$200,000 Question

What would be the best way to spend the gracious Bush Foundation gift of $200,000 in the Granite Falls area that would have the most impact?   That is the question the Granite Falls Area Community Foundation, along with an array of guests representing that community, struggled with on a recent Sunday evening.

The Bush Foundation has given the local Foundation a Special Projects Fund to be used in a way (or ways) that will address significant issues affecting the Granite Falls Area Community.

The group decided that the first thing they would do is ask the people who live here:  What would you do?  The plan is to have white boards circulating around the community for the purpose of providing individuals and/or groups an opportunity to write down their ideas.   In a trial run, a white board was stationed at the recent Health Fair at the KCC.  There were a number of ideas submitted; from improvements in our parks to economic development.

These white boards will be available for input over the next two-three months.  You can look for them at various events including school functions and community offerings.  It is also thought one could be placed on Main Street to catch some random thoughts.  If you have a group that would like to have a white board at one of your events, please let us know.  You can contact us though peg.heglund@gmail.com.

After the ideas have been generated, the Special Project committee will be analyzing the responses for themes or ideas that seem popular, and more importantly, able to make the most impact.  At that point, more information will be put before the community to find sponsors willing and able to bring those ideas to fruition.

We invite you to utilize this simple means of information sharing and give us your ideas.

Also, continue to watch for updates as this process continues through the summer and into fall.   You can find us on Facebook.