Blandin Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Blandin Foundation supports rural Minnesota nonprofits through programs for Itasca County vibrancy, rural community leadership, and opportunities for every community member.
FUNDING AREAS: Rural Minnesota, Itasca County vibrancy, rural community leadership, opportunities for every community member
IP TAKE: Nonprofits in small Minnesota towns of less than 35,000 should get to know this funder for their leadership needs and equal opportunity program endeavors.
PROFILE: Established in 1941, the Blandin Foundation is a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Charles K. Blandin, a local teacher, newspaperman, and industrialist, created this foundation to promote the town of Grand Rapids and the surrounding region. In 2017, the foundation leveraged proceeds from a trust worth $407 million. The Blandin Foundation aims “to be a trusted partner and advocate to strengthen rural Minnesota communities, especially the Grand Rapids area,” and its vision is “healthy, inclusive rural communities.” The funder supports local efforts for Itasca County vibrancy, rural community leadership, and opportunities for every community member.
The Blandin Foundation is a responsive and strategic grantmaker that focuses its attentions on various rural regions of the state. The first focus area involves making Itasca County, Minnesota more vibrant through collaboration and building upon existing community assets. It also supports the economic, social, physical, cultural, and spiritual/wellness needs of residents in the neighboring communities of Blackduck, Northome, Hill City, and Remer. Blandin also funds rural community leadership efforts that connect communities, sustain networks, and overcome societal barriers. Meanwhile, expanding opportunity grants address educational and employment opportunities for youth and marginalized populations, as well as entrepreneurship and building upon existing community economic strengths.
Grants range between about $1,000 and $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on rural communities in Minnesota. The funder provides a partner directory to show where it has awarded grants in the various regions of the state. Past local grantees include Red Wing Ignite, Springboard for the Arts, and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
This foundation accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry from nonprofits that serve communities of 35,000 people or less. The funder reviews these inquiries weekly and invites select applications to submit full proposals. Grants over $50,000 have deadlines of the 15th of the months of March, June, September, and December. Grants that are less than this amount have no deadlines. Direct general questions to the staff at grants@blandinfoundation.org or 218-326-0523.
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