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
Geographic Scope
Please be aware that current grants are available for Itasca County Area non-profit organizations. This geographic area includes Native Nations, cities, towns, and townships in the Blandin Foundation local giving area: Itasca County plus Northome, Blackduck, Hill City, and Remer.
Letters of Inquiry
Letters of Inquiry opens March 7, and are due by March 21.
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
Contact Us
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.


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.