Gerald and Frances Oleson established The Oleson Foundation in 1962.
The foundation is designed to perform good works in Northwestern Lower Michigan.
They agreed on five principal pillars of impact within the surrounding communities.
Art…
to provide access to arts and culture in all its forms, especially to our youth, and ensure that artistic opportunities, programs and events flourish in Northern Michigan.
Education…
to provide high quality educational opportunities for all students and to encourage communities to make education a priority for the region.
Environment…
to provide protection and stewardship of our precious natural resources including watersheds, wetlands, farmland, forest land and the overall protection of the Great Lakes.
Community Development…
to provide recreational, cultural, and special projects that assist our communities to grow and prosper with respect to our natural resources.
Health and Human Services…
to aid people in need and to have high quality health care available to all communities.
The foundation is organized so that it may accept contributions from any individual or organization.
Income from assets of the foundation as well as principal must be used “exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes either directly or by contributions to organizations” carrying out such activities.
Funds of the foundation are not to be used for private profit, or for political purposes.