Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation

06/01/2026

Tickets are on sale now for this year's Awards in Philanthropy Celebration! Join us as we honor those who embody the spirit of giving - reflecting the very best of what it means to live generously in the Lakes Area.
For information, visit: https://www.communitygiving.org/event/brainerd-lakes-area-community-foundation-awards-in-philanthropy-dinner-celebration/

05/18/2026

We are grateful beyond words for the firefighters, additional first responders, and volunteers who are stepping up when our community needs you most. Your courage, long hours, and selfless service are making a difference—thank you for protecting our neighbors and our homes. ❤️🔥
If you’re looking for a way to help, consider supporting here:
https://www.communitygiving.org/fund/brainerd-lakes-area-response-fund/

05/17/2026

💙 Brainerd Lakes Area Response Fund: Standing Together for Our Community

In moments like these, we are reminded of what makes the Lakes Area so special — people showing up for one another. As fires impact Crosslake, Crosby, Mission Township, and surrounding areas, many are asking how they can truly make a difference. The answer is simple: give in a way that ensures help reaches the right place at the right time.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Response Fund is designed to do exactly that.
Through the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, your donation becomes part of a coordinated, community-wide effort — supporting immediate needs today while also helping guide thoughtful support as recovery unfolds.

What makes this fund different?
🔹 We are uniquely positioned as a neutral, trusted partner — we don’t provide direct services, which means every decision is made without bias and focused solely on where the need is greatest and in coordination with the local leaders to help identify priority needs
🔹 We connect financial resources to real community needs — quickly, strategically, and responsibly — ensuring support is not only immediate, but also thoughtful as needs evolve

The Brainerd Lakes Area Response Fund is a trusted way to turn your compassion into real, meaningful support. Through the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, donations are coordinated with local leaders to ensure critical support reaches those who need it most — quickly, thoughtfully, and where it will have the greatest impact.
✨ Every gift becomes hope
✨ Every donation helps a neighbor
✨ Every act of generosity strengthens our entire community
📍 Give today (tax-deductible):
https://www.communitygiving.org/fund/brainerd-lakes-area-response-fund/

📬 Prefer to mail a gift?
BLACF
406 W. Washington St., Suite 5 - PMB 184
Brainerd, MN 56401
(Make checks payable to “CommunityGiving” with “BLACF Response Fund” in memo)

Have questions or want to explore other ways to give?
📞 218-824-5633
✉️ [email protected]

Together, we can meet this moment — with generosity, compassion, and the unwavering spirit of the Lakes Area. 💙

05/11/2026

We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and dedication of Tammy Larsen, Executive Director of the Lakes Area Food Shelf, whose commitment to our community continues to make a profound difference.
Thank you, Tammy, for leading with purpose and for your unwavering dedication to ensuring no neighbor goes without. Our community is stronger because of you.
Congratulations on the opening of the Baxter location!

05/11/2026

Congratulations, Lakes Area Food Shelf, on the opening of your Baxter location! Because of you, families facing food insecurity are met with dignity, hope, and nourishment. Thank you for being a light in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

What a wonderful time celebrating with, and thanking, our community at our ribbon-cutting and Open House at our newly opened Baxter location!

05/05/2026

What a privilege to be part of this event that honored such exceptional women in our community! Congratulations to Lakes Area Grit & Grace and Jill Casper. These honors are so well-deserved!

05/05/2026

What a joy it was to be part of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce 2026 Athena Awards, as our very own Committee Member, Jill Casper, was honored. Thank you, Jill, for all you do for this incredible community we love. Congratulations on such a well-deserved honor.

04/29/2026

Join us for FREE Estate Planning Workshops in partnership with some of our exceptional Lakes Area professionals. Attend one or both workshops!
Thank you to Virginia Knudson, Attorney and Ed Matthews, Attorney & CPA for their partnership and expertise.
Register Here:
(Brainerd Location)
https://www.communitygiving.org/event/estate-planning-workshop-blacf-1/
(Nisswa Location)
https://www.communitygiving.org/event/estate-planning-workshop-blacf-2/

04/28/2026

Join these incredible sponsors as we prepare for our 2026 Awards in Philanthropy Celebration-honoring those who embody the spirit of giving.
Ticket and sponsorship information is available: https://www.communitygiving.org/event/brainerd-lakes-area-community-foundation-awards-in-philanthropy-dinner-celebration/

04/21/2026

We are so thankful for this Brainerd/Baxter Location!

Our Baxter location opens Tuesday 4/21!