Hallett Foundation Endowment

The mission of the Hallett Charitable Trusts (previously known as the E. W. Hallett Foundation and Jessie F. Hallett Foundation) is to strengthen the Cuyuna Lakes Area and designated non-profit organizations through financial support, as well as maintaining the Hallett Charitable Trusts as a financial resource for future generations. This trust was established by Jessie F. and E.W. Hallett, who were married in 1911 and chose Crosby, Minnesota as their permanent home. Here, they established the Crosby Hardware and Furniture Co., which Mr. Hallett owned and operated until the waning years of life. Crosby was also the headquarters for the Hallett Construction Co., one of the Midwest’s largest and most respected paving and construction firms .“Mr. Hallett” as even his closest associates fondly knew him, organized the First National Bank of Crosby and served as its president for many years. Throughout their sixty-five year marriage, Jessie was his closest confidant. Together, they became highly successful business entrepreneurs, developing over two-dozen materials and construction related companies across the United States. The Halletts were very active and supportive of their community. They contributed generously to education, community projects, youth programs, and civic initiatives, including the Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library and the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

E.W. and Jessie Hallett created two charitable trusts to perpetuate their philanthropy. Jessie established the Jessie F. Hallett Charitable Trust to continue to provide support to organizations that she had supported during her lifetime. Several years later, E.W. created the E.W. Hallett Charitable Trust (where this endowment originated from) and empowered his Trustees to carry out his philanthropic commitment. The same Board of Trustees administers both Trusts.