Central Park Bandshell

The Owatonna Foundation announced its next grant application deadline as May 1, 2014. Owatonna-based nonprofit organizations that address one of the Foundation’s interest areas may apply. Applications and guidelines can be found at the Owatonna Foundation website or by contacting the Owatonna Foundation office at 507-455-2995.

The Owatonna Foundation, now in its 57th year of serving the Owatonna community, focuses its grant making in four areas: Recreation, Education, Arts, and Community projects. Unlike many other foundations, the Owatonna Foundation supports capital or “bricks and mortar” projects.

“Our focus on capital projects dates back many years,” according to Owatonna Foundation Board Chair David Einhaus. “Our Board feels that using funds in this way can make the biggest impact on our community. You only need to look around the community to see the result.”

Morehouse Bridge

Among the recreational projects supported by the Owatonna Foundation are the River Springs Water Park, the Press Box at the High School, Score Boards at the Soccer Field and Baseball Fields, the Brooktree Clubhouse, and, most recently, the Pickle Ball Courts at Morehouse Park. The Kaplan Woods Parkway was one of Owatonna Foundation’s earliest projects.

Additional projects have included support of the Owatonna Public Library expansion, the construction of the Homestead Hospice House, the Four Seasons Centre and the Central Park Band Stand, and improvements to the Owatonna Arts Center, the Little Theater, and barns at the Steele County Free Fair.

“It is hard to imagine what this community would look like without the projects that have been supported by the Owatonna Foundation,” says Owatonna Foundation Executive Secretary Suzy Meneguzzo. “Of course, none of it would have been possible without the generosity of donors from right here in Owatonna.”

The Owatonna Foundation raises, and spends, its funds in the community of Owatonna. “Owatonna has been remarkably fortunate.” according to Einhaus. “The people who make this community their home, who build their businesses here, have been so generous, not just to the Owatonna Foundation but to so many other efforts in the community.” Donors to the Foundation include individuals and businesses as well as estate gifts.

Owatonna Public Library

The Owatonna Foundation awards grants twice a year. May 1st is the first deadline of the year. Applications are also accepted through September 1st for the later grant round. More information about the grant application process can be found at the Owatonna Foundation website at www.owatonnafoundation.org or by visiting the Owatonna Foundation office at 108 West Park Square in Owatonna.