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Grants

To better address urgent rural needs, Blandin Foundation has refocused our efforts on the areas where we can make the biggest difference: Community Wealth-Building, Rural Placemaking, and Small Communities.

As one of the few private foundations in the country devoted exclusively to rural needs, Blandin Foundation has focused its strategic direction to address increasing disparities facing rural Minnesota communities and Native Nations.

Too often, these disparities reflect place (where we live), race (who we are) and class (economic status), so we have restructured our operations to align with these modern challenges and our founder’s original vision.

Charles Blandin believed in focusing on the needs of the rural worker, whose prosperity and dignity enabled the rich and unique culture that makes Minnesota the incredible place it is.

Blandin Foundation Grant Programs

Small Communities Grants

Funding resources, skills, and needed system changes in rural Minnesota’s smallest communities.
Not Yet Open Letter of Inquiry Opens March 7, 2025

Rural Placemaking Grants

Maintaining and improving the quality of rural places, to help people feel connected, invested, and proud of where they live.
Not Yet Open Letter of Inquiry Opens March 7, 2025

Community Wealth Building Grants

Weaving together financial, intellectual, cultural, and social assets for healthy communities.
Not Yet Open Letter of Inquiry Opens March 7, 2025

Itasca Area Scholarships

If you are an Itasca area student age 25 or younger, you might be interested in our Scholarships program.

Report Forms

Current grantees – download and complete reports as outlined in your grant agreement.

Your grant officer is always available to assist with questions and provide other information.

Send your completed form to grants@blandinfoundation.org.

Past Grants

Grants News

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Your feedback strengthens our grantmaking. Contact us to share your thoughts. You may also subscribe to our mailing list, or contact the following Grants team members.

Google map of Blandin Foundation grantees across Minnesota

Spot Us

Wondering what we have funded in the past? This interactive map gives you a clear picture of grants paid. Click on the map pins for specific grants, or create your own search.

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Now Open: Apply for Scholarships ×

Apply by March 1, 2025 for funds to take your education further.

Learn More & Apply