Who We Are
Supporting local healthcare, strengthening our communities, and investing in the future of care in Kittson County.
The Kittson Memorial Foundation supports projects, programs, education, equipment, and initiatives that help Kittson Healthcare continue providing high-quality care close to home.
Our Purpose
The Kittson Memorial Foundation receives financial gifts, contributions, memorials, and other items of value to support Kittson Healthcare.
Foundation funds may be used for:
- Recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals
- Improvements to healthcare facilities and equipment
- Educational opportunities and scholarships
- Community engagement and benefit
- Other healthcare priorities recommended by the Foundation Board of Trustees and approved by the Kittson Healthcare Board of Directors
The Foundation raises funds through community events, charitable giving, memorials, planned gifts, and donor-designated contributions.
Whenever possible, undesignated funds are managed similarly to an endowment. These funds are invested, with interest generally considered for use based on recommendations from the Foundation Board of Trustees and approval from the Kittson Healthcare Board of Directors.
The Clare Hunt Memorial
Honoring a Lifetime of Compassionate Nursing Care
Clare Hunt graduated with her Registered Nursing degree from Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, after working her way through nursing school.
Following her graduation in 1950, Clare joined Kittson Memorial Hospital in Hallock, Minnesota. She dedicated the next 53 years of her career to caring for patients and families throughout the region.
During her remarkable career, Clare served as Director of Nursing, led the obstetrical department and assisted with many labor and delivery experiences, and managed the surgery department.
Clare was known as a caring, calm, and compassionate nurse who found great purpose in helping people during times of need.
In recognition of Clare’s extraordinary career and lifelong dedication to nursing, Hugh and Pam Hunt established the Clare Hunt Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship supports Kittson County students and healthcare professionals pursuing careers in nursing.
The scholarship is administered by the Kittson Memorial Foundation.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Clare Hunt Memorial Scholarship offers:
- One $1,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior pursuing a career in nursing
- Two $1,000 scholarships for Kittson County residents currently enrolled in a nursing program, including eligible advanced practice nursing programs
Additional scholarships may be awarded when funding is available.
Who May Apply?
The scholarship is available to Kittson County residents who are:
- Graduating high school seniors planning to pursue nursing
- Currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in an advanced practice nursing program, including qualifying Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant programs
I would verify whether Physician Assistant programs are intentionally included under the scholarship rules, because Physician Assistants are not generally classified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. The website should reflect the exact language used by the scholarship committee.
Application Timeline
Graduating high school seniors
Applications are accepted annually from January through April 15.
Recipients are announced in May, with scholarship funds awarded in January of the following year.
Current nursing and advanced practice students
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Once a scholarship has been awarded, funds will be paid after the student completes the first semester or quarter and provides:
- Documentation of a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Proof of continued enrollment
Scholarships may be renewed annually until graduation as long as the recipient continues to meet all requirements.
Request an Application
Questions and application requests may be directed to:
Patricia Swanson, RN, Chair
Clare Hunt Nursing Scholarship Committee
2059 220th Avenue
Hallock, MN 56728
Phone: 218-843-5090
Upcoming Events
Foundation Scholarship: The Annual Clare Hunt Memorial Scholarship awards a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior and has an April 15th application deadline.There are also a $1,000 scholarships for an Advanced Practice Nursing Students. Please contact Patti Swanson, Committee Chair at pswanson@ruralaccess.net for a Clare Hunt Memorial Scholarship Application and Guidelines.
The Foundation’s 20th Annual “Score Fore” Golf Tournament was held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Two Rivers Golf Club in Hallock, MN. The 21st Annual event in 2027 will be held at Karlstad Golf Club in Karlstad.
Checks may be made payable to: Kittson Memorial Foundation
Send Checks to:
Kittson Healthcare
PO Box 700
Hallock, MN 56728
Kittson Memorial Foundation
Debra Cederholm – President
Jay Friedt, Vice President
Stacy Diamond – Board of Directors Representative
Janelle Craigmile
Cecil "Butch" Fossell
Pam Hunt
Kathy Johnson
Patricia Swanson
Joyce Wikstrom, Ex Officio
Recognition of Support: Donor Levels
$1000 - $2499 - Friends
$2500 - $4999 - Supporter
$5000 - $9999 - Founder
$10,000 - $24,99 - Builder
$25,000 - $99,999 - Sustainer
$100,000 - $499,999 - Premier
$500,000 - $999,999 - Heritage
One million plus - Legacy
