Bernicks Beverages and Vending Fund Grants

The Bernicks Beverages and Vending Fund Grants are administered through a collaborative network of regional community foundations, including the Alexandria Area Community Foundation, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, Central Minnesota Community Foundation, and several others serving Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. These grants originate from the Bernick Family Foundation, which was established to honor the legacy of the Bernick family business founders. The foundation continues a tradition of philanthropic investment focused on community well being, particularly in areas aligned with its core values and responsiveness to emerging local needs. The purpose of this grant program is to provide financial support to organizations that enhance youth development, education, and health outcomes within the Bernicks service regions. The program prioritizes initiatives that prepare young people for future success in education and the workforce, as well as those that promote active lifestyles and physical well being. Funding is intended to support either capital projects or new and expanded programs, with a clear emphasis on measurable community benefit and youth engagement. The total funding pool for this grant cycle is up to 300000 dollars, which will be distributed across approximately eight to ten organizations. Individual awards range from 5000 to 40000 dollars. Funds may be used for eligible project expenses tied directly to approved initiatives; however, there are explicit restrictions. The program does not support individuals, political activities, religious programming for sectarian purposes, event sponsorships, endowments, debt retirement, completed projects, or travel related requests. Multi year funding requests are also not permitted, indicating that all supported projects should be scoped for a single funding cycle. Eligibility for this opportunity includes 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities that are based in or serve specific geographic areas where Bernicks operates. These include communities in and around Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Waite Park, Willmar in Minnesota, and Superior and Dresser in Wisconsin. Organizations must demonstrate that their proposed work directly benefits youth within these service regions. The program encourages applicants to consult with local foundation staff if there is uncertainty regarding eligibility prior to submission. The application process is conducted through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System. Applicants must complete and submit an online application during the open period. Following submission, a Grant Advisory Committee reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors, which makes final decisions. All communication regarding application status is conducted via email. Successful applicants are required to sign a grant agreement electronically before funds are disbursed, and they must submit a final report, with possible additional progress reporting depending on project scope. The application window for this grant cycle opens on August 1, 2026 and closes on September 30, 2026 at 1159 pm. Funding decisions are expected within 120 days following the application deadline. While no recurring schedule is explicitly stated, the structured annual style timing and defined application window suggest a cyclical offering. Applicants are encouraged to prepare materials in advance and ensure alignment with the foundations stated focus areas and funding priorities to maximize competitiveness.

Align proposals strongly with youth education or health outcomes; emphasize innovation, leadership development, and measurable community impact; ensure project is not previously completed