Blandin Foundation Invests in Early Childhood Development Collaboration

The Blandin Foundation of Grand Rapids awarded $1.5 million in December to underwrite the Invest Early program, an early childhood development collaboration. The program represents one of the foundation's most ambitious and innovative efforts ever, according to foundation president Jim Hoolihan.

The foundation's Invest Early grant went to the Family Services Collaborative, which is composed of eight Itasca County school districts, agencies and community groups dedicated to the development of a comprehensive early care and educational system. Invest Early aims to prepare 100 at-risk pre-school children for high achievement in school and in the community. Four locations will serve 25 children each. The locations are Grand Rapids, Deer River, Nashwauk/Keewatin and Greenway/Coleraine.

"Early investment in at-risk children can improve individual achievement and behavior," Hoolihan said. "Data show that an investment of $12,000 per year can result in an annual return-on-investment of 16 percent for this program - yet it's more than dollars and cents - it's about the child, family and a thriving community. The collaborative brings people together - as never before - to provide community solutions to a pressing community economic and human need."

Other recipients of the Blandin Foundation's recent grants include:

• Greater Minnesota Housing Fund received $4 million over four years in continuing support.
     
• Minnesota Diversified Industries, a nonprofit business that specializes in employing and training disabled and disadvantaged workers, received $2.5 million to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Grand Rapids and Hibbing.
     
• Ready for K, which supports early childhood education throughout the state, received $100,000 over two years for continued support.

In total, the Blandin Foundation board of trustees approved more than $11.7 million in new grants in December 2004, of which more than 63 percent directly benefit the Grand Rapids area. For a complete list of grants (PDF, 5 pages), click here.

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