The Nashwauk Area Community Fund (NACF) announced it awarded a total of $27,050 in grants and community support during its most recent grant cycle, continuing its mission to invest in projects that strengthen the Nashwauk area and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

Grant funding this year supported a wide range of initiatives across Nashwauk, Keewatin, and surrounding communities, including $3,250 for the Nashwauk-Keewatin Physical-Education program in partnership with First Tee, $7,000 for Goodland Township, $10,000 for the NK Save the Mosaic project, $1,500 for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Shelf, and $5,000 for the Buck Lake Improvement Club. In addition to these grants, the Nashwauk Area Community Fund also donated $300 to help purchase candy for the Nashwauk Trunk or Treat Halloween Party.

One of the most significant projects supported this year is the NK Save the Mosaic project, an effort to preserve a historic mosaic that has been part of the Nashwauk-Keewatin School for more than 60 years. The mosaic, made up of approximately 15,000 Venetian glass tiles, depicts life in the early 1900s and was installed during a time of transition when the Nashwauk and Keewatin schools combined. As the original school building is scheduled to be demolished, a group of graduates and community members has rallied to save the mosaic and ensure it is reinstalled at the new Nashwauk-Keewatin School, which opened this year. A professional company has carefully removed the mosaic, which will be stored until it can be reinstalled.

The Nashwauk Area Community Fund serves the cities of Nashwauk, Keewatin, and Pengilly, as well as Goodland Township and the Buck Lake and Swan Lake areas. It continues to support projects that reflect community priorities and local pride.

For more information about the Nashwauk Area Community Fund, visit www.nashwaukfund.org.