Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) is pleased to announce that they, in partnership with CommunityGiving, have recently received a grant of $22,900 through the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund (MDRF) for coronavirus relief. This funding, along with contributions to the Brainerd Lakes Area Response Fund, will be used to support local relief efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic which will include wide-scale initiatives to help meet critical basic needs as well as sustaining local organizations providing critical services through recovery. The Brainerd Lakes Area Response Fund has over $77,000 to date, including the MDRF grant.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) announced today the establishment of the Brainerd Lakes Area Response Fund. The purpose of the fund is to support the local community in times of crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. To make a contribution to the fund, visit https://www.communitygiving.org/donate/brainerd-lakes-area-response-fund.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation’s (BLACF) Board of Directors announced this year's Award in Philanthropy recipients are Virginia and the late Kenneth Merrill of Crosslake, MN. The Merrills have displayed a passion for helping others and bettering our communities. They have assisted with the growth and development of Crosslake and the surrounding areas through supporting nonprofit organizations and the City of Crosslake operations.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Women’s Fund (BLAWF) has selected Becky Twamley as this year’s recipient of the Women Making Waves award. The award recognizes a woman who has significantly impacted the lives of women and children locally through their work, philanthropy or volunteerism. BLAWF has given this award since 2012 as a way to honor those working to build a better community and inspire the next generation of engaged community members.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) is seeking nominations for its annual Award in Philanthropy, which will be presented at the foundation's annual dinner on July 9, 2020 at Grand View Lodge. The Award in Philanthropy recognizes an individual or a couple who have significantly contributed to the field of philanthropy in the region either through their personal philanthropy, their work as a volunteer or their work as a professional advising their clients about philanthropy. The BLACF has given this award since 2005 as a way to honor those working to build a better community and inspire the next generation of philanthropic leaders.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation’s (BLACF) Board of Directors announced this year's Award in Philanthropy recipients are Dutch and Irma Cragun. The Craguns have displayed a passion for helping others and bettering our community. They have been involved in numerous community fundraisers and assisted with the growth and development of the Brainerd Lakes Area and our tourism industry.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) is sponsoring The State of The Lakes Area on June 11, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Grand View Lodge’s new North Boutique Hotel in Nisswa, MN. This event is for seasonal residents to hear from several key organizations first-hand about what’s happening in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) announced today that their annual Brainerd Lakes Area Grant round is now accepting applications. The BLACF has focused this year's grant round on supporting programs and projects that help develop, attract and retain a quality workforce for the Brainerd Lakes area now and in the future. Grant application deadline is January 15th, 2019. For additional information and to apply, visit www.communitygiving.org/grants and select "Brainerd Lakes Area Grant".

Brainerd, Minn. – Elaine Arndt, a resident of Minnetonka and Gull Lake continued to make an impact, even after her passing on July 18th, 2018. Preceded in death by husband, Doug Arndt Sr. and survived by three children, they loved helping others and felt it was imperative to lend a hand when possible to build community.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) announced today that Rene Millner has joined the the board of directors, effective July 1. Millner is an attorney with Breen and Person, Ltd. and specializes in the areas of estate planning, probate, guardian and conservatorship and business law. Millner moved to the Brainerd Lakes area in 2000. The BLACF board of directors also approved current board chair Tom Anderson to serve a second three-year term.