The Austin Area Foundation donated $17,000 to the community last year, and the group is looking to donate more.

Grant applications for 2014 must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2014, or a postmark of the same date. Donations last year included:

—$1,500 to the Austin ArtWorks Festival for children’s activities.

—$500 to the Austin Community Band.

—$1,500 to the Austin High School music program for a new saxophone.

—$2,500 to the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

—$800 to Matchbox Children’s Theatre.

—$1,500 for happy smiles kits at Children’s Dental Health.

—$660 for a car repair clinic at Cornerstone Church.

—$1,500 to The Hormel Institute for Paint the Town Pink promotions.

—$1,500 to the Northwestern Singers.

—$540 to the Parenting Resource Center for video resources.

—$1,500 to St. Olaf Church for its backpack program.

—$500 to the Southern Minnesota Women’s Center for diapers.

—$1,000 to the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce for its July Fourth celebrations.

A search for Austin Area Foundation’s first executive director is also underway. The new executive director will be responsible for effective and economical donor development, operation of the agency and supporting strategic governance for the foundation. Professionals interested in applying may send cover letter and resume by March 1 to PO Box 6, Austin, MN  55912.  For more information visit www.austinareafoundation.org.