Competitive community grants are a common element of community Foundations. The funds to support these grants come from annual donations, gifts made through a wills and estates, investment returns, and administrative fees.
Prior to 2012, community grants were limited to no more than $2,500 per request with an annual total given of $20,000. While this made an impact on local nonprofits, the Board of Directors wanted to do more. So, when the Foundation received an unrestricted gift through Wilmer L. and Beverly A. Larson Trust, the Board elected to boost the community grant program and put $25,000 more per year toward the competitive grant program and raise the maximum award up to $10,000 per request. To honor the Larson’s generosity, the community grant program was referred to as the Wilmer L. and Beverly A. Larson Fund in 2013.
Beverly and Wilmer owned and operated Wilmer Larson Construction. Together they loved the Winona community and wintering in Florida. The Winona Community Foundation became the beneficiary of the balance, residue and remainder of their trust. In it, they gave directions to establish a fund where the income and principal could be used at the discretion of the board of directors for the general benefit of the Winona area. The Board of Directors decided in 2012 to use $25,000 per year toward the competitive Community grant program until the gift is depleted, which has made a direct impact on local nonprofits and their immediate needs. This one of many ways to give through the Winona Community Foundation.
If you would like to find out how you can give through the Winona Community Foundation, please contact us!