The Brainerd Lakes Area Difference Maker Grant, provided by the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation (BLACF), supports impactful projects that address changing community needs and create meaningful, lasting benefits for residents of the Brainerd Lakes region. The grant focuses on initiatives that demonstrate strong potential to improve quality of life and bring about community-wide positive change. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, or government entities serving communities in Crow Wing and southern Cass Counties, Minnesota.

Grants range from $5,000 to $30,000, with organizations eligible to reapply for up to three consecutive years. Projects must align with BLACF’s mission to foster impactful programs, with a minimum funding threshold of $5,000 to ensure meaningful outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation’s Executive Director at (218) 824-5633 or blacf@communitygiving.org to discuss alignment with current priorities before beginning the application process.

The grant prioritizes projects in focus areas such as bridging the opportunity gap by supporting disadvantaged youth with skill-building and career development; community enhancement and economic development through sustainable and inclusive programs; and creating welcoming communities that foster diversity and equitable access to resources, arts, and culture. Proposals are assessed for their potential to significantly improve quality of life, practicality, sustainability, and ability to leverage community support or matching funds.

Applications are submitted online via the CommunityGiving Grant Management System, open from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM. A Grant Advisory Committee will review submissions, advancing selected proposals to a presentation round. Final decisions are made at the BLACF Board of Directors meeting in May, and applicants are notified of the outcome by mid-May.

Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement and will receive funding via mailed checks. Grantees are required to submit a final report within one year, detailing project outcomes and impacts. For assistance with the application process or technical support, applicants can contact Sherri Koslofsky at (320) 257-9715 or skoslofsky@communitygiving.org. This grant provides an excellent opportunity for organizations to implement projects that drive meaningful community transformation in the Brainerd Lakes area.