Brainerd, Minn. — Generous fundholders of the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation have pledged over $170,000 in challenge matches to strengthen our community. Every dollar given will be matched, up to the challenge amount – doubling your impact for local nonprofits providing critical basic needs, arts, and more. Our nonprofits face rising costs and growing needs. With your help, and these challenge matches, we can give them the resources they need to serve more people better.
Families like Al and Mary Agnes McQuinn remind us what lasting generosity looks like. Al and Mary Agnes McQuinn built a successful business from modest means and chose to use their success to invest in those around them, including the Brainerd Lakes Area, where they were seasonal residents. After the passing of their son, Charles, they established the Charles McQuinn Memorial Fund. A significant legacy gift to that fund will ensure that the multi-generational charitable work of Charles and his family will continue to impact the area for generations to come. You can join them—and many others—in making a difference that lasts.
Match grants presented by fund partners of the Community Foundation include Anderson Family Fund, Bergin Family Fund, Charles McQuinn Memorial Fund, Hunt Family Fund, Sue & Dan Meyer Do Good Fund, and the Thomas Spicola Family Fund. Give today. Double your impact. Change lives.
- Lakes Area Food Shelf has received $110,000 in match grants for expansion of a second location in the Brainerd/Baxter area, continuing their mission to help our neighbors become hunger-free in a dignified manner.
- My Neighbor To Love Coalition has received $40,000 in match grants for the expansion of Creekside Community by providing affordable housing in a supportive life-changing community, offering hope and a second chance.
- Bridges of Hope has received $10,000 in match grants for the Bridge on 7th, a low-barrier overnight shelter providing a safe place to sleep for individuals 18+ who are experiencing homelessness in the Lakes Area.
- Lakes Area Music Festival has received $10,000 in match grants to expand access to the arts through chamber music, orchestra, and opera performances; bringing 230 of the nation’s top classical artists to the BLA annually.
Every gift matters. Every amount helps to fill a gap in meeting needs in the Lakes Area. Send donations directly to these or other local organizations or to the Community Foundation to be used where needed most. All gifts received or postmarked by December 31st to the Community Foundation or qualified charities may be tax deductible for the 2025 tax year. Together, we know that with your kind and generous hearts, these match grants will be met – helping to ensure our neighbors and the Lakes Area continues to thrive!
Since 1998, the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation has been helping passionate people make a difference in the lives of others and their community. By giving through the Community Foundation with an individual, business, general interest, or scholarship fund, donors amplify their giving impact. Donors support the causes they care most about today, while helping grow community funds to meet the needs of the community tomorrow. Together, the Community Foundation and fund partners have awarded over $12 million in grants, addressing community needs and growing opportunities. Please join us to ensure that our community thrives for generations to come. We are proud to partner with a collaborative network of other local community foundations through CommunityGiving to maximize impact for donors and communities through shared expertise, lowered shared costs and increased efficiencies. Learn more about building a brighter tomorrow at CommunityGiving.org/BLACF.