A Record-Setting Day of Community Impact
Almost $3 million was awarded to local nonprofit and government agencies through Sourcewell’s Community Impact Funding this June.
Eleven nonprofit organizations will receive a combined total of over $650,000 while 39 local government agencies will receive over $2.25 million in funding.
“We are immensely grateful to be a part of this empowering work,” said Paul Drange, chief regional solutions officer at Sourcewell. “These public entities and nonprofit organizations are critical to the communities they serve, and every dollar of funding counts.”
The selection and allocation of funds for local government agencies followed a similar structure to last year’s process: requests were reviewed and approved by the Community Solutions Advisory Committee, then projects were awarded by lottery until funding was exhausted. Drange explained that this process helps fulfil basic office and service area needs such as office furniture, flooring, technology, and other administrative needs.
Nonprofit applications followed a similar practice from prior years: Applications were reviewed by Sourcewell staff and its Nonprofit Advisory Council, with eligible projects advancing to Review Day, held June 18 at Sourcewell. Over 80 staff members, volunteers, and board members of nonprofit organizations in Sourcewell’s five-county area of service (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties) heard each project proposal and then voted on and ranked projects for funding.
“Overall, we were able to award almost an additional million dollars this year compared to last year thanks to a record year for our cooperative purchasing,” said Drange. Community Impact Funding is supported by revenue generated from a national cooperative purchasing program. Sourcewell cooperative purchasing provides public agencies throughout North America with access to hundreds of pre-negotiated, competitively solicited awarded contracts for products and services.
“Every request that was confirmed to meet program requirements was funded. We’re tremendously pleased with that result, and excited to see the impact these funds can make in each community.”
Nonprofit funding
Project: Forever Horses
Organizations: Pohl Children’s Scholarship Foundation and Mounted Eagles
Description: $25,100 to provide funding for children and their families experiencing illness or grief to participate in equine related activities free of charge. “Forever Horses” provides horsemanship as a release or avenue to face difficult emotions related to illness or grief.
Project: Connection Clubs
Organizations: The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center and Wellness in the Woods
Description: $40,000 to empower youth to be outlets for the change they want to see happen. With adult guidance, Club youth are tasked to identify specific issues they wish to address, create a plan, and implement their community service projects. In collaboration with support specialists from Wellness in the Woods, Club members learn skills in group dynamics and practice social skills needed to generate civic engagement experiences promoting youth voice within their communities.
Project: Children's Mental Health Respite Camp
Organizations: Northern Pines Mental Health Center and Morrison County Health and Human Services
Description: $100,000 to bring a one-of-a-kind Children's Mental Health Respite Camp. Children can participate in all the adventures of summer camp, while having their mental health and social needs supported.
Project: Making a Difference in the Lives of Our Seniors
Organizations: Breath of Life Adult Day Center and Woodland Good Samaritan
Description: $21,500 to create a beautiful wheelchair accessible space, open to local community for entertainment, gardening, visiting, and fellowship. The newly created space will make a positive impact throughout the region.
Project: Reducing hunger and food insecurity in Hispanic-Latino community
Organizations: Lutheran Social Services and Lakewood Health Systems
Description: $100,000 to launch a project aimed at reducing hunger and food insecurity among vulnerable Hispanic-Latino individuals, families and seniors throughout Region 5. Community Impact Funds will be used to purchase ingredients, equipment, and supplies to prepare and distribute more than 10,000 culturally inclusive meals to at least 500 unique Hispanic-Latino individuals. Lutheran Social Services and Lakewood Health System will promote this project, conduct surveys, and refer/screen participants for additional health-related social needs.
Project: Resource Center
Organizations: Bridges of Hope and Emily Area Food Shelf
Description: $75,142 to form a Resource Center at the current Emily Food Shelf location, where families and individuals can meet with Bridges of Hope Resource Specialists, gain access to a computer lab, and enroll and attend various personal and professional development classes and trainings. Funding will support the furniture and technology needed to create a welcoming, comforting space for Resource Specialists to conduct outreach in Emily, mitigating barriers to transportation and establishing an accessible entry point to wraparound support services.
Project: United for ALICE
Organizations: Lakes Area United Way and United Way of Morrison County
Description: $35,000 to serve households that earn more than Federal Poverty Guidelines yet are still facing financial instability given their wages and the costs of everyday needs. The Lakes Area United Way and United Way of Morrison County will use ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data for local communities to create a new and accurate understanding of poverty in the service area and inspire change and generate innovative solutions with community partners and stakeholders.
Project: Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS)
Organizations: Wellness in the Woods and Horizon Health
Description: $50,974 to provide the Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) to seniors in Todd, Wadena, Crow Wing and Morrison Counties. This evidence-based program will assist seniors in identifying mental health challenges and resources to support them. Resource materials will be provided to all potential participants to utilize outside of the PEARLS program as well.
Project: Finding HOPE through smile advocacy
Organizations: Smiles for Jake and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center
Description: $50,000 to expand access to mental health resources, educate youth through summer camp programs, and integrate K-12 mental wellness programming in schools. Funding allocated for Smile Box distribution, youth engagement activities, and educational initiatives can make a lasting impact on mental health awareness and support in the community.
Project: United Way Backpack Attack
Organizations: United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties, Tri-County Community Action Partnership and Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Schools
Description: $60,000 to bring the United Way Backpack Attack program to students. Funding will provide participating students with kid friendly food every Friday to ensure that children have access to food on the weekends. The community will be strengthened through increased volunteer engagement and reduced food insecurity for local families.
Project: Community Connect
Organizations: Relationship Safety Alliance and Port Group Homes
Description: $96,412 for Community Connect, a collaborative effort between the Relationship Safety Alliance and Port Group Homes, aiming to fortify familial bonds and foster unity in Region 5. Through educational workshops, support groups, and innovative events, families will be empowered to navigate challenges with resilience and solidarity. The program aspires to create a supportive environment where families can flourish, leaving a lasting impact on the community’s well-being and cohesion.
Government entity funding
Purpose: Infrastructure improvements
Organization: Todd County
Description: $50,000 to bolster infrastructure and enhance public services. With investments in road equipment, upgraded office furniture, technology and field laser gear, efficiency and quality of services for our residents increase. This strategic allocation underscores Todd County's commitment to progress and community well-being.
Purpose: Aldrich Community Center improvements
Organization: City of Aldrich
Description: $48,000 to encourage further community activity at the Center, which is currently utilized for meetings of the Aldrich City Council, the local 4-H Club, and the Aldrich Lions Club.
Purpose: City hall upgrades
Organization: City of Riverton
Description: $50,000 for updates to the infrastructure to its century old city hall, with upgrades to its climate control, insulation, and roofing system, as well as technology updates for its City Clerk and tablets to serve as city council packets allowing for a reduction in paper waste and an increase in efficiency.
Purpose: Well rehabilitation
Organization: City of Baxter
Description: $50,000 to assist the city with the costs affiliated with the rehabilitation of existing wells, which will ensure Baxter residents, businesses and other residents in the Brainerd Lakes area will have access to quality domestic water, whether that is in their Baxter homes or while they are conducting business within the City of Baxter.
Purpose: Communications equipment
Organization: City of Pillager
Description: $39,667.62 to purchase and install a standby generator system, a phone system, and office equipment. This equipment will improve response efficiency to ensure the safety of residents and visitors as well as improve communication among staff to be able to service the community more successfully.
Purpose: Waste management
Organization: City of Upsala
Description: $50,000 to purchase a pre-owned dump truck to improve sanitation for the city.
Purpose: Accessibility and safety upgrades
Organization: City of Randall
Description: $30,291.44 to improve handicap accessibility, employee safety and efficiency. Adds technology upgrades to city hall and Bingo Park Community Center.
Purpose: Hybrid meeting infrastructure
Organization: Morrison County
Description: $50,000 for technology enhancements to enable the seamless facilitation of hybrid meetings, accommodating both in-person and remote participants, thereby fostering greater inclusivity and efficiency in our operations.
Purpose: Health and safety improvements
Organization: City of East Gull Lake
Description: $50,000 to remediate potential health hazards at city hall, replace problematic equipment used by Public Works Department, and be put to use in other meaningful ways that will positively impact the community.
Purpose: Town hall renovations
Organization: Leaf River Township
Description: $40,635.21 for town hall renovations to make the building safe and ADA compliant for all to use.
Purpose: Technology and furniture improvements
Organization: City of Grey Eagle
Description: $47,964.58 for new computers and furniture for the city hall and maintenance equipment needed to perform the job duties of the city.
Purpose: Infrastructure improvements
Organization: City of Motley
Description: $47,889 to replace aging SCADA computer system ensuring the reliability of safe drinking water within the community, and for the purchase of a new snowplow and dumpbox to outfit a new city truck, enhancing their ability to maintain safe and clean streets year-round.
Purpose: Snow removal improvements
Organization: City of Verndale
Description: $50,000 to purchase a wheeled loader and snow pusher. Having this equipment will make snow removal much more efficient as the snow can be pushed into a pile instead of loading it into a truck and trailer.
Purpose: Roof and window replacements
Organization: City of Nisswa
Description: $50,000 for a new roof and window system to address ongoing water issues in the building. These improvements to city hall were made possible due to Sourcewell's Community Impact Funding program. The City of Nisswa appreciates partnering with Sourcewell to make projects like this possible!
Purpose: Community center upgrades
Organization: City of Burtrum
Description: $50,000 to enable significant upgrades and safety enhancements to the community center. This generous funding marks a pivotal step to better serving the community.
Purpose: City hall upgrades
Organization: City of Jenkins
Description: $50,000 for city hall upgrades. The renovation project will focus on safety, energy efficiency and improving accessibility. The city is thrilled and extremely grateful to Sourcewell for this funding, which emphasizes the importance in maintaining and improving the city’s ability to provide local government services.
Purpose: Street cleaning and snow removal
Organization: City of Clarissa
Description: $50,000 to purchase a skid loader along with a sidewalk sweeper, snow pusher, pallet forks, and dirt bucket for maintaining and keeping the city of Clarissa looking beautiful and safe.
Purpose: Communications upgrades
Organization: City of Pequot Lakes
Description: $50,000 to improve access to public meetings and information for residents by upgrading technology and equipment in the council chambers, conference rooms, and city offices. These upgrades will support the expansion of e-government services, making it more convenient for citizens and reducing administrative burdens. Additionally, the investment will contribute to improve health and well-being in the workplace, offer flexibility and remote work options, boost morale, and reduce employee turnover costs.
Purpose: A/V upgrades
Organization: City of Emily
Description: $48,573.98 for an upgraded A/V system for the city council chambers and the purchase of an electric sweeper and purchase and installation of a two-post hydraulic lift for the city maintenance shop. The awarded funding will allow the city to improve communications with the public and provide added safety for maintenance staff.
Purpose: Office technology
Organization: Wadena County
Description: $31,275 to enhance existing office technology. The funds will be used to build on an existing technology platform (Paycom) used by the county to reduce financial risk and add additional features to make the county more efficient.
Purpose: Ventilation and flooring
Organization: City of Fifty Lakes
Description: $45,520 for interior office safety and aesthetic improvements in city hall and technological upgrades to increase work productivity and security. A large portion of the funds will go towards upgrading the municipal bar’s ventilation system for clean, healthy air flow throughout the building and commercial flooring to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Purpose: Emergency siren updates
Organization: City of Staples
Description: $50,000 to update the emergency civil defense sirens in the city as well as adding one to the Dower Lake Recreational Area.
Purpose: Bathroom installation
Organization: Buh Township
Description: $27,267.90 to complete the installation of a full bathroom in the town hall. The funding was awarded to Buh Township by Sourcewell in Staples through the Community Impact Fund. The residents of Buh Township are grateful for the support of Sourcewell in making this project complete.
Purpose: IT improvements
Organization: City of Crosby
Description: $50,000 for IT and communication improvements at its facilities to increase its capacity of communication to maintain its high level of customer service while supplying better connectivity for community members. The improvements will facilitate improved communication among staff and members of the community.
Purpose: Signage updates
Organization: City of Browerville
Description: $28,928 for new electronic signage in the City of Browerville, a resource to share upcoming events and connect the public with community information and resources.
Purpose: Skid steer replacement
Organization: City of Sebeka
Description: $48,000 to replace skid steer with a New Holland L328 skid steer without placing an additional tax burden on residents, thanks to generous Community Impact Funding from Sourcewell.
Purpose: City building updates
Organization: City of Bertha
Description: $50,000 for needed updates in city owned buildings. These updates will be enjoyed by all who use the facilities in town.
Purpose: Technology updates
Organization: City of Hackensack
Description: $50,000 to update the city's technology and safety measures, improving efficiency in city departments and enhancing safety in city hall, on the streets, and in the community building.
Purpose: Material transfer
Organization: Ideal Township
Description: $50,000 to aid 12 cities and townships in the area by creating an efficient way to transfer materials without traveling the distance into Brainerd. The program keeps woodlands free of debris and helps the planet by using efficient recycling techniques. It has created employment and is self-sustaining as an entity within the township.
Purpose: Security enhancements
Organization: City of Royalton
Description: $48,105.31 to install a controlled access system to provide enhanced security of the city building and safeguarding of private and non-public data. Badge key cards will be implemented for authorized access to various areas by city staff, elected officials, and contractors. The system will provide accountability and traceability should an incident involving safety or fraud occur.
Purpose: Equipment and storage expansion
Organization: Crow Wing Township
Description: $50,000 to maintain infrastructure. Crow Wing Township’s equipment/storage garage expansion project will enhance our ability to provide and maintain good quality public roads.
Purpose: Sewer equipment
Organization: City of Walker
Description: $50,000 to purchase a Jetter. This award allows the sewer department to create meaningful impact for the City of Walker residents by having scheduled cleaning of sewer pipes, keeping them free of debris, roots, and other obstructions.
Purpose: Security and technology improvements
Organization: City of Osakis
Description: $50,000 to install security cameras at the city beach and city hall. Along with that, the computers at city hall and the police department will be getting a much-needed upgrade along with upgraded software. To help preserve the 88-year old city hall building, there will be tuck pointing done on the building.
Purpose: Building improvements
Organization: City of Breezy Point
Description: $50,000 for city council chambers/community room improvement project to better facilitate public meetings and overall public engagement with their governing body as well as improve the use of the space for private and community gatherings. As the city's sole polling location, the remodel will also greatly improve the facilitation of over 2,200 registered voters each election.
Purpose: Infrastructure improvements
Organization: Darling Township
Description: $41,883.90 to enhance facilities and technology infrastructure. From eradicating mold and upgrading structural elements to implementing virtual meeting equipment and improving landscaping, this initiative aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and comfortable environment for residents and government staff.
Purpose: Warning siren additions
Organization: City of Wadena
Description: $50,000 to improve and add outdoor warning sirens to provide full coverage to residents and visitors.
Purpose: Equipment purchase
Organization: Powers Township
Description: $50,000 to purchase a skid steer machine. This machine will clear rights-of-way for better visibility, perform spot repairs on public roads, remove snow around bridges and culverts, and handle storm damage debris removal within the township community.
Purpose: Town Hall improvements
Organization: Ponto Lake Township
Description: $40,000 to increase paved area around town hall. The Ponto Lake Town Hall serves as a meeting space, facility for local elections, and Air Link landing pad for emergency medical services. Increasing the paved area around the building not only creates a safer working environment for volunteer EMS workers, but also improves accessibility for all residents.
Purpose: Mental Health Impact Funds
Organization: Region 5 counties
Description: $500,000 to enhance mental health resources by developing and enhancing co-response and jail services throughout all counties in the region. This project will work closely with law enforcement and jail staff to reduce mental health crises by engaging individuals with needed services and resources to reduce barriers and increase not only mental health stability, but stability in other areas of an individual’s life.