Renville County Receives $15,000 Blandin Foundation Leadership Boost Grant

Renville County will use a $15,000 Blandin Foundation Leadership Boost Grant to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the county. Leadership Boost Grants were launched to encourage Minnesotans living in rural and Tribal communities to be visionary and creative as they move their communities forward after two years of snowballing challenges.

“The last two years of complex crises have taken a toll on leaders across rural Minnesota,” said Sonja Merrild, director of rural grantmaking at Blandin Foundation. “In times like this, of great challenge and opportunity, the resilience and fortitude of rural people and places shines through. Yet, we recognize the critical need for more resources to move small communities from where they are to where they want to go.”

“Renville County staff have been focused on how to increase our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace,” said Lisa Herges, Renville County Administrator.  “This funding opportunity with Blandin will help us implement that goal and share strategies with other organizations in our community.”