The Austin Area Foundation is encouraging community nonprofit organizations, schools and groups to submit applications for its upcoming grant distribution process.

Each year, AAF awards grants to support a variety of local improvements and projects.

The foundation is looking to grow on the record $19,000 given to 19 organizations for 2014 grants — up from $17,000 in 2013. More than $88,000 has been given to the Austin community through AAF grants since its first distribution in 2007.

Nonprofit agencies and organizations have until Sept. 1 to submit applications.

Applications can be found at Austin Public Library, Austin Area Chamber of Commerce or at the foundation’s website, www.austinareafoundation.org.

2014 Austin Area Foundation grants

•$1,000: Matchbox Children’s Theatre for “Wizard of Oz” production

•$400: Austin Community Band for Summer Concert Series

•$1,000: Austin High School Band for purchase of french horn

•$750: Children’s Dental Health for Happy Smiles kits

•$1,500: Austin Symphony Orchestra for mariachi band concert

•$500: Vision 2020 for graffiti-to-art program

•$500: Freedom Fest 2015 for festival events and activities

•$500: Southeast Minnesota Women’s Center for diapers (Rachel’s Hope)

•$1,000: Parenting Resource Center for healthy snacks and use of facilities

•$1,000: Welcome Center for items for personal care shelf

•$750: African Asian Refugee Agency for website

•$1,500: St. Olaf Backpack Program for purchase food to send home

•$1,000: Northwestern Singers for instrumentalists and carpenter

•$750: Austin Youth Baseball for clinic

•$1,000: Mower County Senior Center for healthy eating classes for seniors

•$1,500: Mower County Senior Advocacy for caregiver program

•$600: Habitat for Humanity materials for a Brush with Kindness

•$1,948: Jay C Hormel Nature Center for two kayaks and two paddles

•$1,802: KAUS, Hy-Vee for Feed-A-Family program