United Way of 1000 Lakes

United Way of 1000 Lakes United We Fight. United We Win.

United Way of 1000 Lakes draws together the efforts of people and organizations across the Itasca Area to work collectively on issues most strongly affecting child, family and community well-being. We focus on removing the barriers individuals face daily by supporting the building blocks to a good quality life – Education, Health, Income and Basic Needs.

The Itasca County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team is seeking volunteers age 18 and older to assist with ground, ...
09/08/2026

The Itasca County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team is seeking volunteers age 18 and older to assist with ground, water, and recovery missions throughout the county. Volunteers receive specialized training in search techniques, navigation, communications, first aid, and more. If you're ready for a challenging and rewarding way to make a difference, inquire about joining the Search and Rescue team today.

Arrowhead Transit is seeking volunteer drivers in Itasca County to help community members get to important medical appointments. Drivers use their own vehicle and must be 18+, have a valid license, clean driving record, and insurance. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.70 per mile.

Make a meaningful difference with the Essentia Health Hospice Team. Volunteers provide comfort and companionship to patients and loved ones through conversation, activities, errands, or simply spending time together. Volunteers can also help with office projects or support military veterans. Volunteers must be 18+, complete training, and can choose how and when they serve.

Hero's Heart Rescue is seeking caring volunteers to help animals find safe, loving homes. Opportunities include fostering, transportation, fundraising, socializing animals, and helping with cleaning and care. Whether you have a little or a lot of time, your support makes a difference!

Spark curiosity as a Museum Play Agent at the Children's Discovery Museum of Grand Rapids Minnesota! Volunteers help children and families explore hands-on exhibits, art activities, and play. Help open the Dino Dig, guide visitors, and prepare activities. If you’re creative, energetic, and enjoy working with kids, volunteer for a Saturday of fun and discovery!

Ready to make a difference? Visit volunteer.uwlakes.org to explore current opportunities and create your volunteer profile today.

Itasca, you’ve shown up BIG!Thanks to your generosity—and the hard work of our volunteers—we are ready to distribute 400...
08/27/2026

Itasca, you’ve shown up BIG!

Thanks to your generosity—and the hard work of our volunteers—we are ready to distribute 400+ backpacks filled with school supplies to area students tomorrow!

There’s still time to be part of Stuff the Bus!

🎒 Have supplies to donate? Bring them to Yanmar Arena through Thursday, Aug. 27.

🙌 Want to volunteer? Join us Thursday from noon–5 p.m. at Yanmar Arena.

💙 Want to make a financial gift? Every $25 helps provide school supplies for a local student returning to the classroom. Donate at https://uwlakes.org/donate.

Together, we’re helping local children start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn—one backpack at a time!

🎒 What's inside a Stuff the Bus backpack?It's more than school supplies—it's everything a student needs to start the sch...
08/20/2026

🎒 What's inside a Stuff the Bus backpack?

It's more than school supplies—it's everything a student needs to start the school year prepared.

Each backpack is customized to a student's school and grade level and may include:

📓 Notebooks
📁 Binders
✏️ Pencils & pens
🖍️ Crayola supplies
🎧 Headphones
✂️ Scissors
🧴 Glue sticks
🎨 Watercolor paints
…and more!

For just $25, you can sponsor one fully stocked backpack for a local student.

💙 Sponsor a student today: uwlakes.org/stuff-the-bus

📣 2027 Community Impact Grant Applications are Open!Local nonprofits and current funded partners are invited to apply fo...
08/19/2026

📣 2027 Community Impact Grant Applications are Open!

Local nonprofits and current funded partners are invited to apply for $2,500–$15,000 in unrestricted funding to strengthen programs and impact across the Itasca area.

A few things to know:
📊 Data matters: Applicants will select strategies and metrics that reflect program outcomes.
💡 Funding is flexible: Grants may support operations and program delivery.
🤝 Review is community-driven: Proposals are reviewed for alignment, equity, impact, systems improvement, and operating capacity.

⏰ Initial Proposals are due Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m.

Learn more, access the Grant Resource Toolkit, and apply at uwlakes.org/grants.

🙋 Volunteers make Stuff the Bus possible!Join us August 25–27 at Yanmar Arena and help local students head back to schoo...
08/10/2026

🙋 Volunteers make Stuff the Bus possible!

Join us August 25–27 at Yanmar Arena and help local students head back to school prepared and confident.
Choose the volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule:

📦 Tuesday, August 25
Drop-Off & Prep Day

🎒 Wednesday, August 26
Backpack Packing Party

🎉 Thursday, August 27
Backpack Pick-Up Day

Volunteer shifts are approximately 2 hours, and individuals, families, businesses, and community groups are all welcome!

Can't volunteer? A $25 donation sponsors one backpack for a local student.

Sign up today: volunteer.uwlakes.org

5 Volunteer Opportunities in AugustUnited Way of 1000 Lakes is gearing up for another successful Stuff the Bus school su...
08/08/2026

5 Volunteer Opportunities in August

United Way of 1000 Lakes is gearing up for another successful Stuff the Bus school supply drive, and volunteers are needed to help local students head back to school with confidence. Community members are invited to volunteer at Yanmar Arena in Grand Rapids on August 25–27 to collect and sort school supplies, pack backpacks, and prepare them for student pickup. Volunteer shifts are fun, hands-on, and open to all ages—making this a great opportunity for families, coworkers, community groups, or individuals to make a lasting impact.

Support Within Reach is seeking caring volunteers to provide hope and reassurance to clients during difficult moments. As an on-call Advocate, you’ll answer calls from home, offer compassionate support, and help connect individuals with the resources they need. Comprehensive training and ongoing staff support ensure you’ll never be alone in this important role. Just two shifts per month can make a lasting difference in someone’s journey toward healing. This opportunity is ideal for compassionate individuals interested in serving others and strengthening our community.

United Way of 1000 Lakes is looking for community volunteers to serve as grant reviewers and help guide local investments that strengthen our region. Volunteers review funding requests from area nonprofits, participate in thoughtful discussions, conduct site visits, and make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors. This meaningful opportunity offers a chance to develop leadership skills, learn more about local nonprofits, and play a direct role in improving our community.

Support the by volunteering to sell raffle tickets at the Itasca County Fair, August 20–23. Volunteers are needed for convenient three-hour shifts to help raise funds for a Wizard of Oz-themed miniature golf course that will be built on the museum’s outdoor property. The goal is to sell 3,000 raffle tickets at $20 each. Your time will help bring a fun new destination to life for families across the community.

Be part of the excitement at by volunteering on Saturday, August 22, at Portage Park in Cohasset. Volunteers are needed to direct runners along the course, assist at intersections, and support finish line activities as participants complete the half marathon and 5K. It’s a fun, high-energy way to support a community event and encourage runners as they cross the finish line. Sign up today and help create a memorable race-day experience!

🚌 The new school year is just around the corner, and Stuff the Bus backpack registration is now open! Through Stuff the...
08/06/2026

🚌 The new school year is just around the corner, and Stuff the Bus backpack registration is now open! 

Through Stuff the Bus, parents, guardians, teachers, and youth support staff can register eligible K–12 students attending Deer River Public Schools ISD #317, Grand Rapids Area Schools, Greenway High School, Vandyke Elementary School, Northern Lights Community School and Hill City School ISD #2 MN. Registered students will receive a backpack filled with the grade- and school-specific supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn.

🎒 Backpack Pick-Up Day
🗓️ Thursday, August 27, 2026
⏰ Noon–5:00 p.m.
📍 Yanmar Arena (1401 NW 3rd Ave, Grand Rapids)

Can't make it to pick-up? No problem. If you're unable to attend, student backpacks will be delivered directly to their school during the first week of school.

👉Learn more and register today at: uwlakes.org/stuff-the-bus

🦷 Summer Smiles For Kids Day is coming up on Thursday, August 13 at Anderson Family Dental.Open to all children ages 17 ...
08/05/2026

🦷 Summer Smiles For Kids Day is coming up on Thursday, August 13 at Anderson Family Dental.

Open to all children ages 17 and under (pre-registration required), each visit includes a FREE preventive dental exam and cleaning.

📞 Reserve your child's spot today by calling 218-245-1278.

We're grateful to Anderson Family Dental for partnering with United Way through our Dental Collaboration to help expand access to dental care for children across our region. Together, we're helping local kids build healthy smiles and the confidence that comes with them.

Did you know just $25 can provide a local student with a backpack filled with the supplies they need for the school year...
08/04/2026

Did you know just $25 can provide a local student with a backpack filled with the supplies they need for the school year?🎒💙

📚✏️ When you sponsor a backpack through Stuff the Bus, you're doing more than purchasing school supplies.

✨ You're giving a child the confidence to walk into school prepared.
❤️You're helping reduce financial stress for local families.
📖 You're investing in a brighter future for our community.

Whether you sponsor one backpack or several, every gift helps local children start the school year prepared for success.🙌

✅Donate today at uwlakes.org/donate and help fill a backpack with
possibility! 🎒✨

📣 Now Open: 2027 Grant Cycle!United Way of 1000 Lakes is now accepting Initial Proposals for the 2027 Community Investme...
07/31/2026

📣 Now Open: 2027 Grant Cycle!

United Way of 1000 Lakes is now accepting Initial Proposals for the 2027 Community Investment Grant cycle.

Organizations serving the Itasca area are invited to apply for programs that align with one of our impact pillars:

💙 Ready Kids, Resilient Families
💚 Family Financial Stability
❤️ Healthy Minds & Bodies

Before applying, visit our Grant Applicant Hub to review the timeline, eligibility, evaluation criteria, reporting expectations, FAQs, and download the Grant Resource Toolkit.

📅 Initial Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.
🔗 Learn more and apply: uwlakes.org/grants

Address

350 NW 1st Avenue, Ste A
Grand Rapids, MN
55744

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm

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