Grants of $40,000 to Central Minnesota groups supporting special needs programs

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation awarded $40,000 to eight local organizations to support special needs services and programs for boys and men, with awards to Sartell Area Lions, WASCOSA, True Friends, and ConnectAbility of MN among others.

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) has awarded $40,000 in grants to eight area organizations. The awards are designated for projects that improve accessibility, provide adaptive equipment, and support programs for boys and men. Recipients include nonprofits working on facility improvements, therapeutic services, and assistive-technology access. CMCF has administered charitable funds for the community since 1985. Awarded grants: - $10,000 to Sartell Area Lions for an ADA restroom and shelter. - $8,400 to WASCOSA for the Lift and Connect Adaptive Equipment Project. - $7,500 to True Friends for Therapeutic and Adaptive Riding for children with developmental and physical disabilities. - $4,100 to ConnectAbility of MN for its 2026 Access to Assistive Technology lab initiative. - $2,500 each to Rivers of Hope (Men Moving Forward), The Yes Network (workshop series for men and teen boys), United Way of Central Minnesota (Community Mentorship: Fostering Resilience in Young Black Men), and What Would Bri Do dba Bri's Lodge (Healing Through Loss: Grief & Postvention Support for Boys and Men). Summary: The awards provide targeted support for accessibility, adaptive services, and programs addressing challenges facing boys and men in Central Minnesota. Undetermined at this time.