2008- 2009 Grants Awarded
Benton Telecommunications Foundation is pleased to announce the grant awards for 2008 & 2009. The grants awarded for 2008 totaled $116,357.72 and were given to 16 entities. The foundation increased its giving in 2009 with a total of $185,827.64 given to 28 local nonprofit and community organizations. The chart below indicates the funding per priority area.
2009 Grants Awarded:
Healthy Living
Milaca Elim Care & Rehab Center -- $15,000
Purpose: To purchase a van to transport residents to community events and appointments
Contact: Jay Rensenbrink, Director, 320-983-2185
American Cancer Society-- $20,000
Purpose: To fund cancer research, education and patient services in Benton County and the Midwest Region.
Contact: Kristina George, Community Relations Manager 320.229.7786
Opportunity Manor, Inc.-- $5,000
Purpose: To enhance the quality of life for OMI Foster Five residents with the purchase and installation of backyeard table and seats, retractable awning, and an aesthetic perennial flower garden.
Contact: Kenneth D. Gossett, Ph. D Director of Development
Quiet Oaks Hospice House -- $15,000
Purpose: To assist with the renovation of a cottage into a multipurpose space for bereavement, prayer, support groups, family gatherings and various related activities.
Contact: Joseph M. Bauer, R.N., Executive Director 302.255.5433
Birthline, Inc.-- $6,000
Purpose: To support The Stepping Stones program with the provision of relevant mentoring and educational opportunities for clients to carry child full term and improve physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Contact: Carrie Tripp, Executive Director 320.252.4150
Rum River Interfaith Caregivers -- $10,000
Purpose: To increase awareness and usges of the Caregiver Support Group, the Cancer Support Group and the Grief Support Group.
Contact: Tami Swanson, Executive Director 763.389.3762
Small Grant Awards:
Mille Lacs Family Services,
Family Services Christmas for Needy Families - $750
Local Congregations,
Defibrilators - $750
United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota -- $10,000
Purpose: For “Access to Technology” project to People with Disabilities Program.
Contact: Judy Moening, Executive Director 320-253-0765
Basic Human Needs:
Pearl Crisis Center -- $15,000
Purpose: To provide support basic services for abused people and children in a time of crisis.
Contact: Judy Pearson, Executive Director, 320-982-6902
Central MN Habitat for Humanity-- $20,000
Purpose: To complete two partially built townhomes for those
in need of affordable homes.
Contact: Bruce Johnson, Executive Director, 320.656.8890
Catholic Charities of Diocese-SC-- $5,000
Purpose: To cover expenses of meals served at the Sr. Dining Site in Benton, Stearns, Mille Lacs and Kanabec Counties.
Contact: Stephanie Hillesheim, Grants Specialist
CROSS Center of Benton County-- $15,000
Purpose: To update and repair roof and facility of food shelf.
Contact: Carole Mersinger, Executive Director
Small Grant Awards:
Mille Lacs County Family Services,
Foster Care Bags - $2,000
Benton County Family Services:
Foster Care Grants - $1,000
Communities Investing in Families:
Transportation Assistance - $1,000
Educational and Personal Development:
Junior Achievement of the St. Cloud Area -- $5,000
Purpose: To teach students in grades K-12 important economic and workforce concepts.
Contact: Ileana Merten, Executive Director, 320.255.8624
Small Grant Awards:
Memory Disorders Clinic,
Educational Program for Alzheimer Caregivers - $1,930
Independent Lifestyles, Inc.:
Training for Disability Awareness - $2,000
Immaculate Conception Church:
Educational Supplies - $1,000
Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota:
Seizure Smart School Program- $2,000
Faith Christian School:
Technology Equipment- $1,309
Community Development:
Initiative Foundation -- $10,000
Purpose: To build a coalition of community members to support children of incarcerated parents by providing incarcerated parents with quality education.
Contact: Linda Kaufmann, Sr. Program Manager for Children, Youth & Families 320.632.9255
Mille Lacs Search and Rescue -- $1,900
Purpose: To purchase life boat, part of 2008 award
Contact: Mike Hollman, Executive Director
Small Grant Awards:
Benton County 4-H Dairy Boosters:
Milking Parlor Upgrade- $1,000
Milaca Friends of the Liberty.:
Walkway to connect community with library - $250
Central Mille Lacs United Way:
Banners for project - $1,000
2008 Grants awarded:
Healthy Living
Rum River Life Choices -- $25,000
Purpose: To promote health education with the purchase of an
ultra-sound machine.
Contact: Ann Morrel, Executive Director, (320) 983-3771
Horizon Health Services -- $25,000
Purpose: To support the well being of veterans living with disabilities by supporting the purchase of an efficient and safe heating system in their living facility.
Contact: Bridget Britz, Executive Director , (320) 468-6463
Basic Human Needs:
American Red Cross -- $10,000
Purpose: To assist people who are in crisis due to disaster with immediate and direct services.
Contact: Beth Bromen, Executive Director, (320) 251-7641
Anna Marie's Alliance -- $25,000
Purpose: To advocate for the women and children who are in residence as a result of domestic violence.
Contact: Maxine Barnett, (320) 251-7203
Small Grant Awards:
Milaca Preschool, $500
Milaca Alliance Church, $2,000
Milaca Food Pantry, $1,050
Rum River Interfaith Caregivers, $2,000
Mille Lacs Family Services, $750
Educational and Personal Development:
Mille Lacs County Veteran’s Services -- $3,000
Purpose: To honor Mille Lacs County veterans and educate them about available services and benefits Veteran’s Appreciation Banquet.
Contact: Kathy Kraft, Veteran’ Service Assistance, (320) 983-8490
Small Grant Awards
Benton County 4-H, $2,000
Milaca Community Education, $1,000
Rice American Legion, $325.72
Community Development:
Mille Lacs Search and Rescue -- $18,480
Purpose: To purchase rescue and recovery equipment.
Contact: Mike Hollman, President (320) 291-5161
Small Grant Awards
Watab Township, $1,500
Rice Legion Auxiliary, $600