News

If you’ve ever considered wrapping charitable giving into a child’s birthday party, you are not alone! Lots of parents are encouraging their kids to have guests bring gifts to charity instead of presents, whether it's collecting books for a children at the local hospital, pet toys for an animal shelter, or non-perishable food for a local food bank. Guests can feel part of something special by bringing items that align with the birthday child's interests, and the party can include activities like making cards for the elderly or packaging donations together. Even bigger than that, though, is the opportunity to

Community members are invited to lace up their running shoes for a great cause at the 7th Annual Scott Olson Memorial 5K and Scholarship Fundraiser, happening Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Ryan Park in LaPrairie, MN. The event honors the life and legacy of Scott Olson, a beloved Grand Rapids community member, while raising funds for a local scholarship in his name. Same-day registration will open at 8:00 a.m., with the race beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m. Registration is $30, and all proceeds benefit the Scott A. Olson Memorial Scholarship held at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF). There

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) continues to make higher education more accessible for students across the Greater Itasca area thanks to the ongoing generosity of its donors. In 2025, GRACF administered over 98 donor-funded scholarships. Many of these funds award more than one scholarship, resulting in a total of 207 scholarships awarded in 2025. Altogether, $333,000 in scholarships were granted to 127 students in the Greater Itasca Area. These scholarships reflect the strong belief that education changes lives—and that supporting students benefits the entire community. “Our community’s commitment to education is truly inspiring,” said Mindy Nuhring, Executive Director

The Nashwauk Area Community Fund (NACF) awarded $4,690 in spring 2025 grants to support four community projects, along with a $1,000 scholarship for Nashwauk-Keewatin High School (NKHS) student, Katelyn Kinkel. Grant recipients included the Keewatin Fire Department, which received $2,740 to purchase new tables and chairs, and the End of Era Ice Cream Social, which was awarded $1,000 to help host a community celebration honoring the current NK High School before students move to the new facility next year. The NKHS Art Department received $450 for supplies to create murals for the new school, and the NKHS Cheerleading Team was

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) invites the community to its second First Friday event this year, part of the annual Seeds of Change campaign. Join them on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Community Foundation office, 350 NW 1st Avenue, Suite E, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, for a special First Friday Art Walk gathering.   The event will feature a Retrospective Exhibit by area artist Susan Clandon. “’Every child is an artist,’ said Picasso. For me, as a “grown up,” painting is a path of curiosity, discovery and wonder to share with others.  This show includes