Paynesville, Minn. – The Paynesville Area Community Foundation (PACF) is pleased to announce that $45,200 has been granted to support five area organizations through their annual grant round process which closed on March 31. “Each year, PACF invests in local organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of people across the Paynesville area. We’re proud to support their efforts—and deeply grateful to our donors and community partners who make this impact possible”, stated Amanda Raisanen, PACF Executive Director.
The organizations that received funding are as follows:
Paynesville Area Senior Center – $20,000
The grant supports the daily meal program for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including the purchase of a new dishwasher at the Green Roof Area Center. Following an unexpected funding cut, this support ensures continued access to nutritious, affordable meals. In addition to meeting nutritional needs, the program helps reduce social isolation and encourages meaningful community engagement.
Paynesville Lions – $9,600
Funds will help upgrade the Lions’ “Town and Country Days” hamburger stand through the purchase of lightweight grills, a covered trailer with interior lighting and shelving, improved refrigeration, and repairs to the flatbed grill trailer. These enhancements improve food safety, increase mobility, and allow the Lions to raise more funds for community projects.
Elrosa Fire & Rescue – $7,500
The grant supported the purchase of E-Draulic battery-operated extrication tools, replacing outdated hydraulic equipment. The new tools improve rescue safety and reduce response times—particularly along U.S. Highway 71 and in surrounding communities, including Paynesville, Lake Henry, St. Martin, and Belgrade.
United Way of Central Minnesota – $4,600
Funding will provide one book per month for a full year to 153 children enrolled in the Imagination Library program in Paynesville. Additional outreach efforts will raise program awareness at local clinics and early childhood centers, helping to boost enrollment and promote early literacy throughout the community.
Crow River Trail Guards – $3,500
This grant funded the purchase of an enclosed trailer for the Outdoor Adventures Rewards program, which engages youth ages 8–19 in environmental education, outdoor challenges, and service projects. The trailer improves equipment transport and expands the group’s ability to connect youth with nature while preserving the Crow River Nature Park for the benefit of the entire community.
The Paynesville Area Community Foundation (PACF) attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 2008, PACF grown to over $7.3 million in assets and awarded over $1.2 million in grants to the community. The PACF is governed by a local board and is a partner foundation of CommunityGiving, a network of community foundations united to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of donors. Collectively, CommunityGiving administers over 1,200 funds totaling nearly $240 million in assets. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org/Paynesville.
