By Lori Ehde
The Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce received word this week that the community has been approved for another $157,000 grant from the Blandin Foundation.
The money represents Phase 2 of Luverne's involvement with the Blandin Community Investment Partnership, started two years ago as an offshoot of the Blandin Community Leadership Program.
Last year, Luverne was approved for $124,000 in Blandin money for three community priorities, which were identified in previous town meetings: prairie tourism, youth character and leadership and day care and after school programs.
Of the first grant, $18,000 was spent on developing "Touch the Sky Prairie," the 360 acres that were dedicated northwest of Luverne in September.
Day care hasn't panned out yet in the City Centre apartment building as planned, but $16,000 was spent on Family U and the rest of the $61,000 earmarked for day care and after school was carried over.
Finally, $44,650 was given to the reading mentorship program and youth character building at Luverne schools.
The city of Luverne acts as the fiscal agent for releasing funds, but a committee makes decisions on allocating the money.
The new $157,000 grant will again be divided among the three community priorities.
$86,000 will go toward several projects under consideration for prairie tourism.
$15,750 will fund scholarships for more families to utilize Family U.
$55,250 will go to the new Child Guide program, youth leadership programs and reading mentorships.
"This is really good news for us," said Chamber Director Dave Smith, "especially since now the program is on hold while they (Blandin) see whether it's really having an impact on communities. We're just thrilled to be part of it."
What is the
Blandin Foundation?
The Blandin Foundation was established in 1985 by the family who owned the Grand Rapids Blandin Paper Company in northern Minnesota.
The foundation was established for the express purpose of strengthening rural communities. With that purpose in mind, the foundation has sponsored more than 200 rural Minnesota communities in extensive Blandin Community Leadership Training sessions.
In 1998, 24 Luverne residents participated in that training, which provided skills and tools leaders need to address local concerns.
Two years ago the Blandin Foundation expanded its leadership training to include grant money for qualifying projects.
Luverne is one of only 12 Minnesota communities approved for the Blandin Community Investment Partnership, which operates around a mutual investment of both the community of Luverne and the Blandin Foundation.
