Rural Leadership Boost Grants – Round 1 Awards

October 2022

Aitkin County

Promote economic development and tourism.   $40,000

City of Blue Earth

Support for the Blue Earth Welcoming Project.   $20,000

City of Cloquet

Community engagement for storytelling/placemaking to highlight Settler and Fond du Lac history and cultures.   $50,000

City of LaCrescent

Community planning and design phases for monuments, kiosks in downtown LaCrescent.   $60,000

City of Lanesboro

Promote economic development and tourism focusing on the winter months.   $50,000

City of Murdock

Community engagement to promote economic development and community growth.   $50,000

City of Pine City

Community engagement process to develop local assets (recreation, housing, food co-op).   $50,000

City of Roseau

Community engagement process to develop and manage an indoor recreation and wellness center.   $40,000

City of Wabasha

Wabasha Healthier and Happier Project focusing on the future of the community.   $50,000

City of Wadena

Host respectful conversations around issues of polarization.   $5,700

City of Worthington

Engage community in diversifying leadership in decision-making positions.   $50,000

CommunityGiving

Design and carry out a community visioning process for the Sauk Centre area following the pandemic.   $45,000

Eagle Bend Area Community Development Corporation

Community engagement to design a regional community kitchen.   $130,000

Friends of the Finland Community

Community leadership building and youth mentoring projects centered on Art of Hosting practices.   $32,400

Goodhue County

Focus on healing and trust around historical trauma in Red Wing and Prairie Island Indian Communities.   $81,000

ISD 206-Alexandria

Create a private/public partnership to address the child care crisis, centered on ACES principles.   $25,000

Lake of the Woods Economic Dev. Authority

Promote and revitalize the community of Baudette through community placemaking and entrepreneurship.   $17,750

LeSueur County

Support for a mobile food truck to support broad community engagement and youth in the more rural areas.   $130,000

Red Wing Downtown Council Main Street, Inc

Focus on healing and trust around historical trauma in Red Wing and Prairie Island Indian Communities.   $81,000

Renville County

Pilot community efforts to make the Renville County area a welcoming and inclusive place to live.   $15,000

Revive Virginia

Restore community cohesion and hope after the pandemic through gatherings and events.   $20,000

Saint Peter Good Neighbor Diversity Council

Leadership training for residents interested in civic engagement in a diversifying community.   $100,000

Spring Grove Economic Dev. Authority

Feasibility study for Spring Grove 2030 Initiative focusing on entrepreneurism and economic development.   $80,000

United Way of Otter Tail & Wadena Counties

Host monthly community meetings for leaders to discuss needs and opportunities in the area.   $10,000

We Got Your Back

Launch Community Resilience Project to promote kindness, respect and self-care in communities.   $100,000

West Central Initiative

Design and offer a leadership program for new and current residents in the Barnesville area.   $17,150

Total                 26 grants      $1,350,000