Ivan Olson
Pay-It-Forward Awardee

In response to a surge in immigration enforcement in Pelican Rapids, Ivan Olson left his job to transition into full-time community support, helping organize local response efforts, connecting families to resources, and building networks of support during a time of fear and uncertainty. Olson’s work strengthened community solidarity, mobilized residents to take action, and brought greater visibility to the impact of enforcement in rural areas often overlooked in national conversations.
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
June 30, 2026
Pay-It-Forward
Award
Awarded to:
Pelican Rapids Multicultural Committee
Individual award recipients are not eligible for a grant, but can “pay it forward” by recommending a values-aligned organization to receive a grant. When an individual receives a “Pay It Forward” award, they are invited to recommend a grant to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in their community that is aligned with the values of the project. “Pay It Forward” recipients are typically awarded to one or several individuals for personal acts of courage






