Brainerd, MN — The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025–2026 Difference Maker Grants, awarding over $100,000 to five impactful projects serving communities in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Difference Maker Grants support impactful community programs and initiatives that address current local needs and create meaningful, lasting change. This year’s recipients address a wide range of areas including food insecurity, youth enrichment and leadership building, and strengthening families through mental health and emergency services.
Following a competitive review process and project presentations, the following organizations have been selected for funding:
Lakes Area Food Shelf (Baxter Location) | $25,000
At its new Baxter location, the Lakes Area Food Shelf is expanding access to nutritious, high-quality foods—strengthening food security and helping families across the region thrive.
WonderTrek Children’s Museum | $20,000
WonderTrek’s Roots & Rigging Exhibit sparks hands-on learning through outdoor play—encouraging collaboration, partnering with youth mentorship programs, and inspiring creativity in children of all ages.
Northern Pines Mental Health Center, Inc. | $15,000
Northern Pines Mental Health Center is supporting children and families through a vital Mental Health Respite Camp—an outdoor nature-based experience offering care, connection, and much-needed moments of relief in a safe, supportive environment.
Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center, Inc. (Relationship Safety Alliance) | $30,000
The Relationship Safety Alliance Team is bringing back the vital Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services to the Brainerd Lakes Area—providing survivors with compassionate, experienced care and essential evidence collection when it matters most.
The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes | $15,000
The Outreach Program brings food and essential resources directly into neighborhoods through its “Take One Carts” initiative—meeting people where they are and breaking down barriers to access.
“Each of these projects exemplifies what it means to be a true ‘Difference Maker’—meeting people where they are, addressing critical needs, and strengthening our communities for the future,” said BLACF Executive Director, Terri Foster. “We are honored to partner with these organizations and invest in solutions that will have a lasting impact across the Brainerd Lakes Area.”
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.