ABOUT PROGRAMS LEARN Home › About › Our Story Search Submit Image: Mr. Blandin pointing 1950 square Our Story Charles K. Blandin established the Blandin Foundation in 1941 to aid and promote Grand Rapids and the surrounding area. In designing the Foundation, Blandin emphasized flexibility to ensure it could adapt to changing times with an underlying philosophy that its work should lead to the “betterment of mankind.” The Blandin Foundation addresses issues to enhance the economic viability of rural communities and the well-being of residents. The Foundation’s management and Board of Trustees work diligently to ensure that Charles Blandin’s legacy is served through wise investment and progressive leadership programs, meaningful public policy engagement, and grant making. However, the legacy of Charles Blandin’s endowment truly shines when paired with the passion of individuals within these communities. For this reason, the thousands of rural Minnesota volunteers, social service professionals, business people, public officials, emerging leaders, families, educators, peers, seasoned and new voices, and others also represent the communities we serve. Learn More Our History Charles K. Blandin Schoolteacher, newspaperman, industrialist. Highlights from the life of Blandin Foundation founder C.K. Blandin. Charles K. Blandin Residuary Trust Stay Connected Sign Up for E-News Facebook Twitter YouTube Channel GroundWork Blog Broadband Blog Broadband YouTube Channel Utilities News Room Partner Directory Careers Media Files Site Map Web Policies Board Portal Login Contact Us 100 North Pokegama Avenue Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Map & Directions Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm Phone: 218-326-0523 Toll-free: 877-882-2257 More Contact Info ©2021 Blandin Foundation. Rights reserved. Website by Bicycle Theory.