The Blandin Foundation envisions rural Minnesota as a place that welcomes diversity, addresses injustice, and embraces change to foster a sustainable and equitable future. Its mission is to connect, fund, and advocate for ideas and people that inspire resourcefulness and move rural places forward.
The Small Communities & Rural Placemaking Grants aim to support projects focused on capital needs and planning for community, organizational, and program development that engage a broad section of the community, including underrepresented individuals. This grant program seeks to bring about positive, visible changes in small communities and improve placemaking efforts by increasing community engagement, enhancing community aesthetics and amenities, and preparing for future development. It focuses on projects that can increase the visibility of culture and arts, enhance civic engagement, and improve the quality of civic discourse. Eligible projects include community and public space improvement initiatives, arts and culture projects, and community planning initiatives, with a preference for those including arts and culture components. Typical grant awards range from $25,000 to $150,000 with a duration of up to 2 years.