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Hess Corporation Kicks Off North Dakota Petroleum Foundation Giving Hearts Day Campaign with $10,000 in Matching Funds

Bismarck, N.D. (JAN. 2, 2024) – The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation (NDPF) is launching its first Giving Hearts Day campaign thanks to a generous donation of $10,000 from Hess Corporation. The donation will serve as a match to help the NDPF double donations that will support programs dedicated to enhancing and improving habitat and providing STEM education opportunities in North Dakota.

In addition to pledging the matching funds for Giving Hearts Day, Hess has also contributed an additional $3,500 to the NDPF’s Planting for the Future Program and $7,500 toward the Tools, Trades, Torque, Tech (T4) program, which is a joint effort by the NDPF and Lignite Energy Council to introduce students to workforce skills, needs, training and networking opportunities through hands-on activities and demonstrations hosted by industry leaders and technicians.

“We are deeply grateful for Hess Corporation’s continued support of the Foundation and our programs,” said Tessa Sandstrom, Executive Director for the NDPF. “Hess has been instrumental in forming and shaping the Foundation and has generously donated funds each year that allow us to carry out our mission.” 

Hess Corporation also donated $20,000 in 2023 and 2022, bringing its total contributions to the NDPF over $75,000 since the NDPF’s inception in 2018. Thanks to Hess’ generosity, the NDPF has been able to plant more than 350,000 trees for habitat and wildlife since 2018 and host up to 10,000 middle and high school students annually at T4 Summits that are held throughout the state.

“We’re proud to support the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation and their efforts to build a better, stronger and more vibrant future for North Dakota,” said Brent Lohnes, Hess ND General Manager. “Education and environmental stewardship are two of our core values and the NDPF has been an important partner in advancing these values in North Dakota.”

GIVE FOR GROWTH

Managing the donation drive under the slogan “Give for Growth,” the NDPF’s goal is to raise funds to support the T4 Program and Planting for the Future.

Planting for the Future is a habitat and conservation program that provides trees and shrubs for large-scale planting projects to private landowners, city and county parks, and others interested in building habitat for the future. Since its inception in 2018, the NDPF has helped plant and provide more than 354,000 trees that will provide watershed protection, protection for crops, soil and livestock, and serve as habitat for future generations. The program is supported by the NDPF, company donors and the Outdoor Heritage Fund.

The T4 Program is committed to fostering North Dakota’s future workforce by creating opportunities for middle and high school students to learn more about careers and opportunities in STEM and the trades. T4 achieves this goal by hosting two-day summits in communities around North Dakota. Colleges and universities, private companies, labor unions and others host hands-on demonstrations and activities that give students a better understanding of the career and job duties and requirements and the skills and training needed to pursue many of the job and career opportunities available in North Dakota’s energy and trades sectors. The program is supported by company donors, the NDPF, the Lignite Energy Council, Lignite Research Program and the Oil and Gas Research Program.

The NDPF hopes to grow and expand both programs and is seeking support from Giving Hearts Day to meet its goals. Giving Hearts Day is a 24-hour event for charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota that provides a platform for charities to fund their missions through an ever-increasing community of donors. Early giving options are available beginning January 2, 2024, but the campaign will culminate on February 8, 2024. Those interested helping the NDPF meet Hess Corporation’s match can make their donation at https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/1866. 

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About Hess Corporation

Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. Hess is committed to meeting the highest standards of corporate citizenship and creating a positive impact on the communities where it operates. In the past five years Hess has committed more than $17 million towards community initiatives to strengthen education, workforce development, health and human services as well as support disaster relief. In 2022 Hess supported over 40 local community organizations across North Dakota. More information is available at http://www.hess.com.

About the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation

The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded by the North Dakota Petroleum Council in 2018 to support our state and the communities in which we operate. The NDPF’s mission is to provide and support education and outreach opportunities related to the petroleum industry, develop and advance quality of life initiatives, promote and enhance the conservation heritage of North Dakota, and advocate for the industry and its communities to ensure their voice is heard and respected. Learn more at NDPetroleumFoundation.org.