06/13/2026
Heartland Foundation
Strengthening Communities Through Service, Partnership, and Opportunity
The Heartland Foundation is the charitable arm of the Heartland Family of Organizations.
Our mission is to improve lives by connecting people, resources, and opportunities that strengthen communities and create lasting impact.
We believe that every community is stronger when people have access to the support, education, resources, and relationships they need to thrive.
Through strategic partnerships, volunteer engagement, charitable giving, and community-based initiatives, the
Heartland Foundation works to address real needs and create meaningful solutions.
Our goal is simple: help people help people.
Our Mission
The Heartland Foundation exists to improve the quality of life for older adults, caregivers, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and underserved populations by supporting programs, partnerships, and initiatives that promote independence, dignity, well-being, and opportunity.
We work to connect resources with needs and ensure that support reaches the people and organizations making the greatest difference in their communities.
What We Do
The Heartland Foundation supports community initiatives through:
Community Grants
Providing financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, community programs, and local initiatives that align with our mission.
Volunteer Engagement
Recruiting and connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities to serve their communities.
Community Partnerships
Working alongside businesses, nonprofits, healthcare providers, veterans organizations, schools, faith communities, and local governments to maximize impact.
Educational Programs
Supporting workshops, events, and educational opportunities that help individuals and families make informed decisions and improve their quality of life.
Resource Development
Building networks that connect people with the services, organizations, and support systems they need.
Charitable Assistance
Providing support for programs and initiatives that address urgent and emerging community needs.
Areas of Focus
The Foundation's initial priorities include:
* Senior resource education and outreach
* Caregiver support initiatives
* Veteran services and support programs
* Transportation assistance
* Volunteer recruitment and development
* Community education and awareness programs
* Emergency assistance initiatives
* Scholarships and workforce development
* Aging-in-place and independent living programs
* Community wellness initiatives
* Strategic partnerships that strengthen local communities
Leadership
Courtney Lotzer
Founder & Board President
Courtney founded the Heartland Foundation to create a lasting vehicle for community impact and charitable giving.
As Board President, she provides strategic leadership, develops community partnerships, and helps guide the Foundation's long-term vision.
Mark Preissing
Executive Director
Mark leads the Foundation's daily operations, grant development efforts, fundraising initiatives, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships.
He works closely with the Board of Directors to identify opportunities where the Foundation can make the greatest impact.
Responsibilities include:
* Grant research and grant writing
* Fundraising and donor development
* Volunteer recruitment and management
* Community outreach and partnership development
* Program development and oversight
* Evaluation of charitable funding opportunities
* Foundation operations and administration
* Preparation of reports and recommendations for the Board
Director of Finance & Administration
Position Available
The Heartland Foundation is seeking a Director of Finance & Administration to support the organization's growth and long-term sustainability.
This individual will oversee:
* Financial management and bookkeeping
* Budget development and monitoring
* Grant accounting and reporting
* Donation tracking and stewardship
* Board reporting and administrative support
* Compliance and recordkeeping
* Financial transparency and accountability initiatives
The Director of Finance & Administration will work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to ensure responsible stewardship of Foundation resources and support strategic growth initiatives.
This position may also provide financial administration support to other organizations within the Heartland Family, depending on qualifications and organizational needs.
Board of Directors
Courtney Lotzer
Board President
Provides strategic leadership, organizational vision, and oversight of the Foundation's mission and growth.
Lisa Schutte
Board Director
Provides governance, community insight, and strategic guidance while helping advance Foundation initiatives and partnerships.
Susanne Murphy
Board Director
Supports organizational oversight, community engagement, fundraising efforts, and charitable program development.
The Board of Directors is responsible for:
* Organizational governance
* Strategic planning
* Financial oversight
* Approval of charitable distributions
* Executive Director oversight
* Long-term sustainability planning
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council provides subject matter expertise, community connections, and recommendations to support the Foundation's mission.
Duane Hoeschen
Veterans Affairs Advisor
Duane provides guidance on veteran-focused initiatives, community partnerships, outreach opportunities, and programs that support veterans and military families.
He assists the Foundation in identifying opportunities to collaborate with veteran service organizations and ensure veterans remain a priority within Foundation initiatives.
As the Foundation grows, additional advisors may be appointed in the areas of:
* Senior Services
* Healthcare
* Education
* Transportation
* Housing
* Workforce Development
* Community Development
* Financial Literacy
* Caregiver Support
* Community Engagement
Financial Stewardship
The Heartland Foundation is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to the organization.
All funds received by the Foundation shall be used exclusively to further its charitable mission and community impact initiatives.
Financial decisions will be guided by principles of integrity, transparency, measurable impact, and responsible resource management.
The Foundation will maintain appropriate financial controls, reporting procedures, and governance practices to ensure donor confidence and long-term sustainability.
Community Impact Goals
The Foundation seeks to:
* Expand access to community resources.
* Strengthen support systems for older adults and caregivers.
* Increase opportunities for veterans and military families.
* Support local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.
* Build volunteer networks that serve communities throughout Minnesota.
* Foster partnerships that create lasting positive change.
* Invest in programs that improve quality of life and community well-being.
Our Vision
To build stronger communities by connecting people, resources, and opportunities that improve lives today while creating lasting impact for future generations.
We believe that meaningful change happens when individuals, businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and community leaders work together toward a common purpose.
Together, we can accomplish more than any one organization can achieve alone.
Learn More
The Heartland Foundation is currently being developed as part of the Heartland Family of Organizations.
Additional information about our programs, volunteer opportunities, grant initiatives, community partnerships, charitable giving opportunities, and community impact projects will be available soon.
To learn more, please visit:
Heartland Family
www.heartlandfamily.com (Coming Soon)
Heartland Senior Expos
[www.heartlandseniorexpo.com](http://www.heartlandseniorexpo.com)
For questions regarding the Heartland Foundation, partnership opportunities, volunteer involvement, board service, charitable giving, sponsorships, grants, or community initiatives, please contact:
Courtney Lotzer
Founder & Board President
Heartland Family of Companies
Together, We Build Stronger Communities.
