At Open Your Heart, we use the word “impact” a lot. It’s built into the name of our Community Impact Grant program, and is the word we use to measure how your generosity transforms lives. But sometimes, it is the words of our Community Partners that have the greatest impact on us.
As part of our grant process, recipients share updates on how Open Your Heart’s funding made a difference for the people they serve. Recently, we received one such report from Feeding Our Communities Partners (FOCP) in North Mankato. Heather Bierer, Advocacy and Outreach Manager, shared a stark reminder: “As we meet more families through our outreach programs, we hear the same story again and again: ‘Things were fine until they weren’t.’ Rising medical expenses, housing costs, and food prices have caused more families to seek support, and our summer meal programs have grown faster than ever before.”
With Open Your Heart’s support, FOCP purchased two new refrigerators, expanding their capacity to properly store and distribute weekday meals. These refrigerators are essential to safely storing meals for volunteers to pick up and deliver to children at off-site lunch locations, which serve food-insecure youth who face barriers to accessing other summer meal programs. This investment will strengthen their ability to provide consistent, reliable nutrition to children during the summer months when school meals are not available.
So far this year, including FOCP, your investment in Open Your Heart has empowered 19 Minnesota essential needs providers with the tools to serve our neighbors with dignity. Whether it is a nourishing meal or creating a safe community where people are seen and known, your support doesn’t just fund programs—it makes a difference. Thank you!
The deadline for our next round of Community Impact Grants is August 28, 2026. For information on eligibility or to apply, visit our website HERE.
Upcoming Events: August
Coming Soon
OYH’s Summer Challenge wrapped up on July 31st, and we look forward to updates from the 75 participating Minnesota food shelves that joined our matching grant program. We cannot wait to show you the incredible impact of your collective generosity! Stay connected with our progress by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Grant Opportunities
Financial Literacy and Housing: Union Home Mortgage Foundation – Deadline of August 15
Community Involvement: Andersen Windows – Deadline of August 31
Community Grants: Midco Foundation – Deadline of August 14
Food, Housing, Education, Community-Building: Securian Foundation – Deadline of September 1
You’re Invited
Join us for an evening celebrating four decades of service! The evening will include a silent auction with unique items and experiences, the premiere of a new Open Your Heart impact video, drinks and appetizers, and lots of decade-themed fun!
Click HERE to get your tickets!