The MBOTMA - Tom O'Neill Endowment Fund

The MBOTMA - Tom O'Neill Endowment Fund was established in 1998. Proceeds will be used for mentorships, scholarships, workshops, classes, and other educational activities related to bluegrass and old-time music.

The fund is named in memory of the late Tom O'Neill, one of MBOTMA's founders. We benefit from his foresight in recognizing the need for an organization like MBOTMA, and from his help in getting it up and running. Much of MBOTMA's success is the result of Tom O'Neill's dedication and volunteer efforts.

How the fund works

The Tom O'Neill Endowment Fund is established as a designated fund of the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association. Only investment income will be used; the principal is set aside in a reserved fund, and will always remain to provide investment income in future years.

The fund has three trustees: Bill Bushnell, Paul Christianson, and Louis (Bud) Claeson. The trustees will dispense investment income annually to the MBOTMA Board of Directors. This income can only be spent on educational activities related to bluegrass and old-time music. The Board is responsible for deciding which activities to support.

Fund Drive

Your contribution, large or small, will help promote education and understanding of bluegrass and old-time music. Our goal is to establish a fund of $25,000. We hope to collect $17,000 from MBOTMA members and friends. This, added to a bequest from Tom O'Neill, plus a single large donation already received, will total the $25,000. From this, investment income of about $1,250 per year will be available to MBOTMA for educational activities.

Click here for a printable contribution form.

If you have questions about the MBOTMA - Tom O'Neill Endowment Fund, please call Bill Bushnell at 651-633-5687.