Carolyn's Commitment to Community, History and Giving

Carolyn Sundquist has spent decades investing in the Duluth community, both through her time and her giving.

Her commitment is rooted in a deep appreciation for the city’s history, from its architecture to the stories embedded in its streets. Over time, that appreciation has grown into a clear focus: preserving what makes Duluth distinct.

Carolyn’s journey into historic preservation began close to home, literally.

When she learned that her Duluth neighborhood’s 1909 historic Granitoid streets, the oldest concrete-paved streets in Minnesota, were slated to be replaced with asphalt, she took action.

What followed was a deep dive into advocacy, research, and collaboration. The effort ultimately led to a compromise that preserved part of the historic streets, along with interpretive elements to honor their significance.

That experience left a lasting impression.

Retaining historic places helps preserve the character of a community. It tells the story of where we’ve been, and what makes us different.Carolyn Sundquist

For Carolyn, historic preservation isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about continuity, recognizing the craftsmanship, culture, and people who shaped the community, and ensuring those stories remain visible for future generations.

A Thoughtful Approach to Giving

Carolyn’s path to establishing a donor-advised fund with Boreal Waters grew out of her family’s legacy of philanthropy.

For years, her family operated a private foundation. But as trustees spread across the country and interests diversified, managing it became increasingly complex.

“We all had different interests, and the administrative work added up,” she shared.

When the decision was made to dissolve the private foundation, Carolyn chose to continue her giving through a donor-advised fund at Boreal Waters. It’s an option that allowed her to stay focused on the Duluth community she cares deeply about.

“I’ve known about the Community Foundation since its beginning,” she said. “It just made sense to keep my giving rooted here.”

Working with the Boreal Waters team made the transition easy.

“From setting up the fund to making annual contributions, it’s been seamless,” she shared.

Her experience reflects what many donors discover: a donor-advised fund allows them to focus on what matters most by supporting the causes they care about, without the administrative burden of running a private foundation. There’s no board of directors to manage, tax filings to prepare, or legal and administrative fees to navigate — just a simpler path to meaningful giving.

Preserving Duluth’s Story

Through her donor-advised fund, Carolyn directs support toward causes that reflect her values, including historic preservation and the arts.

One of the initiatives she supports is the restoration and revitalization of the historic Duluth Armory, a project she has been personally involved in for decades. Her donor-advised fund donations help support the ongoing operations of the nonprofit Armory Arts and Music Center.

Her connection to the Armory began when the building faced possible demolition. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, Carolyn joined a group of community members determined to save it.

Originally built in 1915, the Armory was once the largest and most expensive of its kind north of Chicago. Over the years, it served as both a military facility and a vibrant community gathering space—hosting concerts, dances, and even the now-famous 1959 performance by Buddy Holly that helped inspire a young Bob Dylan. The Armory is listed on National Register of Historic Places.

What started as an effort to preserve a building grew into along-term vision for community use. One that is now taking shape, with plans to open to the public in the fall of 2027.

Places like the Armory carry the story of a community. When we preserve them we’re not just saving a building, we’re holding onto the character, the history, and the people who came before us. Carolyn Sundquist

Looking Ahead

Carolyn’s story is one of continuity, honoring the past while investing in the future. Through her donor-advised fund, she’s able to carry forward her family’s legacy of giving, support the community she calls home, and contribute to projects that reflect her values.

It’s a model of philanthropy that is both deeply personal and broadly impactful. And for those considering how they might give back, her approach offers a clear example: Start with what you care about. Stay rooted in your community. And choose partners who help you make that impact last.

Learn more about opening a charitable fund with Boreal Waters.

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