During a critical time for getting services to older adults in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) awarded grants of $100,000 each to Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, Central Minnesota Council on Aging, Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging and Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging to assist with the efforts. MCF recognized the AAAs as ideal partners for getting needed help in people’s hands quickly and efficiently.
“Thanks to MCF for this opportunity,” said Jason W. Swanson, Executive Director of Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging. “We got the money turned around and into the communities almost immediately, and it filled critical gaps for people’s safety and well-being.”
According to Darla Waldner, Director of Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, “We were thrilled with the opportunities this grant provided to expand services in our communities. The funds assisted our families, friends and neighbors with nutrition-related services, technology and other related services.”
Central Minnesota Council on Aging received 48 applications totaling over $370,000. “The applications represented the amazing work our local partners are doing to keep older adults and their caregivers safe, connected, and supported throughout this unprecedented time,” said Lori Vrolson, executive director of the organization. “There continues to be a great amount of need in our communities.”
“Our job is to mobilize the philanthropic community in Minnesota to meet the immense needs growing out of the pandemic. We sought to deliver a high impact, coordinated response,” said Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Minnesota Council of Foundations.
MCF’s mission is to collectively advance prosperity and equity in the state of Minnesota. MCF currently connects, mobilizes and strengthens over 140 philanthropic partners within the sector, serving grantmaking organizations for 50 years. Members of MCF include family and independent foundations, community and other public foundations, corporate foundations and giving programs. Learn more at www.mcf.org.