Community Foundation Surpasses $1 Million in Assets
Alexandria, Minn. – The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) announced today the awarding of Difference Maker grants to further the essential work of three key organizations dedicated to enriching the local community.
The largest grant of $27,500 will allow Douglas County Car Care to fix 50 cars that will be donated to eligible individuals and families in need to help them achieve economic security and self-sufficiency.
Theatre L ‘Homme Dieu received $23,000 for building updates and equipment to further its ability to produce and present live theatre, fine arts and educational programming in the community. A $8,000 grant will allow the Alexandria Senior Center to renovate and update the kitchen.
“These grants are significant to each of these organizations and give them the tools they need to carry out their critical missions and help foster a better community for everyone,” said Jeff Restad, chair of the AACF Board of Directors.
The awarding of Different Maker grants comes as AACF surpasses $1 million in assets, a milestone that will allow the organization to further serve this community and provide lasting support. The Foundation received more than $201,000 in gifts and established three new funds in the past fiscal year, ending June 30, 2014.
The Alexandria Area Community Foundation started the Difference Maker Grant program in 2012 to provide funds that would have a significant effect on the organizations. AACF awarded $80,000 in Difference Maker Grants last year to Alexandria Area Arts Association and the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties.
The grants, made possible by community support and a challenge grant by the Otto Bremer Foundation, help increase AACF’s capacity to enhance philanthropy and meet growing needs in the Alexandria community. AACF met both of its $50,000 matching challenges from the Otto Bremer Foundation—raising $200,000 for the benefit of the local community.
“We have seen the Alexandria Area step up and embrace this opportunity to enhance philanthropy in the community,” said Steve Joul, president of the Community Foundation. “In two years, the Alexandria Area Community Foundation has significantly increased its ability to make a difference in this community today and into the future. We know this is just the beginning.”
The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) is a public charity that attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1992, AACF has helped fund activities that improve the quality of life in the Alexandria Area, and the Foundation provides a variety of services to donors, their professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. AACF is affiliated with the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, which administers more than 600 funds totaling more than $105 million. Learn more at AlexandriaFoundation.org.