BEMIDJI, MN – June 26, 2008 – The Northwest Minnesota Foundation adopted new initiatives in 2008 to help develop Quality of Place by enhancing the region's natural, social, structural and economic assets through business financing, training, philanthropic services and grant making. Changes in programs will go into effect on July 1, 2008.

Recent grants awarded through NMF's Community Planning, Caring Communities and Natural Resource Programs have helped to improve communities, protect natural resources, assist children and seniors, and build the economy. These three grant programs will remain intact under NMF's next phase, but some features have been slightly modified to reflect recent regional and global issues.

• Community Planning Program
  • Places a stronger emphasis on planning for local parks and trail systems.
• Natural Resource Program
  • Invites projects that conserve and improve access to the natural amenities in the region such as prairies, forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers.
  • Supports development of renewable energy planning projects, value-added agriculture/forestry feasibility studies and community-based energy conservation plans.
• Caring Communities Program
  • Supports services for at-risk children and elderly individuals, expanded to emphasize projects that serve the entire family, including elderly individuals.

Pre-proposals are accepted at any time and reviewed regularly. As before, applicants are encouraged to contact NMF staff to discuss potential projects before submitting a pre-proposal. Applicants should know in about two weeks if their applications are invited for a full proposal or, if not invited, what other options may be recommended.

For more information please contact Jim Steenerson, NMF grants specialist, by telephone at 218-759-2057 or e-mail jims@nwmf.org.