Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) Grant Program – Minnesota

The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) supports specific community initiatives through a variety of grants.

Donor Name: CommunityGiving

State: Minnesota

Counties: Crow Wing County (MN), Cass County (MN)

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 01/31/2022

Size of the Grant: $2,500 to $15,000

Details:

BLACF seeks to make smaller grants for general operations and programs to address changing community needs. BLACF also seeks to make significant grants that will bring about community-wide, lasting, and positive changes in the Brainerd Lakes area. BLACF is looking to provide leadership and financial support that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiative that needs a large dollar amount to get started or completed.

Focus Areas

• Bridging the Opportunity Gap
  • Grants for projects that support disadvantaged youth and help them participate in events, activities or related programs that build skills and career knowledge that help lead to future success
• Community Enhancement and Economic Development
  • Community Economic Vitality and Sustainability
  • Welcoming Communities
  • Access to music, arts and especially those made available to the disadvantaged or open to all
  • Projects that aid in the solution of current community problems or challenges.

Favorable Considerations

• Are likely to make a clear difference in the quality of life or a substantial number of people.
• Propose practical approaches to resolve current community problems.
• Address diversity and positive change in a constructive manner. (Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy)
• Matching funds – 50% or more if possible.
• Help nonprofit organizations manage themselves and their finances more effectively.
• Focus on prevention.
• Encourage cooperation and eliminate duplication of services.
• Stimulate others to participate In problem-solving.
• Promote leverage for generating additional funds.
• Sustainability – has a plan for future funding.

Funding Amount Range

• $2,500 to $15,000 – Difference Maker Grants may be awarded up to $30,000 level and option for multi-year funding, by invitation only.

What they Fund

• General operations and project/program support

Geographic Area

Crow Wing and southern Cass Counties in Minnesota.

Eligible Organizations

• 501(c) 3 nonprofit Organizations, schools or government entities.

What they Don’t Fund

• Individuals
• Religious organizations for religious purposes (Funding for Faith-Based Organizations Policy)
• Political organizations or political campaigns.
• Annual fundraising drives
• Endowments
• Debt retirement or deficit financing
• Projects or portions of projects that have already been completed
• Scholarships or medical research
• Grants for travel or conferences
• Full cost of a project

For more information, visit Brainerd Lakes Area Grants.