fund, established in 2013, accepts gifts from individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in making a permanent impact in our community by supporting the future of public parks and recreation. The fund’s purpose is to support BPRD recreational programs and facilities, focusing on youth activities and scholarships. Donations are invested and only earnings from the fund will be used.

Recognition

Annual gifts are recognized on our virtual donor wall for the year following the gift. In addition, lifetime gifts are permanently recognized in Peace Park. Lifetime giving categories reflect cumulative gifts from a single donor over a lifetime:

Founder: $5,000-14,999
Advocate: $15,000-24,999
Ambassador: $25,000-74,999
Steward: $75,000-149,999
Trailblazer: $150,000-249,999
Visionary: $250,000+

We gratefully acknowledge all donors to the BRC Endowment Fund.

How to Contribute

Cash Gifts

Cash donations may be made in one lump sum or pledged over a period of years.

North Dakota Endowment Income Tax Credit: North Dakota residents and businesses may qualify for a 40 percent state tax credit on the value of their gift to the BRC Endowment Fund, even for those who don’t itemize. Gifts from individuals must be a minimum of $5,000 (lump sum or aggregate) in one year. See N.D. Century Code 57-38-01.21 and consult your attorney or tax advisor for details.

Other Types of Gifts

Call Kevin at 701-222-6455 or email BRC to learn more about how you can invest in the future of parks and recreation in Bismarck. We would welcome the opportunity to visit.

Life Insurance: Donors may name the BRC Endowment Fund as the owner and beneficiary of a previously existing or new life insurance policy. Donors may receive an immediate tax deduction and all premium payments made by donors thereafter may also be deductible.
Appreciated Securities or Real Estate: Gifts of appreciated securities and real property may provide tax advantages to donors who have held assets for an extended period of time. The full fair market value of such gifts may be deductible as a charitable contribution.
Bequests through Wills and Estate Planning: Planned giving allows donors to make a meaningful gift to an important mission while also providing tax and estate benefits. There are many ways to name the BRC Endowment Fund as a beneficiary in a will or estate. After providing for relatives and friends, donors may choose to give a percentage, a specific amount, or all remaining assets to the BRC Endowment Fund. Through this process, donors can make a lasting gift and may also reduce the taxable portion of an estate. See sample bequest language below.

BRC Endowment Fund Bequest Language

Planning for the future allows donors to make a meaningful gift to an important mission that will have a lasting impact. A gift in your will or other estate plan, known as a bequest, may be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, personal property or real estate, or the remainder of your estate after all other provisions are specified.

Below is suggested language to use when drafting your bequest to the Bismarck Recreation Council, the foundation for Bismarck Parks and Recreation District. Please consult your attorney when making a bequest.

Sample Bequest Language

“I hereby give, devise and bequeath to Bismarck Recreation Council, a North Dakota nonprofit corporation and a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, located at 400 East Front Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota, Federal Tax ID Number 45-0384442, the sum of _________ (OR _____ percent of my total estate, OR property herein described ___________, OR all of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate) to the BRC Endowment Fund, which supports Bismarck Parks and Recreation District recreational programs and facilities.”

Restricted Bequests

If you wish to designate your bequest for a specific purpose, we encourage you to let us know so that we can assist you and your attorney in determining the best language to meet your goals.

Connect with Us

If you name Bismarck Recreation Council in your will or trust, please let us know so we can ensure that your gift is used according to your wishes. Notifying us of your plans will enable us to plan for the use of your future gift. However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, we will keep your name and gift in strict confidence.

Please contact Kevin Klipfel at 701-222-6455 or email BRC for more information.

Deductibility of Donations

All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Donors are encouraged to consult their attorney or tax advisor before making contributions. Nothing on this webpage is intended to provide legal or tax advice.