Event Registration
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Register NowApply for a Grant
See a full list of available grants offered through the Willmar Area Community Foundation
Learn MoreWACF Funds
Learn about the impact local funds are having on the Willmar area and discover how you can start your own!
Learn MoreFund Access
FundWeb is a secured site that allows you to access fund information and valuable grantmaking services.
Login NowThe Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) has been working for over 20 years to create a better, more interconnected community across the greater Willmar region. We partner with other area organizations and foundations to create and distribute funds and grants to applying organizations.
“It’s up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us, and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and future generations.”
– Christine Gregoire
The Willmar Area Community Foundation is able to work with you to create your own fund to support the greater Willmar region, guide you to an appropriate grant to apply for and help you learn more about the community and how you can help.
Mission
Engaging People. Connecting Resources. Building Community.
Values
Community | Integrity | Commitment | Innovation | Optimism
Partner Foundation
The Willmar Area Community Foundation is proud to partner with local community foundations in the Willmar and New London-Spicer (NLSAF) areas.
WACF Legacy Stories
For inspiration for your own fund, look to some of our WACF donors’ Legacy Stories. Here are a few examples:
Elaine Adams
ELAINE ADAMS DONOR ADVISED FUND
A long-time teacher, Elaine knew the importance of community and helping ignite leadership in future generations. Elaine grew up in Michigan and attended the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. She taught elementary school for four years before moving to Willmar with her husband, Harry Raymond “Ray” Adams. She taught all levels of mathematics over the years, and was known as most people’s favorite teacher.
She understood the power of philanthropy, and gifted $50,000 in seed money to the Willmar Women’s Fund with a matching donation from the Otto Bremer Foundation. She provided many gifts to organizations over the years, but upon her death in 2014 at the age of 98, she left her true legacy; estate gifts to more than 20 organizations and nonprofits she cared deeply about which will resonate long past her lifetime.
Bremer Bank
OTTO BREMER TRUST
The Otto Bremer Trust provided the initial $30,000 grant in 1998 to help establish the Willmar Area Community Foundation. OBT is the 92 percent owner of Bremer Bank in Willmar, which is a significant partner with nonprofits, businesses, organizations and donors in our area.