Posted on December 30, 2012

Blandin Foundation Announces $5.7 Million in Grants

The Blandin Foundation has announced grants totaling $5.7 million for programs aimed at strengthening rural communities in Minnesota, GrandRapidsMN.com reports.

Awards in support of major initiatives in the Grand Rapids area include a $1.25 million challenge grant to the Itasca County Family YMCA, ElderCircle, and the City of Grand Rapids to create an Active Living Center for older adults. Once the challenge is met, the funding will be used to support critical infrastructure, including facility, equipment, and safety and security upgrades, that benefits all visitors to the YMCA.

"The YMCA grant is a great example of how local leaders have responded to critical needs in tough times by collaborating across nonprofit, business, and government entities," said Blandin Foundation director of grants Sonja Merrild. "Itasca-area leaders demonstrate great passion and resilience when it comes to the work of building vibrant communities. The foundation is proud to stand with them, in whatever ways we can."

In addition, the foundation announced that in 2013 it plans to award a total of $11.6 million to local nonprofits, provide education grants of up to $4,000 per local student per year, and launch a new phase of the Blandin Community Broadband Program.

For a complete list of recent grant recipients, visit the GrandRapidsMN.com Web site.