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Blandin Foundation repurposes $1 million in investments to build new loan funds for Itasca area small businesses

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (March 27, 2020) – At a special meeting of Blandin Foundation’s board executive committee, trustees voted to quickly establish two $500,000 funds to support Itasca County area small businesses, one for working capital and one a relief fund. “Small businesses are at the cornerstone of vibrant communities,” said Dr. Kathleen Annette, Blandin …

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MN Disaster Recovery Fund accepting applications

Foundations across the state have formed a new coronavirus disaster recovery fund to support community needs across Minnesota. Rural organizations are eligible to apply. How to apply

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Five communities selected for Blandin Foundation Broadband Communities Program

Blandin Foundation announced today that it has selected five rural Minnesota communities for intensive, two-year partnerships with the Foundation to advance local broadband initiatives. Otter Tail County, Chisago Lakes, Le Sueur County, Red Lake Nation, and White Earth Nation were all successful in their bids to become Blandin Broadband Communities (BBC). “High-speed Internet access – …

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Blandin Foundation welcomes three new trustees

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (Mar. 3, 2020) – Three Minnesotans have joined Blandin Foundation’s board of trustees, filling positions of three who completed terms of service in December.  Blandin Foundation’s 12-member board are Minnesota-based community leaders who provide strategic leadership and governance, fiduciary and financial oversight for the foundation. They serve up to 12 years and …

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Hutchinson area residents complete Blandin Community Leadership Program retreat

Grand Rapids, Minn. — Twenty-five residents of the Hutchinson area returned February 28 from a five-day leadership retreat, the first segment of an intense eight-day training provided by the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP). The team also will participate in three follow-up workshops. A program of the Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation, BCLP has provided experiential …

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Clip: Diversity enriches Austin

Austin, Minn., has welcomed immigrants for more than three decades. The Star-Tribune chronicles this rural Minnesota community’s transformation, and the the intentional work done there to move the community toward being a place that works for each resident. Here’s the story: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-s-austin-high-school-has-a-melting-pot-athletics-program/567798502/ Here’s a summary of Blandin Foundation’s work in Austin: https://blandinfoundation.org/partner-directory/partners/?zip=55912&radius=10&list=1  

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GreatFoundations survey: Blandin Foundation makes top 10

GrantAdvisor, a national grantmaker review site, announced that Blandin Foundation has made the GreatFoundations Top 10 list. Visit their blogpost for more about the ranking. Current and past grantees can post anonymous GrantAdvisor review on our profile: https://grantadvisor.org/profile.php?ein=41-6038619

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Fosston area residents complete Blandin Community Leadership Program retreat

Grand Rapids, Minn. — Twenty-four residents of the Fosston area returned February 14 from a five-day leadership retreat, the first segment of an intense eight-day training provided by the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP). The team also will participate in three follow-up workshops. A program of the Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation, BCLP has provided experiential …

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Fergus Falls area residents complete Blandin Community Leadership Program retreat

Grand Rapids, Minn.  — Twenty-four residents of the Fergus Falls area returned January 31 from a five-day leadership retreat, the first segment of an intense eight-day training provided by the Blandin Community Leadership Program (BCLP). The team also will participate in three follow-up workshops. A program of the Grand Rapids-based Blandin Foundation, BCLP has provided …

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Education Grant deadline is March 1

 “After hours” application Q and A set for Feb. 11 GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.  –  Blandin Foundation’s applications for need-based education grants are available and being accepted until March 1. Up to $1 million will be granted to Itasca County area students pursuing school after high school during the 2020-2021 school year. Grants are available to …

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