Blandin Foundation Supports Grand Rapids Area Organizations

The Blandin Foundation awarded more than $3.7 million in grants at its December 2005 meeting, 89 percent of which will support Grand Rapids-area programs and organizations.

The foundation awarded $350,000 over two years to Independent School District #318's community education program to operate Baby Steps Boutique, the Step Ahead program and other early childhood activities. Itasca Community College received $313,000 for financial aid to students. The board of trustees also approved a new educational and scholarship grant for local students for the 2006-07 school year, allocating $700,000 to the foundation's educational awards program.

In addition, the foundation awarded five statewide economic grants totaling $344,000 to help strengthen rural Minnesota communities. The Minnesota Project, a nonprofit organization that focuses on rural community development, agriculture policy and practices, and energy, received $150,000 over three years. Minnesota Technology Inc. was awarded two grants totaling $115,000 to strengthen rural Minnesota's manufacturing sector. Arrowhead Regional Development Commission and Bemidji State University also received grants in this category.

Other notable grants:

• Reif Arts Council, $290,000 in operational support over two years

• Bovey/Coleraine Youth Center, $134,000

• Itasca Area Schools Collaborative, $250,000 over 18 months

• Action Through Churches Together (ACT), $75,000

• Goods from the Woods, $65,000

• Itasca Orchestral Society, $40,000

For a complete list of grants awarded, visit the Blandin Foundation website.

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