The Schmeeckle Foundation recently approved fourteen grants totaling $394,013 to support initiatives in Martin County, Minnesota. This now brings the total investment into Martin County by the Schmeeckle Foundation to over $5,500,000.

These grants support the Schmeeckle Foundation’s three core focus areas: early childhood care and education, serving the disabled and elderly, and promoting the arts. The Schmeeckle Foundation is a private family foundation serving Martin County, Minnesota. Its mission is to carry on the legacy of long-time Martin County resident, Juanita Ellen (Teubner) Schmeeckle, to provide grants for the betterment of Martin County.

The recent award recipients are:

  • $15,000 to Fairmont Early Riser Kiwanis/Project 1590 Fiscal Agent,  to build a new shelter on the west side of Cedar Creek Park.
  • $7,900 to Martin County Pheasants Forever for developing relationships and continuing to improve exposure of our youth to outdoor experiences and promoting conservation values for the future.
  • $130,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Martin and Faribault Counties for moving a house in Fairmont.
  • $15,000 to Fairmont Track Association/Project 1590 Fiscal Agent, for building mindfulness through the pole vault program by purchasing poles for the pole vault program in order to have a sufficient line of poles that will meet the needs of all athletes.
  • $5,000 to The Arc Minnesota for Self-Advocacy Project in Martin County.
  • $2,126 to the Ceylon Community Fire Association/Ceylon Area First Fiscal Agent for changing the emergency siren warning system from manual operation to automatic operation.  The alarm will be set off automatically whenever the Sheriff’s Department issues a warning for the community.
  • $25,000 to Vista Prairie at Goldfinch Estates to support installation and training costs for wearable CarePredict technology, providing significant care, recruitment and training benefits for Goldfinch residents and staff.
  • $6,404 to Helping Hands of Ceylon to refurbish the meeting room at Mondale Park in order to strengthen community spirit, provide an aesthetically pleasing place for recreational and learning activities, provide a place where new ideas can be explored and provide activities for children.
  • $3,200 to Imagine Martin for the Going Hog Wild Program and to promote awareness and tourism.
  • $28,331 to Martin County Substance Abuse Coalition for a countywide multi-pronged program to vaping prevention among youth.
  • $20,000 to The Shepherd’s In to be used for providing housing for the homeless.
  • $20,000 to Upward Bound 5th Street Express for renovation of clubhouse space used for people struggling with their mental health.
  • $71,052 to Fairmont Opera House to support programming to enrich cultural experiences.
  • $45,000 to Fairmont Area Schools/STEM & Robotics Lab/Project 1590 Fiscal Agent for updating the lab with new advanced manufacturing and engineering equipment with a goal of inspiring and educating the next generation of engineering and science leaders.“As one of the trustees of the Schmeeckle Foundation I am forever grateful to be a part of the legacy of Juanita Schmeeckle, who wanted her wealth to be used for the benefit of her home community.  I am always amazed to see and meet the many charitable organizations in Martin County, their volunteers who contribute so much time to the community and their projects to aid Martin County.  To reflect on over $5,000,000 that has been given to organizations to help blows my mind.  Thank you Juanita,” said Fred C. Krahmer, Schmeeckle Foundation Trustee.

    The Schmeeckle Foundation Grants are designed to support projects which are innovative, involve collaboration, and achieve sustainable, measurable results.

    For more information on Schmeeckle Foundation grants, visit schmeecklefoundation.org