Friends of the Finland Community was formed after the creation of the Crystal Bay Comprehensive Community Plan. A group of citizens realized that the formation of a nonprofit such as the Friends could help carry on the momentum started by the Comprehensive planning process and work towards making the community’s vision a reality.

A board was created and the first meeting was held in March of 2007 to incorporate. We then applied to become a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. We received our official nonprofit status in April of 2008.

During our first four years several grants from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation have helped us get started and develop as an organization.

Since then, the group helped to raise the funds to build the Clair Nelson Intermodal Transportation Center, and now manages the Center in partnership with Crystal Bay Township and also runs social programs out of the facility. In addition, the group puts on Finland's annual St Urho's Day Celebration in March, the Harvest Booya in September, and manages the Clair Nelson Vocational Scholarship Fund.

Request 2008 990-PF (PDF)