News

The Judy Garland and Children’s Discovery Museums of Grand Rapids is inviting community members to help secure the future of hands-on, play-based learning for children across northern Minnesota through a special endowment matching opportunity that will double the impact of every gift. Made possible by a recent grant from the Blandin Foundation and administered by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF), this limited-time match allows the Judy Garland and Children’s Discovery Museums to raise up to $25,000 in new endowment gifts. Every dollar contributed during the match period will be matched dollar-for-dollar by GRACF—up to $25,000—permanently increasing the museums’

What began as a personal fundraising effort in honor of a father grew into a powerful community event. The Boar Pig Cancer-Fighting Racing Team, founded by Grand Rapids educator Phill Hermel, has successfully raised more than $15,000 in support of cancer-related causes—far surpassing its original expectations. Inspired by Hermel’s late father, Ed—known for his relentless spirit and commitment to helping others—the initiative quickly evolved from a solo effort into a 33-member team united by purpose. Participants of all ages and experience levels came together, demonstrating the strength and generosity of the local community. This effort is part of a broader

Are you the kind of giver who supports many causes as needs arise? Someone who wants to see clear results? Just beginning your charitable journey—or deeply engaged and thinking about long‑term impact? If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this: there’s no single “right” way to be a donor. And that’s a good thing. Even if you’re new to charitable giving, you’ve probably already discovered that generosity can take many forms. People give in ways that reflect their values, life experiences, and capacity at any given moment. The big takeaway? There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all approach to philanthropy—and no single

The towns and townships that make up the Greenway Area have long been defined by resilience, pride, and neighbors looking after one another. That tradition of local care now has a powerful opportunity to grow through a new matching initiative benefiting the Greenway Area Community Fund. Through a recent grant from the Blandin Foundation, administered by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF), the Greenway Area Community Fund is eligible to receive up to $50,000 in matching dollars. Every contribution made during the match period is doubled dollar for dollar—meaning a $100 gift becomes $200, permanently invested to support the

Every week in Grand Rapids and Deer River, neighbors sit down together at Community Café to share a hot meal and a moment of belonging. For more almost 25 years, the Café has quietly filled a vital role in the region’s fight against hunger—serving nutritious food with dignity and without barriers. A new endowment match now offers an opportunity to protect that mission for the long haul. Community Café has been awarded a $25,000 endowment match through a grant from the Blandin Foundation, administered by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF). During the match period, contributions to the Community