Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) announced today the election of Andrew Lindquist to serve on the board of directors. Lindquist is the Director of Project Management at Marcus Construction. His wife, Jen and three children, live in rural Kandiyohi. He is a part of the Vision 2040 Leadership Design Team and program graduate, and was on the Willmar Playground Executive Team, a Construction Captain and Build Captain.

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) is pleased to announce today the grant recipients of their 2017-2018 grant round. Ten projects were chosen to receive a total of $129,450 in funding. The three focus areas of the grant round were for projects that addressed the achievement gap for youth, increased community connections and welcoming diverse populations and to support productive aging.

New London & Spicer, MN – The New London-Spicer Area Fund (NLSAF) announced the recipients of their recent grant round. NLSAF awarded $16,000 in grant funding to six local programs. NLSAF chose to award grants to projects that fit within the categories of arts, healthy communities and lifestyles, environment and large-scale and sustainable initiatives. "As an organization, we are excited to be supporting these programs that continue to help our community thrive" says NLSAF board chair, Clark Vollan.

Willmar, Minn. – Local arts programming is being given a financial boost after the recent Willmar Area Community Foundation Arts Fund grant round. Five programs will be receiving funding with over $5,000 being awarded. The programs range from orchestra music to art exploration for kids. Sara Carlson, executive director of the Willmar Area Community Foundation stated, "Encouraging creative and artistic outlets for all ages is an important aspect of making our community the best it can be. There are many great opportunities to explore the arts in our community and we are excited to support them."

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Women’s Fund, an initiative of the Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF), announces it has met its fundraising goal to help continue existing and create new anti-trafficking efforts in Kandiyohi County. The Fund granted $23,000 to Safe Avenues and Lutheran Social Services in September to help them continue their work against local human trafficking. This partnership focuses on direct victim assistance as well as increasing awareness of and preventing trafficking.

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) announced today the opening of their annual grant round. The WACF seeks to fund programs that focus on three different areas this year; addressing the achievement 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. For additional information and the online application, visit www.communitygiving.org/grants and select "WACF General Grants".

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) announced today the election of new board members and approval of additional terms for other board members.

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) is pleased to announce Karina DeJong as the new Donor Services Coordinator. DeJong is from Willmar and a recent graduate from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN with a degree in Global Business Leadership. During her time at the College of St. Benedict she was a Love Your Melon ambassador which is where she discovered her passion for philanthropy and community.

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Community Foundation invites the community to its annual Award in Philanthropy Celebration on Thursday, October 12, 2017.

New London-Spicer, Minn. – The New London-Spicer Area Fund (NLSAF) announced today that they are now accepting grant applications. NLSAF wishes to fund projects/programs in the focus areas of arts (performing, crafts and fine arts), healthy communities, environment, large scale and sustainable initiatives and special collaboration initiatives involving two or more organizations working together in new ways. To learn more, visit www.communitygiving.org/grants. Online grant applications will be accepted September 1st through November 1st. Direct questions to Jblonigen@communitygiving.org or call (320) 257- 9715.