In its 16th year, the Austin Area Foundation (AAF) made continued progress in giving grants to community nonprofits for added needs. These funds come from other community members who have a heart for Austin projects and needs.

At its November meeting, AAF approved several new grants to support area organizations.

“Austin Area Foundation is a home-grown grant-maker,” said Jeff Baldus, community foundation executive director. “This is people giving to people and AAF invests in our local students and nonprofits, supporting our community’s promising opportunities, and meeting some of our community’s pressing needs. This grant funding doesn’t come from one or two deep pockets but from many folks from the Austin area, who contribute small and large donations to build our community’s future.”

The community foundation distribution committee selected and the board approved the following:

• Austin Aspires – $900 for implementation of Junior Achievement Program

• Austin Community Band – $500 for summer music/concert series in the park

• Austin Symphony – $1,000 for partial sponsorship of “Out of This World”

• Cedar River Watershed District – $500 for outreach materials and ads to raise awareness of trout fishing

• First Congregational Church – $500 for a partial offset of speaking fees

• Freedom Fest 2020 – $1,500 to help fund Fourth of July Parade bands

• Friends of the Hormel Nature Center – $1,600 for planting a small orchard for cider classes and pollination

• Hormel Historic Home – $1,000 for transportation costs to and from HHH, snacks and activities

• Hot Meals on Wheels – $1,000 to pay for delivery of hot meals

• KAUS/Hy-Vee Feed a Family – $1,558 for food for the holidays

• LIFE Mower County – $1,000 to support second year of 4-H Adventure Club

• Matchbox Children’s Theatre – $1,000 to help with production costs

• Mower County Historical Society – $1,000 for assistance with upgrading one-room schoolhouse and buildings

• Neveln Elementary School – $1,000 for Matchbox Children’s Theatre tickets

• Northwestern Singers – $1,000 to help with set building for December show

• Pacelli Catholic School – $500 to assist with Eagle Bluff trip for grades 6-8

• Parenting Resource Center – $1,000 for the purchase of diapers and baby wipes

• Peer Power Partners – $1,600 for year-end team building activity at Eagle Bluff

• Rachel’s Hope – $1,000 for supplies and diapers for Earn While You Learn program

• Science Fair Mentoring Project – $1,000 to support Science Fair Mentoring Project at Southgate Elementary School

• Second Edition – $750 to offset costs for performing at area nursing homes

• St. Olaf Backpack Programs – $1,500 to provide supplemental weekend food for Austin children

• Summerset Theatre – $1,000 to assist with production costs of 53rd Season

• Welcome Center – $1,500 for the Taste of Nations event

• Workforce Development – $1,592 for community resource area seating upgrade and activity area

• Zonta Club – $500 to purchase and fill cinch bags for “More Than Pink” participants

All donations are welcome and people can contribute to any of the Foundation’s charitable funds, including the Austin Legacy Endowment Fund, its largest and broadest grant-making endowment.