Brainerd Lakes Area Difference Maker Grants

The Brainerd Lakes Area Difference Maker Grants, offered by the CommunityGiving foundation, aim to support impactful community initiatives in Crow Wing and southern Cass Counties, Minnesota. These grants are designed for 501(c)3 nonprofits, schools, and government entities, focusing on projects that enhance economic vitality, bridge opportunity gaps for disadvantaged youth, and foster community engagement. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promise long-term, positive change, while excluding funding for individuals, political campaigns, and completed projects.

Background
The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF) supports specific community initiatives through a variety of grants. BLACF seeks to make smaller grants for general operations and programs to address changing community needs. BLACF also seeks to make significant grants that will bring about community-wide, lasting, and positive changes in the Brainerd Lakes area. BLACF is looking to provide leadership and financial support that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiative that needs a large dollar amount to get started or completed.
Focus Areas
Bridging the Opportunity GapGrants for projects that support disadvantaged youth and help them participate in events, activities or related programs that build skills and career knowledge that help lead to future successCommunity Enhancement and Economic DevelopmentCommunity Economic Vitality and SustainabilityWelcoming CommunitiesAccess to music, arts and especially those made available to the disadvantaged or open to allProjects that aid in the solution of current community problems or challenges.

Eligibility

What We FundGeneral operations and project/program supportEligible organizations: 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, schools or government entities.Geographic Area: Crow Wing and southern Cass Counties in Minnesota

Ineligibility

What We Don't FundIndividualsReligious organizations for religious purposes (Funding for Faith-Based Organizations Policy)Political organizations or political campaigns.Annual fundraising drivesEndowmentsDebt retirement or deficit financingProjects or portions of projects that have already been completedScholarships or medical researchGrants for travel or conferencesFull cost of a project