MINNEAPOLIS – March 22, 2004 — As part of its annual summer camp program, the Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation awarded 42 grants totaling $360,850 to organizations throughout Minnesota. Employees at grantee organizations identify youth, ages 10 through 15, who would benefit from residential camping experiences, assist youth and their families in the selection and preparation for camp, and award scholarships for camp fees and expenses.

In its sixth year of operation, the program has enabled more than 3,500 Minnesota youth to attend accredited camps of their choice. A recent program evaluation found the camp experience to be helpful to participating youth including increased in self-esteem and self-reliance, improved leadership skills and ability to make new friends, and reduced family stress.

Positive evaluation results prompted the foundation board to allocate an additional $100,000 to the program this year. These additional funds will allow the number of children supported to increase from an average of 700 campers (1999-2003) to an estimated 943 youth this year.

“Most grantees are social service and education organizations that view the scholarship funds as an important, positive, and value-added service to the youth and families they serve,” said Bill Pohlad, President of the Foundation. “As a family we appreciate the opportunity to partner with these organizations that have strong relationships with their clients.”

A complete listing of 2004 grantees is below.

The Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation is a private family foundation focused on improving the lives of economically disadvantaged families and children. The Foundation has awarded more than $25 million in grants since 1999.

Organization Name, City, Grant Amt