St. Cloud, Minn. – The Central Minnesota Community Foundation through the Thomas A. Ritsche Youth Fund has opened its annual Thomas A. Ritsche Youth Fund grant round. The Thomas Ritsche Youth grant round will help fund youth-related programs and projects that support youth and reduce crime against youth and by youth. To learn more about the grant and how to apply, visit www.communitygiving.org/cmcfgrants. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2024.
Examples include:
- Programs that impact crime reduction against youth and by youth
- Programs that make a sustainable positive impact on youth
Tom Ritsche was one of the key community leaders who helped start the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. He felt a program like this would have helped him when he was growing up on the East Side of St. Cloud. His deep passion and commitment to the youth of the St. Cloud community led him to create the Thomas A. Ritsche Fund for Youth when he sold his company, Woodcraft Industries.
The Thomas A. Ritsche Youth Fund was founded in 1996. Since its inception, in addition to supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, grants have been awarded to the following local organizations: GREAT Theatre, Paramount Center for the Arts, The Yes Network and others. All grants focused on improving the lives of youth.
Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, schools, or government entities. Grants must serve youth in Stearns, Benton and/or Sherburne Counties. Funding amount range will start at $5,000 and go up to $10,000.