June 1, 2025 (Bemidji, MN) – The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations is seeking grant proposals for up to $2,000. The deadline to apply is Oct. 20.
The HC COLA Charitable Fund, a fund in the family of funds of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, will consider grant applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and community groups. The geographic eligibility area is Hubbard County and watersheds that impact Hubbard County.
The HC COLA Charitable Fund provides financial support for charitable and educational programs, projects, and activities that facilitate cooperation among member lake associations and to assist in encouraging environmentally sustainable use of lakes and watersheds that protect, preserve and enhance the quality of area lakes and their environs including funding for:
- Early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and aquatic vegetation surveys
- Research, studies or projects on water quality, and shoreland development, aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention, and disseminating information thereof to member associations and the general public.
- Developing and presenting guidelines concerning the development, and preservation of the rivers, lakes, shorelands and other lands to agencies of the government, business and private individuals in order to bring about appropriate action for the effective use of these valuable natural resources.
- Support of acquisition of property for sustainable public use, e.g. Conservation Easements.
- Support for the establishment of individual lake association educational and charitable funds.
- Other charitable and educational activities that support the HC COLA and associated lake associations.
To qualify for consideration, please refer to the HC COLA Charitable Fund Grant Application Guidelines found on the “Grants” page of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation website, www.nwmf.org. Requirements include clear goals and action steps for completing the project, and other criteria such as:
- Description of working relationship(s) with other partner(s) and/or funding sources.
- Evidence of an evaluation plan.
- For every $1 contributed by HC COLA Charitable Fund, applicant must match $1 toward the project. Matches can be comprised of volunteer labor, in-kind services, donated materials, and/or cash.
- The awarded funds must be spent in 2026, unless a pre-approved extension is granted.
The deadline for submission of proposals is Oct. 20. Funds will be awarded by June 1, 2026.
