AACF Ruth McDonald Fund Grant

The Ruth McDonald Fund Grants are offered through the Alexandria Area Community Foundation, a regional affiliate of CommunityGiving. This foundation is dedicated to promoting health and wellness initiatives specifically within the Alexandria area, with a particular emphasis on addressing the health needs of residents experiencing poverty. The fund prioritizes projects that deliver impactful health outcomes, particularly those that improve public health education, promote nutrition, and reduce social isolation. Funding through the Ruth McDonald Fund can support both operational expenses and the launch or expansion of programs or projects. Grants are available exclusively to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities that provide services to residents of Douglas County, Minnesota. Award amounts range from $2,500 to $5,000. The foundation favors proposals that present innovative approaches to community challenges, especially those that demonstrate collaboration among nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, or citizen groups. Strong proposals are those that aim for sustainable, long-term community impact, build social connections across diverse populations, and support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Projects with high visibility and potential to inspire additional investment are also encouraged. Ineligible applicants include individuals, religious organizations applying for religious purposes, political entities or campaigns, and those seeking funding for scholarships, medical research, or travel and conference costs. The fund will also not cover annual fundraising drives, debt retirement, completed projects, or replace reduced or eliminated government funding. The application process begins with an online submission via the CommunityGiving Grant Management System. The Grant Advisory Committee will review applications and recommend funding to the Board of Directors, which will make the final decisions. All communication regarding the grant will be handled via email. Successful applicants will receive funding upon submission of an electronically signed Grant Agreement. A Final Report is mandatory, and a Progress Report may be required upon request. Applications open on May 1, 2025, and must be submitted by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Decisions will be communicated within 90 days following the deadline. For assistance with the application or the grant system, applicants can contact the foundation by phone at (320) 257-9715.