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The Granite Falls Area Community Foundation (GFACF) has announced that they are accepting proposals for grants. Just 18 months after officially beginning, the GFACF has raised over $85,000 for their endowment. Even with sluggish markets, this endowment will allow the foundation to provide over $1,000 in grants. The formula for calculating money available to grant is based on the prior three years of fund balances and market performance, so considering the foundation started 18 months ago, the feeling is that is fortunate to have these funds to give back to the community.
The mission of the GFACF is to provide opportunities for the community to connect the legacy of the past to tomorrow's dreams through charitable giving and grant making. The organization is looking for creative projects that will benefit the greater Granite Falls area community.
The Foundation provided the Granite Falls Historical Society with $113 for artifact storage equipment in June of 2010. Board Chair Craig Bakkelund stated, "This year's granting will be significantly larger in terms of what we can do." He went on to say "Because we have more money we are looking to make an impact on multiple organizations."
Community improvement, education, arts, leadership, recreation, youth development, and tourism are some of the areas of interest that the foundation would consider providing support for. Grants will generally range in size from $100-$500. Like most foundations, the GFACF is only able to provide grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, units of government or public agencies.
Complete grant guidelines and the grant application form are available on the GFACF website www.granitefallsfoundation.org or by contacting Karen Jacobson at 564-4170. Applications must be received at P.O. Box 143, Granite Falls, MN 56241 on or before October 15.
Bakkelund emphasized the Granite Falls 'area' component of the organization, stating that it was the board's desire to involve neighboring towns and rural areas to both support the fundraising and participate in the granting.
The foundation board includes Upper Sioux tribal member and Echo resident Helen Blue-Redner. Hanley Falls Mayor Rich Hagen has been attending recent meetings as he discovers how his community could benefit from participation in the foundation.
The GFACF has had a total of 89 people, organizations, and businesses that have made contributions to the foundation. Personal donations have ranged from $10 to $1,000. The Granite Falls Bank and the Southwest Initiative Foundation have each provided $25,000 in matching funds to help encourage more donations. These donors have invested in the Granite Falls Area, providing dollars that will continue to grow and support projects that benefit our community.
Regardless of size all contributions are tax deductible and include: cash, checks, memorial donations, gifts of stock, gifts of grain, or as a part of an estate plan.
"Studies show that the transfer of wealth over the coming years will result in significant dollars leaving our community."said Bakkelund. "With this community foundation, we have a way for people to leave a legacy for the next generation."
In addition to monetary support, foundation board members have contributed a great deal of time and energy behind the scenes, establishing and growing the Granite Falls Area Community Foundation.
Individuals who are interested in assisting or serving on the board should contact any of the GFACF board members: Craig Bakkelund, Dave Reimer, LaVonne Koenen, Spencer Kvam, Avis Freitag, Karen Jacobson, Robin Henderson, Helen Blue Redner and Gary Kubly.
The Granite Falls Area Community Foundation (GFACF) has announced that they are accepting proposals for grants. Just 18 months after officially beginning, the GFACF has raised over $85,000 for their endowment. Even with sluggish markets, this endowment will allow the foundation to provide over $1,000 in grants. The formula for calculating money available to grant is based on the prior three years of fund balances and market performance, so considering the foundation started 18 months ago, the feeling is that is fortunate to have these funds to give back to the community.
The mission of the GFACF is to provide opportunities for the community to connect the legacy of the past to tomorrow's dreams through charitable giving and grant making. The organization is looking for creative projects that will benefit the greater Granite Falls area community.
The Foundation provided the Granite Falls Historical Society with $113 for artifact storage equipment in June of 2010. Board Chair Craig Bakkelund stated, "This year's granting will be significantly larger in terms of what we can do." He went on to say "Because we have more money we are looking to make an impact on multiple organizations."
Community improvement, education, arts, leadership, recreation, youth development, and tourism are some of the areas of interest that the foundation would consider providing support for. Grants will generally range in size from $100-$500. Like most foundations, the GFACF is only able to provide grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, units of government or public agencies.
Complete grant guidelines and the grant application form are available on the GFACF website www.granitefallsfoundation.org or by contacting Karen Jacobson at 564-4170. Applications must be received at P.O. Box 143, Granite Falls, MN 56241 on or before October 15.
Bakkelund emphasized the Granite Falls 'area' component of the organization, stating that it was the board's desire to involve neighboring towns and rural areas to both support the fundraising and participate in the granting.
The foundation board includes Upper Sioux tribal member and Echo resident Helen Blue-Redner. Hanley Falls Mayor Rich Hagen has been attending recent meetings as he discovers how his community could benefit from participation in the foundation.
The GFACF has had a total of 89 people, organizations, and businesses that have made contributions to the foundation. Personal donations have ranged from $10 to $1,000. The Granite Falls Bank and the Southwest Initiative Foundation have each provided $25,000 in matching funds to help encourage more donations. These donors have invested in the Granite Falls Area, providing dollars that will continue to grow and support projects that benefit our community.
Regardless of size all contributions are tax deductible and include: cash, checks, memorial donations, gifts of stock, gifts of grain, or as a part of an estate plan.
"Studies show that the transfer of wealth over the coming years will result in significant dollars leaving our community."said Bakkelund. "With this community foundation, we have a way for people to leave a legacy for the next generation."
In addition to monetary support, foundation board members have contributed a great deal of time and energy behind the scenes, establishing and growing the Granite Falls Area Community Foundation.
Individuals who are interested in assisting or serving on the board should contact any of the GFACF board members: Craig Bakkelund, Dave Reimer, LaVonne Koenen, Spencer Kvam, Avis Freitag, Karen Jacobson, Robin Henderson, Helen Blue Redner and Gary Kubly.
