Wilderness Inquiry Endowment Funds

Creating a named endowment fund can be a meaningful way to remember or honor a loved one or to provide an ongoing source of financial support for people in financial need.

As a permanent part of Wilderness Inquiry’s endowment, these funds provide an ongoing source of support for people participating in WI programs. In keeping with the interests of the people for whom they are named, these funds provide scholarships in specified areas, plus general financial assistance to participants.

For information about creating or contributing to an endowment fund, contact Sarah Milligan-Toffler at 612-676-9413 or sarahmtoffler@wildernessinquiry.org

Below is a summary of established endowment funds:

Harold B. and Martha A. Finch Endowment Fund

Provides WI scholarships for people with physical and cognitive disabilities and others in financial need.

About Harold “Shorty” and Martha Finch:
Martha Finch became involved with Wilderness Inquiry after an accident left her with a severe disability. Martha was determined to participate again in “normal” activities she loved, like canoeing and camping. On more than a dozen trips with WI, she inspired many by pursuing her love of the outdoors, despite her disability. Shorty’s involvement with WI started just after his daughter’s first trip. He saw the positive impact in Martha’s life and became a committed volunteer Board member, advisor and friend.

Martha Finch and Ann Bancroft

To honor their memory, the Board of Directors of WI, in cooperation with the
Finch family, established the Harold B. and Martha A. Finch Endowment Fund.

Click here to contribute to the Harold B. and Martha A. Finch Endowment Fund

Andrew Murphy Memorial Endowment Fund

Provides financial assistance to individuals with communication disorders and other disabilities.

About Andrew Murphy:
Driven by his desire to experience the wilderness and his belief in social integration, Andrew participated on an 8-day trip to Ontario with Wilderness Inquiry in 1987. Not only was this his first wilderness trip, it was his first trip away from home. This canoe trip into Ontario was a meaningful part of Andrew’s life. Because of the difference the trip had made in Andrew’s life, his family decided in 1988 to create an endowment fund in Andrew’s honor to make it possible for others to experience the power of Wilderness Inquiry trips.

Click here to contribute to the Andrew Murphy Memorial Endowment Fund

Sean Maher Endowment Fund

Provides WI scholarships for people with developmental disabilities.

Sean Maher on WI trip

About Sean Maher:
Sean returned from his Wilderness Inquiry trip to Voyageur’s
National Park just one week before he died. He was full of enthusiasm for the experience. According to his parents, Sean talked a lot about midnight canoe
rides, full moons, rock sculptures, and a “Friday Night Live” variety show.
His family established the Sean Maher Endowment Fund in 2006 to honor
Sean's life by allowing others to experience a WI adventure.

Click here to contribute to the Sean Maher Endowment Fund

Neil DuBois Endowment Fund

Provides scholarships to allow people with financial need to participate on
Wilderness Inquiry trips.

Neil Dubois Memmorial

About Neil DuBois:
Neil was a passionate young man who loved the outdoors and all kinds of outdoor activities. His love of snowboarding was contagious, inspiring many who saw him in action or just heard him talk about it to give it a try.

Click here to contribute to the Neil DuBois Memorial Endowment Fund

When Neil passed away unexpectedly in the fall of 2004, his family wanted to create a lasting and meaningful legacy to honor Neil’s life. They have done this by establishing the Neil DuBois Memorial Fund.

In 2006 Neil’s Dad, John DuBois started the Great Wide Open Golf Tournament to raise money for the Neil’s endowment fund. Click here for more information on the Great Wide Open and pictures from past tournaments.

Neil Dubois