Alexandria, Minn. – The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) announced the opening of their two annual grant rounds; the “Difference Maker” grant round and the Ruth McDonald grant round are now accepting applications for programs that serve people in Douglas County. The deadline to apply for funding is June 30. For additional information about the grant rounds, visit www.communitygiving.org/grants.
Eligible organizations are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, schools or governmental entities that must serve the residents of Douglas County. The “Difference Maker” grant round seeks to support community initiatives that will bring about positive change for the Alexandria area. The Ruth McDonald grant round will award grants to programs that support the health and wellness of the community, especially for the health needs of people in poverty.
A.J. Koewler, AACF Executive Director, stated, “Your local community foundation is proud to stand with nonprofits driving real change across the Alexandria area. These grants are more than funding; they fuel solutions, accelerate impact, and back the organizations doing the hard work every day. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community for the future.”
During last year’s grant rounds, nearly $100,000 was invested into a wide range of impactful programs focused on basic needs, community connection, and access to essential services. Funding expanded food access for local families and students—boosting protein options in school shelf programs, supporting home food delivery through Project DASH at Lakes & Prairie United Way, and increasing cold storage capacity at the Outreach Food Shelf to improve access to nutritious foods. Grants also strengthened community well-being by providing legal aid for low-income residents, advocacy and resources for victims of crime and abuse, and safe, neutral spaces for families navigating difficult situations. Investments in quality of life included park improvements in Forada with new pickleball courts and parking, initiatives to foster belonging in Alexandria Public Schools, and a unique arts collaboration between Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, St. John’s Boys Choir and Runestone Chorale.
The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local Alexandria area. Since 1992, AACF has grown to nearly $7.6 million in assets and awarded over $12.5 million in grants to nonprofits. The AACF is governed by a local board of directors and is a partner of CommunityGiving, which is a collaborative of community foundations united under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of our donors. Collectively, CommunityGiving administers over 1,300 funds totaling over $283 million in assets. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org/Alexandria.