The Bernick family started the Bernick Family Foundation to honor the legacy of its company founders by continuing the tradition of supporting organizations consistent with the family’s core values, while providing leadership in responding to emerging community needs.
A total of $200,000 will be granted throughout the seven Bernick service areas to approximately 8-10 organizations.
This grant is a 2 phase process:
- Short application must be submitted; the committee will review all applications and then invite approximately 15-18 organizations to complete the full application.
- Full application by invitation only.
Timeline:
- Accepting Short Applications: July 1- August 31
- Short application acceptance/denial to full application: After October 21
- Full application deadline (only those invited back): Mid November
- Award Announcements: Approximately January 15
What We Fund
Strategies:
- Capital projects
- New or expanded programs
Eligible Organizations: 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations, schools and government entities.
Eligible Geographic Area: The organization must be based in or serve one of the regions in which Bernick’s operates, including the areas in and around each facility location (see service area map/listing):
- Bemidji, MN
- Brainerd, MN
- Duluth, MN
- Waite Park, MN
- Willmar, MN
- Superior, Wisconsin
- Dresser, Wisconsin
To find out if your area is included, please see Bernick’s Service Area Listing.
Funding Amount Range: $5,000 – $40,000
Focus Areas: The Bernick Family Foundation supports two key focus areas:
- Youth and Education: Support of activities that help prepare students for future success in education and the workplace.
- Health and Fitness: Support of activities that address active lifestyles and well-being.
Favorable Considerations:
- Programs that are innovative or develop youth leadership skills, community involvement, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.
- Programs/projects that promote fitness, engage in recreation and/or responsible lifestyle.
What We Do Not Fund
- Annual fund drives and one-time benefit events,
- Endowments,
- Health research or nutrition,
- Operating expenses for government agencies,
- Religious organizations for religious purposes, or
- Projects that have already been completed or regranting to organizations not specifically named in the Bernick’s application.