The legacy of Charles K. Blandin stems from a childhood marked with deep poverty, hard work, progress, business success and more. It's a life story that culminated in a deep relationship with Grand Rapids, Minn., the community that was both home to the paper mill that bore his name as well as the place to which he was personally committed.

Upon his death, Mr. Blandin wished that his considerable and hard-earned assets be used to perpetuate the betterment of rural communities, especially the Grand Rapids area.

Reflecting the significant growth from his original endowment over decades, the Blandin Foundation today is focused on strengthening communities throughout rural Minnesota (and still especially in the Grand Rapids area). The Foundation works toward healthy communities grounded in strong economies, where benefits and burdens are widely shared.

The Foundation's local giving area encompasses Itasca County communities -- Bigfork, Blackduck, Bovey, Calumet, Coleraine, Deer River, Grand Rapids, Hill City, Keewatin, Marble, Nashwauk, Northome and Taconite.

However, thousands of rural Minnesota volunteers, social service professionals, business people, public officials, emerging leaders, families, educators, peers, seasoned and new voices, and others are the communities we serve. We recognize that it is only when paired with the passion of community members that the true legacy of Charles Blandin's endowment shines.

Each year, the Foundation's board of trustees conducts learning tours. It has most recently visited southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Minnesota; the documents below provide background about Blandin Foundation activities in these regions. Such tours give trustees and staff the opportunity to learn firsthand the successes and challenges of rural communities.