News

The Nashwauk Area Community Fund (NACF) has awarded a $3,000 grant to the City of Keewatin to enhance accessibility at the Keewatin Community Center. The funds will be used to install an electric handicap door opener, ensuring that all residents, including those with mobility challenges, can easily access the building. The NACF has long been committed to supporting projects that strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for local residents. Serving the cities of Nashwauk, Keewatin, and Pengilly, as well as Goodland, Nashwauk Township, and the surrounding Buck Lake and Swan Lake areas, the NACF provides discretionary grants to

Adam Johnson grew up playing hockey in Hibbing, Minnesota, and his talent and dedication took him to the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), where he served as an assistant captain. He later played professionally, including with the Pittsburgh Penguins and other professional hockey leagues. To honor Adam’s legacy, his loved ones established the Adam Johnson Memorial Fund at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. This fund continues to support the passions and values that mattered most to Adam, including education and hockey. Now, Hibbing High School seniors have a special opportunity to be part of Adam’s legacy. A $1,000 scholarship

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the recipient of the first Eric Northard Memorial Travel Scholarship. Brennan Lane, a dedicated student at Grand Rapids High School (GRHS), has been awarded $500 to support his participation in the international travel program. This scholarship honors the legacy of beloved GRHS social studies teacher Eric Northard, whose passion for international travel transformed the lives of countless students in District 318. Over the years, Eric organized trips to destinations like Morocco, India, Costa Rica, and Europe, broadening students' horizons and fostering cultural understanding. Fellow teacher Brielle Carlson reflects, “Eric paved

Join us for the launch of the 2025 Seeds of Change Campaign at First Friday on April 4th from 4-7 PM! 🎉 This year, we’re focusing on growing four incredible Field of Interest Funds at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation: 🌸 Fund for Women – Supporting opportunities for women & girls 🌿 Fund for the Environment – Investing in our natural spaces & sustainability 🐾 Fund for Animals – Caring for the well-being of animals in our community 🎭 Katherine T. Dodge Fund for the Arts – Enriching our community through the arts These funds provide grants through our

Each year, the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) annual grant cycle becomes a testament to the power of community and collaboration. In 2024, GRACF awarded over $181,000 in 44 grants to nonprofit organizations and initiatives dedicated to serving the Greater Itasca Area. These grants support important projects that make a difference in our local communities. A significant portion of the grants awarded through the GRACF annual grant cycle comes from donor-advised funds managed by the Community Foundation. Those donors play an active and important role in supporting the Greater Itasca Area. Second Harvest Northland was a recipient of a