Central Minnesota Community Foundation

09/04/2026

Our annual Celebration of Philanthropy event is next Thursday! We so grateful to our sponsors for their support! Today, we are featuring our $5,000 sponsor - Farmers & Merchants State Bank!

Thank you for supporting philanthropy in our community!

For event info visit: https://www.communitygiving.org/event/cmcf-celebration-of-philanthropy-2/

09/04/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026.

09/02/2026

Congratulations again to all of our recent grant recipients!

🏠Central MN Difference Maker
🎨Central MN Arts
🌱Thomas Ritsche Youth

To learn more check out WJON's article: https://wjon.com/central-minnesota-community-foundation-grants/

09/01/2026

Our Bernick's Beverages and Vending Fund grant round is currently open! Thank you to WJON for sharing the news!

Read more here: https://wjon.com/bernick-family-foundation-grants/

📝🎒🍎💚

The Bernick Family Foundation, rooted in a fourth-generation Minnesota business dating back to 1916, is offering grants between $5,000 and $40,000 for nonprofits focused on youth career skills and active living. Deadline is September 30th.

08/31/2026

This week on Wednesday, September 2, join us for a free webinar featuring four community leaders who will share their experiences and insights on Agency Funds and how they can support organizations for the long term.

Join Chris Drum, Superintendent of Derby Recreation Commission; Jim Hunt, Grants Team Lead with Rotary Club of White Bear Lake ; Shale Lapping, President of IPEX; and Shane Rieffel, Chief Executive Officer of Brainerd Family YMCA for a free webinar on Wednesday, September 2, at 12:00PM.

Together, they’ll share their perspectives and experiences, offering practical insight into how an Agency Fund can help nonprofits build financial resources, invest for the future, and support their mission for years to come.

Whether your organization already has an Agency Fund or you’re simply curious about how one could benefit your nonprofit, this is an opportunity to learn from organizations putting these tools to work.

Free registration via Zoom!

Learn more and register:
https://www.communitygiving.org/event/agencyfundwebinar2026/

08/26/2026

This year's award recipients will be honored at our annual Celebration of Philanthropy event!

To learn more about Cathy, Yasin, Patricia and Patrick visit: https://www.communitygiving.org/cmcf-announces-award-in-philanthropy-recipients-3/

08/25/2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear real-world insights from four community leaders on how Agency Funds can help nonprofits plan for the long term, September 2 at 12 PM. Register for free via zoom!

08/24/2026

Our staff had a great time learning about the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge! The Friends of the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge were great tour guides!

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is located in Sherburne County, in east central Minnesota. The 30,700 acre refuge was established in 1965 at the urging of local conservationists and hunters interested in restoring the wildlife values of the St. Francis River Basin, which had been altered by a series of drainage ditches and agricultural production.

Following that, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge became and remains the largest public land holding in Sherburne County.

If you would like to learn more about the organization visit: https://www.exploresherburne.org/

Source for above info: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sherburne/visit-us/locations/sherburne-national-wildlife-refuge-headquarters

08/24/2026

Our Bernick's Beverages and Vending Fund grant round is open through September 30! This year Bernick's is looking at awarding up to $300,000.

To learn more the focus areas and application process visit: https://www.communitygiving.org/grant/bernicks-beverages-and-vending-fund-grants/

08/20/2026

Our neighbors in Willmar are hiring! Check out the details below!

Help us share with someone you know that would be a great addition to the Willmar Area Community Foundation team!

We’re excited to share the opportunity to join the Willmar Area Community Foundation team as our Communications & Outreach Coordinator! This position will provide exceptional service to donors and community partners while leading communications, marketing, and community outreach efforts that share the Foundation’s impact, strengthen relationships, and increase awareness of opportunities to give back and support the community. Learn more and apply at www.communitygiving.org/careers.