January 13, 2006 - A fresh coat of paint can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of community structures, neighborhood facilities and parks. While adding to a sense of civic pride, this agreeable task is again being made very affordable. For the ninth consecutive year, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) announces the availability of free paint for community fix-up and restoration projects.

In partnership with the Valspar Corporation and the Minnesota Beautiful Picture-It-Painted Program, help will be given to towns and organizations to obtain the paint and other coating materials required for selected projects.

"The Picture-It-Painted Program has made thousands of gallons of paint available over the years, which has resulted in visual improvements all around the region," said John Ostrem, NMF president. "We're pleased to be working again with Valspar to help bring the Minnesota Beautiful project to our communities."

Awards of free paint, stains or sealants will be made by Valspar and NMF for restoration or beautification efforts that best meet eligibility criteria. Selection will be based on the visual impact of the proposed projects, potential advantages to the public, volunteer participation and support, intended use of the restored building, and benefit to underprivileged persons.

"Valspar is pleased to renew its commitment to northwest Minnesota," said Gwen Leifeld, Valspar Foundation manager. "Picture-It-Painted provides us with a way of reaching out to people in the region and making a visible impact on their public places and spaces. We look forward to partnering with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation to offer the program for another year."

Qualifying projects might include, but are not limited to, those involving historic structures, senior citizen and community centers, facilities for the disabled, publicly owned buildings, and murals or other visual-impact designs. Projects that would not qualify include those involving denominational churches, city maintenance, private properties, or school projects (except for murals).

Picture-It-Painted applications are due by March 1st, with awards announced on March 22nd.

"Many towns and organizations will compete for this chance to renew or preserve a community asset," said Ostrem. "We encourage all applications and appreciate the spirit shown for the projects." Download the application or call NMF at 218-759-2057 or 1-800-659-7859.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.