Grants
We focus on where we can make the biggest difference: Community Wealth-Building, Rural Placemaking, and Small Communities.
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.
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.
Blandin Foundation Grant Programs
Our goal has always been to help move rural places forward, with this grant round having a special emphasis in community spaces, civic joy, housing, food systems, and wealth transfer. Our grant making strives to help build thriving communities that work for everybody, while reducing persistent disparities within rural communities and encouraging active community engagement in civic life.
Applications Closed
Parts 1 and 2 of the application period are now closed.
For an overview of the grant round, review this video.
Please contact us with any questions.
Small Communities Grants
Funding resources, skills, and needed system changes in rural Minnesota’s smallest communities.
Rural Placemaking Grants
Maintaining and improving the quality of rural places, to help people feel connected, invested, and proud of where they live.
Community Wealth Building Grants
Weaving together financial, intellectual, cultural, and social assets for healthy communities.
Itasca Area Scholarships
If you are an Itasca area student age 25 or younger, you might be interested in our Scholarships program.
Grants News
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Partner Directory
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.