Students attending BOLD High School in Olivia are experiencing extra support at school this winter thanks to grants made by the Bird Island-Olivia Community Foundation. The foundation granted a total of $6,075 in fall 2024, including $2,500 for the Care Closet.
The new Care Closet is stocked with items that students need but might not have access to at home due to financial constraints. When students don’t have to worry about basic needs, they can focus on their schoolwork, making friends and enjoying school.
“Our REACH students wanted to help our school, and they came up with a way to help all students. They created the BOLD Care Closet that has clothing, hygiene supplies, food and school supplies. This was made possible by a grant from the Bird Island-Olivia Community Foundation. Now every student has the opportunity to come to school and have their needs met,” said Katie West, 5-12 Interventionist and REACH teacher at BOLD schools.
“The impact grants have on students and teachers is beneficial. Teachers can stay up to date with new programs and ideas without having to worry about the financial burden. When students see the efforts their teachers are making for them, it will push them to try harder. The more engaged everyone is, the better they will do,” Kayla Hirschman said.
Kayla has been a local advisory board member since 2022. She enjoys giving back to the community her family lives in and knows that keeping dollars local to support initiatives strengths the Bird Island-OIivia area.
Since inception, the local foundation has granted more than $132,000 to help meet opportunities and needs in the area communities. Grants awarded have supported local schools, athletics and extracurricular activities, Corn Capital Days, the Bird Island Cultural Centre and more.
“Awarding grants to our community is a great way to show community members that they are supported. To be able to support local projects and know that community members’ dollars helped them succeed is a great feeling,” Kayla said.
Our network of 31 community foundations supports passionate people with the resources to make positive change. A team of local advisory board members guides each community foundation by fundraising, recommending grants, telling stories of good work happening locally and promoting their town.
Give Where You Live
Support your local community foundation or another fund that benefits a cause you care about close to home. See a full list of our partner funds in southwest Minnesota.
