27
May
2022
|
20:37 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Local nonprofits, government organizations to receive funding

Leaders invited to vote on projects at Community Impact Funding Review Day

In just a few days, Sourcewell will award tens of thousands of dollars to area nonprofits and government organizations through its Community Impact Funding program. However, Sourcewell DOES NOT select the projects to be funded – local government and nonprofit leaders do!

Selected applicants will present their project idea to representatives from local nonprofit and government organizations, respectfully, who can then ask questions and rank projects for funding.

Voting is open to affiliates of local nonprofits and governments in the region, not just those with submitted applications. The programs with the most votes will go to the Sourcewell Board of Directors for final approval.

The media is encouraged to attend; however, an RSVP is requested.

 By the numbers:

  • This is the ninth year Sourcewell has awarded Community Impact Funding for local government and the fourth year for nonprofits.
  • To date, $3.8 million dollars have been awarded through Community Impact Funding.

 

Nonprofit Review Day

Date: June 8, 2022
Time: 9 a.m.12 p.m. Presentations and voting
           12-1 p.m. Lunch
Location: Sourcewell in Staples
Who: Staff, volunteers, and board members of nonprofit organizations in our five-county area of service (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties) are eligible to vote.

Projects for consideration:

Building Confidence and Employment Skills Together
Confidence Learning Center and Employment Enterprises Inc partner to 'Build Confidence and Employment Skills Together' for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities through an education system that focuses on employment skills. The skills learned with the hands-on education will prepare individuals to apply for job opportunities within their communities. The program will also focus on keeping individuals engaged for longer periods of time, so that once in the workforce they are well prepared.

Farm-to-Food Shelf Pilot Program
The Farm-to-Food Shelf pilot program is designed to provide nutritious, fresh produce to low-income families served collectively by the Lakes Area Food Shelf, the Pine River Area Food Shelf, and the Pine River/Backus Community Meal Program. Brakstad Farms, a highly regarded LOCAL hydroponic farm, will grow and deliver fresh produce for the families who rely on the program to feed their families. The pilot program will be shared with other nonprofits looking to develop local food sourcing for fresh produce.

Cass County Critical Home Repairs
Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity and Cass County Faith in Action are partnering to provide home repair services to qualified homeowners in Cass County. A combination of a grant and an affordable loan is made to the homeowner to cover the cost of the work. This program will serve low-income families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.

Building Healthy Fathers, Builds Healthy Communities
Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center, Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, and Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project are collaborating to equip men in the community to become great fathers and better role models. The agencies will offer Building Healthy Dads classes, providing five weekend events, and a year-round mentoring program for dads. By building healthy fathers, the program hopes to, in turn, improve the health of local communities.

Thriving in Nature: A Community Approach
The Northland Arboretum is expanding opportunities for community members to connect and thrive in nature by enhancing its outdoor curriculum. The arboretum is leveraging the power of Nature Network nonprofit partners to increase its impact. By encouraging individuals of all ages to form stronger bonds with nature, the arboretum hopes to significantly improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of the community. 

ACRE – AgriCulture/Rural Exploration Education
This project – a collaboration between Sprout MN and the North Central Economic Development Association – would aim to increase access to local foods in regional food deserts and inspire youth to pursue careers in agriculture through demonstrating regional innovations, providing internship opportunities, and facilitating their entrepreneurial potential, contributing to a lasting regional locally produced food system.

Central Minnesota Sunshine Network
Wellness in the Woods and Hilltop Regional Kitchen present the Central Minnesota Sunshine Network. This partnership will bring conversation and connection to people over 60 years of age. A weekly phone call, a card in the mail to bring warmth to hearts. Connecting volunteers across the community with people who appreciate a little support!

 

Local Government Review Day

Date: June 8, 2022
Time: 12-1 p.m. Lunch
           1-3 p.m. Presentations and voting
Location: Sourcewell in Staples
Who: Elected officials and staff of local government organizations in our five-county area of service (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties) are eligible to vote.

 

Projects for consideration:

Lexipol policy/procedures for Law Enforcement
A collaborative request by the Baxter, Crosby, Crosslake, Little Falls, Nisswa, and Wadena police departments. Lexipol is an empowering tool for first responders allowing them to serve their communities safely and responsibly. With the ever-changing world for first responders, Lexipol provides the most up-to-date laws, statutes, and legislative rules that are implemented into policy and procedure for law enforcement officers. This will help support the quality of life for community members and officers knowing they program is helping mitigate risk by educating officers on a regular basis. It also ensures policies are evidence-based and include best practices.

Lifesaving De-escalation Training Through Virtual Reality
The police departments of Breezy Point, Nisswa, and Pequot Lakes hope to partner with Sourcewell to bring a cutting-edge training system to the area. The virtual reality training system provides an immersive training environment for officers to practice responding to incidents involving mental health and persons in crisis, focusing on de-escalation techniques and tactics. The cutting-edge training will drastically improve the ability of local law enforcement officers to safely resolve highly volatile incidents and increase trust within their communities.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Day-of contact for this event is Sourcewell Regional Program Coordination Specialist Amy Piekarski.