Itasca Area Community Response Fund

Itasca Area Community Response Fund

Administrators: United Way of 1000 Lakes and Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation

Program Type: COVID-19 emergency relief and community recovery fund

Launch Date: April 2020

Geographic Scope: Itasca County and five surrounding communities:

Bena (Cass County)

Blackduck (Beltrami County)

Hill City (Aitkin County)

Northome (Koochiching County)

Remer (Cass County)

Funding Purpose:
Provides rapid relief to organizations addressing:

COVID-19 specific needs including:

- Basic needs relief for struggling families and individuals
- Mental and physical health support
- Programs for children and students impacted by school closures
- Rent assistance for those out of work
- Nutrition barrier support
- Safe, socially-distant shelter

Longer-term recovery efforts from pandemic effects

Operating support for nonprofits unable to fundraise due to event cancellations

Eligible Service Areas:

Access to food and health-related services

Services for vulnerable populations such as seniors

Aid for those experiencing homelessness

Support for learning and childcare needs

Fund Growth:
As of June 2020, the fund had raised over $171,000 through donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses.

Donor Partners:

Bigfork Valley Community Foundation

Blandin Foundation

Deer River Area Health Care Foundation

Essentia Health

Grand Itasca Foundation

Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation

Itasca Community College Foundation

Lake Country Power Round Up

Minnesota Power Foundation

United Way of 1000 Lakes

Advisory Committee Members:

Bigfork Valley Community Foundation

Blandin Foundation

Deer River Area Health Care Foundation

Grand Itasca Foundation

Itasca Community College Foundation

Minnesota Power Foundation

Grant Distribution Philosophy:

Maximum flexibility and responsiveness

Brief applications

Minimal reporting requirements

Quick turnaround between application submission and fund disbursement

100% of donations go directly to organizations serving those in need (no administrative fees)

First Round Awards (August 2020): $42,750

Contact Information:

Kim Brink Smith, United Way Executive Director

Phone: 218-999-7570

Email: info@uwlakes.org

Address: 350 NW 1st Ave., Suite A, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation: (218) 999-9100

Sarah Copeland, Community Foundation contact: sarah.copeland@gracf.org