'Part of Something That Is Wonderful': Dean Nelson Retires from Benefis Foundation Board

The chance to be part of a vital mission has kept Dean Nelson involved with Benefis Health System for more than three decades, with 11 years spent on the Benefis Foundation Board.

Dean points with particular pride to the Benefis Women’s and Children’s Center, which opened in December 2021 after three years of fundraising.

“It was a project that was hard to describe to donors, who thought, ‘Why would I give to an office building?’ But really, it’s a revolutionary way to address the needs of families in this region,” he said. “What we hoped
to happen is happening; this center is a magnet for providers so we can meet the needs of more families who need us, and we’re going to see the benefits all over town and into the future with early intervention for children.”

The renovation of Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute and the expansion of the Emergency Department also rank high on his list of Foundation successes.

“On the board, we focus on advocacy and raising money, which is inviting people to be part of something that is wonderful,” he said. “I’m a careful and committed advocate because no nonprofit touches more families than Benefis. It’s worthy of my time, and it’s been the joy of my career. I’ve loved it.” For his own giving, Dean, a former banker and retired financial advisor, makes smart use of IRA funds and required distributions.

“The most efficient way to give once you are eligible to take money out of your retirement savings is to make the donation directly. Once you receive the money, you have to pay taxes on it. Just tell your financial advisor you want to give whatever part of the distribution to a charity instead of as taxes to the government.”

For more information about how to give visit "Estate Gifts and Planned Giving" or call Brittany Noble, Benefis Foundation’s finance director, at 406-455-2556 or email brittanynoble@benefis.org.