Alexandria, Minn. – The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) announced today that $95,590 has been awarded to local programs through the Ruth McDonald Fund and “Difference Maker” grant rounds. See images below.
A.J. Koewler, Executive Director of the Alexandria Area Community Foundation, stated, “Each of these projects plays a role in enhancing the well-being of our community. By coming together through shared philanthropy, we can provide these grants and continue moving toward a stronger, more vibrant future.”
The “Difference Maker” grant round supports community initiatives that will bring about positive change to our community and supports programming in the focus areas of education, social services, health, arts & culture and civic. Recipients of the “Difference Maker” grants were as follows:
- $29,000 to expand the cold storage capacity and access to nutritious foods through Outreach Food Shelf.
- $15,000 to provide legal aid to low income and at-risk populations through Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota.
- $12,000 to support the improved sense of belonging at Discovery Middle School and Woodland Elementary Schools through Alexandria Public Schools.
- $11,000 to support resources for victims and survivors of crime and abuse through Someplace Safe Douglas Advocacy Office.
- $10,000 to provide families in challenging situations a safe and neutral space for them through West Central Minnesota Communities Action.
- $5,000 to support a collaboration between Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, St. John’s Boys Choir and Runestone Chorale that will result in two community performances in 2026.
“This grant will help us ensure that local families facing high conflict, domestic violence, or custody challenges have a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of children. Your investment strengthens families in our community and helps children maintain healthy, safe connections with both parents.” said, Amber Holmstrom, Family and Community Services Director, West Central Minnesota Communities Action, one of the Difference Maker Grant Recipients.
The Ruth McDonald Fund grant round supports health and wellness programming in the Alexandria area, especially for the health needs of people in poverty. Recipients of the Ruth McDonald grants were as follows:
- $5,000 to increase the protein options available to high schoolers through the Shelf Food Program supported by Calvary Church.
- $5,000 to support food delivery for up to 40 households who are unable to access food support due to transportation limitations through Project DASH at Lakes & Prairie United Way.
- $3,590 to support the expansion of a community park in Forada by adding pickleball courts and additional parking.
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.