Every year, R.D. Offutt team members nominate local charities through the Offutt Family Foundation’s Community Builder grant program. This year, after a record-breaking number of nominations, the foundation awarded $409,400 to 59 organizations.
The program puts decision-making in the hands of people who live and work in our communities, supporting the causes that matter most to them. Through these grants, the foundation aims to make meaningful impact in three key areas: education, healthcare and community development.
This year, seven R.D. Offutt Farms team members had their nominated charities selected. Meet the organizations they chose, and see how these Community Builder awards are helping strengthen their communities.
Belgrade Fire & Rescue Department | Brooten, MN | Brett Schuerman
The volunteer Belgrade Fire & Rescue Department serves Belgrade and surrounding townships, providing both emergency response and public safety education. With support from its Community Builder grant, the department will purchase a LUCAS mechanical CPR device to deliver consistent chest compressions during extended rescues, freeing up personnel to focus on patient care and transport. This new equipment will enhance emergency response and help save valuable time when every second counts.
Bertha-Hewitt School District #786 | Wadena, MN | Jonathan Robbins
Bertha-Hewitt’s Farm to Table Foods and meat-cutting program gives high school students hands-on experience in growing, processing and safely preparing food. With support from its Community Builder grant, the school will renovate a workspace, install a three-bay sink and add equipment to expand real-world learning in food production. For this small district, where many families live at or near the poverty line, the program helps students build practical skills, explore agricultural careers and strengthen the local food system.
City of Hastings Fire and EMS | Becker, MN | Tom Heyn
The City of Hastings Fire and EMS Department provides combined fire suppression and advanced medical response across Hastings and surrounding townships. With support from its Community Builder grant, the department will fund ALERRT coordinated response training and purchase ballistic vests to better protect first responders during high-risk calls. These resources will enhance safety for both responders and community members when emergencies occur.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | Jen Maleitzke
At the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Farm at the Arb connects visitors of all ages to Minnesota’s agricultural story through hands-on learning. With support from its Community Builder grant, the Arboretum will enhance the R.D. Offutt Farms potato plot with updated signage and equipment and expand its apprenticeship program and events like Potato Farm Day. These efforts help raise agricultural literacy, build appreciation for Minnesota-grown food and inspire the next generation of food-system leaders.
Northern Light Opera Company | Park Rapids, MN | Debra Bannerman
Northern Light Opera Company brings professional-quality theater, workshops and creative learning opportunities to Park Rapids and surrounding communities. With support from its Community Builder grant, the company will purchase supplies, costumes and materials to continue offering high-quality performances and educational programs through its Workbench initiative. A cultural cornerstone in the region, the theater draws audiences from across the area, supports local artists and helps residents of all ages connect through the arts.
Niobrara Valley Pheasants Forever | Atkinson, NE | Natasha Gentele
Niobrara Valley Pheasants Forever promotes wildlife conservation and outdoor education across Holt County, Nebraska. With support from its Community Builder grant, the chapter will host its annual youth mentor hunt, providing equipment, training materials and volunteer support for students ages 11 and up. The event pairs young participants with experienced mentors to teach firearm safety, outdoor stewardship and a lifelong appreciation for conservation.
Pine Point Community Council | Park Rapids, MN | Joel Steffel
Pine Point Community Council partners with Northern Light Opera company to produce NLOKids: a program that gives youth on the White Earth Reservation meaningful opportunities to explore theater, build confidence and develop communication skills. With the Community Builder grant, the program will purchase a trailer for transporting sets and props and a portable microphone system, making performances more accessible across Pine Point, Park Rapids and Mahnomen. Each show brings families and elders together to celebrate youth achievement and strengthen community connection through storytelling.
