Redwood Area Communities Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $355,267 in grants (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by program (Orrin S. Estebo Foundation has quarterly deadlines)
• Grant Range: $7,500 - $92,729 (typical awards)
• Geographic Focus: Redwood County, Minnesota and organizations within 10-mile radius (zip code 56283)
• Total Assets: $17.7 million (2023)

Contact Details

Address: 200 S. Mill Street, PO Box 481, Redwood Falls, MN 56283

Phone: 507-637-4004

Email:

• General inquiries: pat@radc.org
• Grant programs: programs@radc.org

Website: www.radc.org/redwood-area-communities-foundation

Overview

The Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF) was established in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity to serve Redwood County, Minnesota residents and organizations. With over $17.7 million in assets across more than 35 designated funds, RACF supports civic, charitable, benevolent, educational, and cultural purposes throughout the region. The foundation works closely with the Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC) to improve quality of life for local communities. In 2023, RACF awarded $355,267 in grants to local initiatives and distributed 89 scholarships totaling $30,300, while supporting 195 students through interest-free loan programs. The foundation has experienced significant growth, with assets increasing by 293% from 2022 to 2023 and more than 500% since 2020. RACF earned a Four-Star rating (95%) from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong financial health and commitment to transparency.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Orrin S. Estebo Foundation The Orrin S. Estebo Foundation is a designated fund within RACF offering grants for capital projects and community initiatives. Applications are reviewed quarterly with deadlines on February 2, June 1, and October 1. Grants over $20,000 require unanimous board approval.

Scholarships RACF administers multiple scholarship programs for local students, awarding 89 scholarships in 2023 totaling $30,300. These include the Grefe Scholarship Program and various special interest funds.

Ehlers Student Loan Fund The Martin & Winifred Ehlers Student Loan Fund provides interest-free loans to students living in or attending school in Redwood County who are pursuing higher education. In 2023, 195 students received support through this program. The application deadline is typically in early May.

Priority Areas

• Education: Scholarships, student loans, support for public school districts, and educational programs
• Civic Projects: Community development initiatives and civic organization support
• Public Services: Programs serving residents across Redwood County
• Economic Development: Business and community growth initiatives
• Community Service: Youth activities, mental and physical health programs
• Arts, Culture & Humanities: Cultural programs and arts initiatives
• Capital Projects: Infrastructure and facility improvements for nonprofit organizations
• Veterans Support: Programs benefiting local veterans
• Technology: Advancing technology access in the area

What They Don't Fund

The Orrin S. Estebo Foundation (one of RACF's grant programs) explicitly excludes:

• Pre-existing debts or budget deficits
• Operating funds
• Fundraising activities
• Private education (pre-K-12)
• Government entities
• For-profit businesses
• Political organizations or campaigns
• Religious organizations for sectarian purposes
• Private entities

Governance and Leadership

Chairman: Don Yrjo serves as Chairman of the Redwood Area Communities Foundation Board of Directors.

Don Yrjo has stated about the foundation's impact: "The groups benefited by RACF include different spectrums across the board, from youth to senior citizens and the healthy to those in need."

The board of directors is comprised of volunteers from member communities throughout Redwood County. RACF works in partnership with the Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC), which provides administrative support and staff services to the foundation.

Key Staff Contact: Pat Dingels at RADC serves as a primary contact for foundation inquiries and can be reached at pat@radc.org or 507-637-4004.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Orrin S. Estebo Foundation Grants

• Contact programs@radc.org or call 507-637-4004 to request an application
• Applications must include nonprofit status verification documentation
• Submit applications before the project begins
• Applicants may make one request per 12-month period
• If denied funding, must wait 12 months before reapplying
• Grant recipients must report back on how funds were used

Ehlers Student Loan Fund

• Applications available through RADC
• Must demonstrate academic ability, leadership in school, civic and extracurricular activities, need for funds, and moral character
• Loans are interest-free with repayment terms that enable future students to access the same opportunity

Scholarships

• Contact RADC at 507-637-4004 for information about available scholarship programs
• Multiple scholarship funds are administered through RACF with varying eligibility criteria

Decision Timeline

Orrin S. Estebo Foundation: Applications are reviewed quarterly with decisions made following the three annual deadlines (February 2, June 1, and October 1). All board decisions are final.

Ehlers Student Loan Fund: Applications are typically due in early May with decisions made prior to the start of the academic year.

Other Funds: Decision timelines vary depending on the specific fund. Contact RADC for information about specific programs.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. In 2023, RACF made 5 grant awards from available data, though the foundation administers over 35 funds with varying application volumes.

Reapplication Policy

For the Orrin S. Estebo Foundation and similar grant programs:

• Organizations may submit one request per 12-month period
• If an application is denied funding, the organization must wait 12 months before reapplying
• Requests for project funds must be submitted before the project begins

Application Success Factors

Geographic Eligibility is Critical

RACF focuses specifically on Redwood County residents and organizations, or those within a 10-mile radius. The Orrin S. Estebo Foundation restricts funding to zip code 56283. Ensure your organization's address clearly demonstrates eligibility.

Timing Matters

Applications for project funds must be submitted before the project begins. This is a strict requirement - retroactive funding is not available. Plan ahead and submit applications well in advance of your project start date.

Nonprofit Status Required

Most grant programs require verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Have your nonprofit verification documentation ready when applying. For-profit entities, private organizations, and government entities are not eligible for most programs.

Capital Projects Favored

The Orrin S. Estebo Foundation specifically prioritizes capital projects for nonprofit organizations. Infrastructure improvements, facility upgrades, and tangible community assets align well with funding priorities.

Demonstrate Community Benefit

As stated by Chairman Don Yrjo, RACF serves "different spectrums across the board, from youth to senior citizens and the healthy to those in need." Applications should clearly articulate how the project benefits diverse community members across Redwood County.

Financial Stewardship

For student loan recipients, the foundation emphasizes that "paying back of the loan is of vital importance since when a loan is paid back it enables future students in the area to have the same opportunity." This philosophy extends to grants - demonstrate responsible fiscal management and sustainability.

Selection Criteria for Student Programs

The Ehlers Student Loan Fund Board evaluates applicants on academic ability, leadership in school, civic and extracurricular activities, financial need, and moral character. Student applicants should provide comprehensive information about their involvement and achievements.

Avoid Excluded Categories

Do not apply for operating funds, debt repayment, budget deficits, fundraising, or private K-12 education. Focus applications on specific projects or capital improvements that create lasting community benefit.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic focus is non-negotiable: Your organization must serve Redwood County or be located within a 10-mile radius. For Orrin S. Estebo Foundation grants, address must be in zip code 56283.

• Apply before starting your project: Retroactive funding is not available. Submit applications well in advance of project commencement.

• One application per year: Organizations can only submit one request per 12-month period, so make it count. If denied, you must wait a full year to reapply.

• Capital projects are prioritized: Infrastructure, facilities, and tangible community assets align best with RACF's funding approach, particularly for the Orrin S. Estebo Foundation.

• Quarterly deadlines provide multiple opportunities: With three annual deadlines (February 2, June 1, October 1), you have flexibility in timing your application submission.

• Strong community partnerships matter: RACF works closely with RADC and member communities. Demonstrating collaboration with local organizations and alignment with community priorities strengthens applications.

• Asset growth reflects community confidence: RACF's assets have grown 500% since 2020, indicating strong community support and expanding capacity to support local initiatives. This growth suggests increasing opportunities for funding.

References

1. Redwood Area Communities Foundation official page - Redwood Area Development Corporation. https://www.radc.org/redwood-area-communities-foundation (Accessed February 6, 2026)

2. Orrin S. Estebo Foundation Grant Information - Redwood Area Development Corporation. https://www.radc.org/redwood-area-communities-foundation/orrin-s-estebo-foundation (Accessed February 6, 2026)

3. Ehlers Student Loan Fund - Redwood Area Development Corporation. https://www.radc.org/redwood-area-communities-foundation/ehlers-student-loan-fund (Accessed February 6, 2026)

4. Redwood Area Communities Foundation Inc. - Cause IQ Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/redwood-area-communities-foundation,363611923/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)

5. Redwood Area Communities Foundation Inc. - Charity Navigator Profile. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/363611923 (Accessed February 6, 2026)

6. Redwood Area Communities Foundation Inc. - GuideStar Profile. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/36-3611923 (Accessed February 6, 2026)

7. Redwood Area Communities Foundation Inc. - Foundation Directory Online (Candid). https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=REDW007 (Accessed February 6, 2026)

8. Support Redwood Area Communities Foundation Inc - GiveMN. https://www.givemn.org/organization/Redwood-Area-Communities-Foundation (Accessed February 6, 2026)