OWATONNA — The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with Valspar Corporation, will be accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community restoration or beautification projects through the Picture-It-Painted grant program.

This grant opportunity is available to communities and nonprofit organizations throughout SMIF’s 20-county area. A goal of this program is to encourage local volunteer involvement in the painting process.

Applications are due to SMIF by March 3, 2014. Awardees will be notified March 24, 2014.

A total of about eight to 10 projects will be awarded paint products based on visual impact, public benefit, volunteer participation and support, intended use and benefit to those in need. Projects that may qualify for a grant include historic buildings or structures, senior citizen centers, community centers, libraries, other public buildings, murals or other visual-impact projects. Projects that do not qualify include churches, routine city maintenance, privately-owned facilities, non-permanent structures, or schools (with the exception of mural projects).

Since 1998, SMIF and Valspar Corporation have awarded more than 7,500 gallons of paint to more than 200 projects in southern Minnesota. Last year’s recipients in the region included projects in Adams, Albert Lea, Arlington, Caledonia, Dodge Center, Faribault, Mankato, New Richland, Northfield, Plainview, Pine Island, Saint Peter, Spring Grove, Winona and Zumbrota.

For more information or to apply visit our website at www.smifoundation.org and click on “Applications” or contact Jennifer Heien at 507-455-3215; jenniferh@smifoundation.org.