History

5th bridge was the brainchild of Greg Carlson and Justin Stets of Carlson Capital Management in Northfield, and received its initial funding through a private donation to the Northfield Sesquicentennial Governor’s Ball.

5th bridge is a volunteer, donor-focused organization that's mission is to enhance individual and community life in Northfield by encouraging the habits of volunteerism and philanthropy. The name has a true Northfield connection. There are four bridges across the Cannon River in the heart of Northfield. The community volunteer effort represents the fifth bridge, helping connect the community across many divides.

The philosophy of the organization calls for people serving people. 5th bridge hopes to work with the City of Northfield, local schools and churches, the Northfield Hospital and other non-profit organizations to identify volunteer projects that fit the time constraints of residents’ busy lifestyles. 5th bridge will also be gathering ideas for service projects that individuals can do on their own, with groups of friends or co-workers, or as a family. In addition to serving as a conduit between volunteers and projects, the 5th bridge website is intended to serve as an online forum for gathering ideas for service projects that can be completed by an individual or group without any formal organization.

The 5th bridge initiative is operating under the umbrella of the American Center for Philanthropy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.