Bernick's Beverages and Vending Fund Grants

Bernick's Beverages and Vending Fund Grants is sponsored by Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CommunityGiving). The Bernick's Beverages and Vending Fund provides grants through the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. Applications open on August 1, 2026, with a deadline of September 30, 2026.

Foundation: Alexandria Area Community Foundation, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, Central Minnesota Community Foundation, Foley Area Community Foundation, New London-Spicer Area Fund, Paynesville Area Community Foundation, ROCORI Area Community Foundation, Sauk Centre Area Community Foundation, Willmar Area Community Foundation The Bernick family started the Bernick Family Foundation to honor the legacy of its company founders by continuing the tradition of supporting organizations consistent with the family’s core values, while providing leadership in responding to emerging community needs.

A total of up to $300,000 will be granted throughout the seven Bernick service areas to approximately 8-10 organizations. * New or expanded programs **Eligible Organizations:**501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations, schools and government entities.

**Eligible Geographic Area:**The organization must be based in or serve one of the regions in which Bernick’s operates, including the areas in and around each facility location (see service area map/listing): > To find out if your area is included, please see Bernick’s Service Area Listing.

**Funding Amount Range:**$5,000 – $40,000 **Focus Areas:**The Bernick Family Foundation supports two key focus areas: * Youth and Education: Support of activities that help prepare students for future success in education and the workplace. * Youth Health and Fitness: Support of youth activities that address active lifestyles.

**Favorable Considerations:** * Programs that are innovative or develop youth leadership skills, community involvement, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. * Programs/projects for youth that promote fitness, engage in recreation and/or responsible lifestyle.

## Typically, we do not fund: * ### Political organizations or political campaigns _This generally includes organizations with a 501 (c)(4) status that can advocate for causes and propositions and endorse specific candidates. _ * ### Event sponsorship or annual fundraising drives * ### Multi-year requests _Organizations seeking continued support beyond the initial grant year are welcome to reapply in subsequent grant cycles.

_ _For example, grant funds should not be used to: pay off an organization’s loans, lines of credit, unpaid bills, or deficits, cover past due obligations, such as back taxes or unpaid rent, refinance existing liabilities, even if related to previously funded projects_ * ### Projects that have already been completed _Applications seeking reimbursement for past work, retroactive funding, or previously concluded programs and completed capital projects are typically ineligible.

_ * ### Individual academic scholarships for post-secondary education * ### Grants solely for the purpose of travel or conferences _Specifically, we do not fund travel for staff of agencies or organizations_ * ### Government funding that has been reduced or eliminated _Our resources are primarily intended to catalyze innovation, support sustainable solutions, and build long-term capacity, rather than substituting for public sector obligations.

_ _Applicants who are unsure of their project or program’s eligibility are advised to reach out to our local staff prior to applying. This helps maintain an efficient review process for all. _