Supporters of the Hill City area now have a rare opportunity to strengthen their community for generations to come. The Hill City Area Community Fund has announced a dollar-for-dollar matching opportunity they received that will help grow a permanent source of funding for local projects, nonprofits, and emerging needs.
Through a grant from the Blandin Foundation, administered by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF), the Hill City Area Community Fund is eligible to receive up to $50,000 in matching funds. Every contribution made now through December 31, 2027, will be matched dollar for dollar by GRACF—doubling each gift and permanently increasing the Fund’s endowment and future grantmaking capacity.
The Hill City Area Community Fund is a locally guided, permanent endowment created to benefit Hill City, Jacobson, Swatara, Palisade, and surrounding townships, supporting initiatives that enhance quality of life and respond to local priorities. Grants from the Fund help ensure community-driven solutions remain possible today and well into the future. Since the Fund’s inception, they have granted over $100,000 to support community initiatives.
Unlike one-time donations, endowment gifts are invested for long-term growth. Annual earnings are distributed as grants while the principal remains intact—creating an enduring resource that continues to give back year after year. As part of GRACF, the Fund benefits from professional investment management and long-term stewardship, ensuring stability and sustainability regardless of fund size.
“Hill City has always been a place where people take care of one another,” said Grace Derfler, Chair of the Hill City Area Community Fund advisory committee. “This matching opportunity allows every gift—large or small—to go twice as far and become a permanent investment in the community we love. It’s a chance to create a legacy that will support Hill City area needs long after today.”
The Fund is guided by a volunteer advisory committee made up of local residents who help direct grantmaking and ensure the Fund reflects the values and needs of the area. Hill City Area Community Fund advisory committee members include:
Grace Derfler (Chair), Sharon DeWitt, Tom Fasteland (Treasurer), Bill Flynn, Janet Hatfield, Mark Herman, Michael Kearney, David Lange, Jessica Pellinen, Blaine Raushel, Jennifer Raushel (Secretary), and Max Torgerson.
This matching opportunity also aligns with a pivotal moment for northern Minnesota communities. As significant assets are expected to transfer between generations in the coming decades, community endowments like the Hill City Area Community Fund offer a meaningful way to keep resources invested locally—supporting hometowns now and in the future.
Community members are encouraged to participate by making a gift during the match period and helping unlock the full $50,000 in matching funds. Together, these contributions will build a stronger, more resilient Hill City area—today and for generations to come.
To learn more or to make a matched gift, click here.
