The Small Communities Grant Program, funded by the Blandin Foundation, is designed to support small and often overlooked rural communities in Minnesota. The program aims to provide funding, resources, and skills necessary for these communities to address local issues, improve well-being, and foster economic, physical, and social change. This initiative is part of Blandin’s broader efforts to strengthen rural capacity, encourage community connections, and drive sustainable, measurable outcomes in rural Minnesota.

The grant program is divided into three key focus areas: Planning, Implementation, and Capacity Building. The Planning category supports community assessments, research, and the development of programs and public spaces. Implementation funding is intended for executing community initiatives, including downtown revitalization, redevelopment projects, repurposing buildings, and enhancing public spaces like parks and libraries. The Capacity Building category provides support for skill development, leadership training, grant-writing assistance, and consulting services aimed at strengthening community resources.

Projects funded under this program should demonstrate clear outcomes in one or more of three key areas: visible community improvements, engagement in productive discourse around community challenges, and preparation for future development. Measurement of these outcomes may include qualitative indicators such as increased community engagement, new partnerships, and revitalization efforts, as well as quantitative data like infrastructure enhancements, job growth, and participation in skill-building activities.

The grant is currently available to nonprofit organizations in the Itasca County area. Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) between March 7 and March 21, 2025. Selected organizations will then be invited to submit a full proposal from March 31 to April 21, 2025. Applications will be reviewed between April 22 and May 23, with grant award notifications occurring between May 23 and May 26, 2025. Grant agreements will be issued on May 30, 2025. The dates may be subject to change based on the volume of applications received.

Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Blandin Foundation’s Grants team for inquiries and guidance. Key contacts include Linda Gibeau, Grants Program Officer for Small Communities, reachable at 218-327-8702; Mary Magnuson, Grants Program Officer for Rural Placemaking, at 218-327-8738; LuAnn Robinson, Grants Program Officer, at 218-327-8724; and Zach Johnson, Grants Manager, at 218-327-8739 (main) or 320-287-3970 (mobile). The Blandin Foundation’s main office is located at 100 North Pokegama Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.