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Alexandria "Difference Maker" Grants is sponsored by Alexandria Area Community Foundation. The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) seeks to make significant grants that will be the 'Difference Maker' in bringing about a lasting, positive change in the Alexandria area community. Focus areas include education, social services, health, arts and culture, and civic projects.
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Local programming awarded nearly $100,000 from AACF - Alexandria Echo Press | News, weather and sports from Alexandria, Minnesota An organization or individual has paid for the creation of this work but did not approve or review it. Local programming awarded nearly $100,000 from AACF 9 area organizations will receive funding. Expansion of community park in Forada will include pickleball courts and additional parking.
Contributed photo / CommunityGiving September 25, 2025 at 8:06 AM Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. — The Alexandria Area Community Foundation has announced that $95,590 has been awarded to local programs through the Ruth McDonald Fund and "Difference Maker" grant rounds. In a press release A.
J. Koewler, executive director of the Alexandria Area Community Foundation, said, "Each of these projects plays a role in enhancing the well-being of our community. By coming together through shared philanthropy, we can provide these grants and continue moving toward a stronger, more vibrant future."
The "Difference Maker" grant round supports community initiatives that will bring about positive change to our community and supports programming in the focus areas of education, social services, health, arts & culture and civic. Recipients of the "Difference Maker" grants were as follows: $29,000 to expand the cold storage capacity and access to nutritious foods through Outreach Food Shelf.
$15,000 to provide legal aid to low income and at-risk populations through Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota. $12,000 to support the improved sense of belonging at Discovery Middle School and Woodland Elementary Schools through Alexandria Public Schools. $11,000 to support resources for victims and survivors of crime and abuse through Someplace Safe Douglas Advocacy Office.
$10,000 to provide families in challenging situations a safe and neutral space for them through West Central Minnesota Communities Action. $5,000 to support a collaboration between Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra, St. John's Boys Choir and Runestone Chorale that will result in two community performances in 2026.
"This grant will help us ensure that local families facing high conflict, domestic violence, or custody challenges have a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of children.
Your investment strengthens families in our community and helps children maintain healthy, safe connections with both parents," Amber Holmstrom, Family and Community Services director, West Central Minnesota Communities Action, one of the Difference Maker Grant Recipients, said in a press release.
The Ruth McDonald Fund grant round supports health and wellness programming in the Alexandria area, especially for the health needs of people in poverty. Recipients of the Ruth McDonald grants were as follows: $5,000 to increase the protein options available to high schoolers through the Shelf Food Program supported by Calvary Church.
$5,000 to support food delivery for up to 40 households who are unable to access food support due to transportation limitations through Project DASH at Lakes & Prairie United Way. $3,590 to support the expansion of a community park in Forada by adding pickleball courts and additional parking. The Alexandria Area Community Foundation attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local Alexandria area.
Since 1992, AACF has grown to nearly $7. 6 million in assets and awarded over $12. 5 million in grants to nonprofits.
The AACF is governed by a local board of directors and is a partner of CommunityGiving, which is a collaborative of community foundations united under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of our donors. Collectively, CommunityGiving administers over 1,300 funds totaling over $283 million in assets. CommunityGiving.
org/Alexandria Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Building boats for the war effort Royal Celebration at New Life Christian Church was full of glitz and glam (W/VIDEO) AACF now accepting applications for 2 grant rounds Baseball: Andover makes early advantage hold against Alexandria Area prep sports roundup for May 18: Long Prairie-Grey Eagle spoils Osakis baseball's home finale Boys Golf: Alexandria places third at competitive Willmar conference meet
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Nonprofits and community initiatives serving the Alexandria area community. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Applications for Alexandria "Difference Maker" Grants are due June 30, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
Alexandria "Difference Maker" Grants is funded by Alexandria Area Community Foundation. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
The Homeless Youth Program is a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services that funds services for homeless and at-risk youth across Illinois. Administered through the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development, it supports nonprofit organizations delivering shelter, outreach, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Eligible applicants are Illinois-based nonprofits with demonstrated capacity to serve youth. Awards range from $100,000 to $800,000 per year under CSFA number 444-80-0711. This is a FY 2026 funding opportunity with an application deadline of May 21, 2025.
Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) is a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that provides state tax credit allocations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, enabling them to attract private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors contributing $500 or more to approved projects receive tax credits equal to 50% of their contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects statewide. Eligible project areas include education, housing, job training, arts and culture, economic development, and services for at-risk populations. Projects must be located in or serve residents of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas. The application period is typically held annually.