Free Range Food Co-op Launches Fall Fundraiser
Co-op raises $710,000 from less than 20% of members this spring; aims to complete funding this fall GRAND RAPIDS MN – Sept 17, 2025 – Free Range Food Co-op recently kicked off its Fall "Many Hands Make Light Work" Fundraising Campaign at the Grand Rapids Farmers' Market, building momentum from an impressive spring campaign that brought owner contributions to $710,097 toward a $1.5 million owner goal. The numbers tell a compelling story: just 19% of current co-op owners, plus 22 non-member supporters, contributed nearly half the funding target during the official campaign that ran from April through July. "When less
Anonymous Donor Creates Endowment for Great Tails Animal Rescue
Great Tails Animal Rescue has received a new source of long-term support thanks to an anonymous donor who recently established an endowed fund through the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF). This endowment will provide Great Tails with a sustainable revenue stream, helping ensure the organization can continue to provide shelter and veterinary care for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals in Itasca County well into the future. “This generous gift is a game-changer,” said Shannon Anttila, Great Tails Co-Founder. “It means that even after our building campaign is complete, we will have reliable funding to keep serving animals and families
Deer River Dog Park Effort Receives $1,000 Matching Gift Challenge
Excitement is growing in Deer River as local community members work to bring a new dog park to life. Thanks to a generous $1,000 matching gift, every dollar donated now will go twice as far in helping to create a safe and fun space for dogs and their owners to enjoy. The group leading the effort is working closely with the City of Deer River and the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation to raise the funds needed for fencing — the essential first step in developing the park. The minimum goal for the project is $25,000 (fencing alone is over
Thank you, RBC!
We know this is our second shout-out for RBC Wealth Management and Andy Shermoen—and for good reason! Their role as our Platinum Sponsor for the Second Annual Harvest Fun(d) Fest deserves extra recognition. The big day is TOMORROW! There are only a few tickets left—don’t miss your chance to be part of an evening filled with fun, connection, and impact. Thank you, Andy and RBC, for believing in the power of community and helping us make a difference. Get your tickets now: https://gracf.org/news-media/seeds-of-change/
100+ Women Who Care Itasca to Host October Giving Circle Event
The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation is excited to announce the second 100+ Women Who Care Itasca giving circle event, scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids. Registration opens at 5:00 p.m., with the program running from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This community-driven initiative unites women who want to make an immediate and meaningful impact. The concept is simple: one hundred or more women each donate $100, pooling resources to raise at least $10,000 in one evening for a local nonprofit. At the event, attendees may nominate nonprofits they are passionate about, though nominations are
