The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) channels all grants through an online grant system. This will make it easier to receive and evaluate online applications, record decisions, and measure the outcomes using this online grants system. To apply, select the "Learn More" link associated with the grant round you are interested in. No paper applications will be accepted. All grant applications must be submitted online by midnight on the deadline.
Online Application Open: July 1st, 2022
Deadline: August 31 at 11:59pm - Decision: See "Application Process" Section
The Bernick family started the Bernick Family Foundation to honor the legacy of its company founders by continuing the tradition of supporting organizations consistent with the family's core values, while providing leadership in responding to emerging community needs.
Online Application Open: December 1st, 2021
Deadline: January 31, 2022 at 11:59pm - Decisions Made Within 100 Days of Deadline
The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) supports specific community initiatives through a variety of grants. BLACF seeks to make smaller grants for general operations and programs to address changing community needs. BLACF also seeks to make significant grants that will bring about community-wide, lasting, and positive changes in the Brainerd Lakes area. BLACF is looking to provide leadership and financial support that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiative that needs a large dollar amount to get started or completed.
Online Application Open: November 1st, 2021
Deadline: January 31, 2022 at 11:59pm - Decisions Made Within 90 Days of Deadline
In 2009 Brainerd Lakes Area Women’s Fund was established as a fund of the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation. The Brainerd Lakes Area Women’s Fund supports innovative solutions to the challenges facing women and children that improve our community and positively impact the future.
Online Application Open: April 1st, 2022
Deadline: June 30 at 11:59pm - Decisions Made Within 90 Days of Deadline
In even years (2022, 2024, 2026…) the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation are jointly offering the Rural Poverty Fund grants for planning and implementation of projects or programs that address rural poverty. Grant funds may: Establish or supplement existing emergency and transitional activities which directly address specific and immediate needs that rural people have due to poverty or be used to assess community needs and assets, develop action plans, or provide for project implementation in rural areas. Grants must relate to a variety of identified programs or agency needs.