ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Stearns Bank N.A. in partnership with the Central Minnesota Community Foundation is excited to announce the Stearns Bank Community Challenge. Stearns Bank is offering up to $100,000 as a match for every dollar donated to three area food shelves this holiday season.

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) announced today the opening of their annual Community Impact Grant Round. The WACF seeks to fund programs that focus on three different areas: addressing the opportunity gap for youth, increasing community connections and welcoming diverse populations, and supporting productive aging. Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, school, or government entity who serve residents of Kandiyohi County. The WACF Community Impact Grant Round will be open for applications from November 15th, 2022 to January 15th, 2023. For additional information and the online application, visit www.communitygiving.org/grants and select "WACF Community Impact Grant Round".

Alexandria, Minn. – The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) announced today that $60,800 has been awarded to local programs through the Ruth McDonald Fund and "Difference Maker" grant rounds.

Willmar, MN – The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) invites the community to join their 24^th Anniversary and Awards in Philanthropy Celebration on Thursday, October 13^th, at 5:30pm at the Willmar Conference Center. This year WACF will recognize Dr. Jim and Marilynn Tiede with the 2022 Award in Philanthropy for their contribution to Kandiyohi County communities. The 2022 Community Builder Award will be given to Duininck Companies for its support to our community through corporate support, partnerships, and employee engagement. In addition, WACF will honor Ken Warner with the Innovative Impact Award noting his nearly 40 years of community leadership to the Willmar Lakes area.

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) is pleased to announce that 25 students from Kandiyohi County received $56,000 in academic scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year.

St. Cloud, Minn. – The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) welcomes KoriAnn Carter to its team as its new Director of Community Impact. KoriAnn will begin her new role at the foundation before the end of September. KoriAnn is a longtime resident of Central Minnesota.

St. Cloud, Minn. – The Central Minnesota Community Foundation, in conjunction with CommunityGiving, has awarded $355,500 in academic scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year to 110 students from the upper Midwest.

Carver County, Minn. – The Community Foundation for Carver County (CFCC), in conjunction with CommunityGiving, is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients of the Alexis Kretsch Memorial Scholarship Fund for this 2022-2023 school year.

Brainerd, Minn. – The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF), in conjunction with CommunityGiving, is pleased to announce that nine students from the region received academic scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year, totaling $14,000.

St. Cloud, Minn.— CommunityGiving announced today Dr. Kathleen Allen has joined the Board of Directors for the organization.