2020 Grant Recipients

The Thief River Falls Area Community Fund (TRFACF) recently awarded grants to three local organizations: the Thief River Falls Food Shelf, the Falls Diverse Abilities Corporation (DAC), and the Thief River Falls Pickleball Association.

These awards are in keeping with the goals of the fund, which are to support local activities that make the TRF area a better place to live and work.

The Food Shelf received a $5,000 grant. These funds will be used to support their ongoing services and secure additional resources to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The need for food has skyrocketed. We really appreciate this generous donation to the food shelf,” said Alecia Hunt, executive director of the Thief River Falls Food Shelf, “The need for food is astronomical. The combination of job losses and shortages has made hunger a major concern and a significant challenge for food delivery and sourcing.” The food shelf has seen a 50-70% increase in need over the last year.”

Falls DAC received a $3,000 grant. These funds will be used to support their critical programs and services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This community support is critical for this small nonprofit, and very appreciated during this uncertain time!” said Tammy Haugen, Falls DAC executive director. Haugen also stated that in normal times, Falls DAC would be requesting funds to carry out community inclusive activities or enhance program offerings or a number of positive avenues to improve outcomes for clients, but these are not normal times. Falls DAC is now enduring an abrupt halt of income from lost fees for services due to COVID-19. Now the most pressing challenge is surviving through this crisis and then adapting to the yet unknown new normal.”

Falls DAC recently celebrated 50 years of serving individuals with disabilities and looks forward to the many more years of service to come.

The Thief River Falls Pickleball Association was awarded a $2,000 grant. These funds will be used to support the development of a community outdoor Pickleball court.

“Pickleball is an up and coming sport in Thief River Falls,” said Natasha Reierson, executive director of the Thief River Falls Education Foundation, “The courts will be located at the Franklin Middle School where there is already a cement slab, water fountain and bathrooms. This will allow for summertime access for all ages to enjoy.”

Reierson also mentioned there is an active group of senior citizens who currently get together to play Pickleball indoors at the Armory, and Pickleball is taught to students at the middle school. These new regulation size courts will also promote tournament-style play opportunities for the community.

The TRFACF has replaced the United Way and provides grants to community organizations. The purpose of the fund is to support charitable, education and public purpose projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents in the Thief River Falls area.