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Supporting Local Broadcasting Through the Minnesota Broadcasters Foundation
Minnesota Broadcasters Foundation Mission: To strengthen Minnesota communities by investing in the people and programs that sustain local broadcasting through education, career development, and community partnerships.
The Minnesota Broadcasters Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, directing resources toward education, workforce development, and community partnerships that sustain local broadcasting across the state. These investments address a critical challenge in media sustainability: ensuring that skilled professionals enter and remain in the field while local stations maintain the capacity to serve their communities effectively. The foundation's work centers on creating pathways for new talent and supporting programs that keep broadcast media rooted in the communities they serve.
Local broadcasting faces ongoing pressures from workforce shortages, evolving technology requirements, and the need for professionals trained in both traditional and digital platforms. The foundation responds by funding scholarships, supporting training initiatives, and building partnerships that connect aspiring broadcasters with established professionals. This approach addresses gaps that individual stations often cannot fill alone, creating a shared infrastructure for talent development across Minnesota's broadcast landscape.
Consider contributing to the foundation's work if you recognize the role local broadcasting plays in emergency communication, community cohesion, and regional identity.
Jessi Pierce Scholarship
Jessi Pierce was a respected NHL reporter, storyteller, and passionate advocate for hockey in Minnesota. For 10 seasons, she covered the Minnesota Wild as an independent correspondent for NHL.com, earning admiration of players, coaches, colleagues, and fans through her insightful reporting, infections enthusiasm, and genuine love for the game.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Jessi built a diverse career in sports journalism, with her work appearing in publications including USA Hockey, Minnesota Hockey Journal, The Athletic, and Massachusetts Hockey. She was also the co-host of the popular Bardown Beauties podcast, where she shared her hockey knowledge, engaging personality, and unique perspective of the Minnesota Wild.
Beyond her accomplishments as a journalist, Jessi was known for her kindness, generosity, and ability to connect with people. She was a dedicated supporter of youth hockey, a mentor to fellow journalists, and a beloved member of Minnesota's sports media community.
Tragically, Jessi and her three children, Hudson, Cayden, and Avery, passed away in a house fire on March 21, 2026. Her legacy continues through the lives she touched, the stories she told, and the hockey community she loved. (Source: NHL.com)
In her honor, the Jessi Pierce Scholarship has been created through support of the hockey community, SKOR North and the Minnesota Broadcasters Foundation. Scholarships will be awarded to women pursuing an education in sports broadcast journalism.
Donate Today!
Consider contributing to the foundation's work if you support investing in the people and programs that keep local broadcasting strong, helping communities stay informed, connected, and engaged.
A donation in any amount can be made by clicking the link below.
You can also mail a check to:
Minnesota Broadcasters Association
Attn: Minnesota Broadcasters Foundation
2700 Territorial Road
Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55114
Note: If you are making a donation via check to the Jessi Pierce Scholarship, please indicate that in the memo of the check.
Disclaimer
The Minnesota Broadcasters Foundation is a Minnesota nonprofit corporation (EIN: 42-5251415) and is in the process of applying for IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We have not yet received an IRS determination letter. Deductibility depends on IRS approval effective for the date of your payment and your individual tax circumstances. Please consult your tax advisor.
