Austin Area Foundation

05/29/2026

Board Member in Action.

Our very own Joan Hanson was the guest speaker for the Noon Lions Civic Organization. She did a lovely job and entertained many questions from the group after she was done. The Mower County Senior Center is a vibrant and important asset in our community! Thank you, Joan!

05/25/2026

04/23/2026

One week left to apply for our scholarships. To learn more and apply online, click the link below.

Scholarship applications are now closed. Thank you for your interest. The Robert Justice Memorial Scholarship Purpose The Robert Justice Memorial Scholarship was established in 2026 by his family to honor his legacy and support student athletes. Bob was a life-long resident of Austin who had a long....

04/16/2026

.There is still time to apply for scholarships! Applications are open until April 30.

Apply at online by clicking the link below.

Scholarship applications are now closed. Thank you for your interest. The Robert Justice Memorial Scholarship Purpose The Robert Justice Memorial Scholarship was established in 2026 by his family to honor his legacy and support student athletes. Bob was a life-long resident of Austin who had a long....

04/11/2026

We had a great Saturday work session with the Austin Area Foundation crew! 💙

Our team continued refining our heart statement—capturing who we are and what drives our work—and also spent time working on our 3–5 year plan as we look ahead to the future.

And of course… no session is complete without the obligatory selfie 📸😊

03/27/2026

Scholarship applications are open. Visit https://austinareafoundation.org/aaf-scholarships/ to learn more about the scholarships we offer and apply.

03/23/2026

Austin Area Foundation Announces New Executive Director

Austin, MN (March 23, 2026) The Austin Area Foundation (AAF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Chel Page as its new Executive Director, following a search after current executive director Steve Barrett submitted his resignation with plans to retire.

Dr. Page will begin her role on April 1st, succeeding Barrett whose leadership has helped shape the Foundation’s role across the Austin area. She brings a strong background in leadership, community engagement and organizational development. The Board of Trustees says it is confident in her ability to build on the Foundation’s legacy while guiding it into its next chapter of impact and growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Page as our next Executive Director,” said Emily Toland, Board Chair. “She brings a deep commitment to community, thoughtful leadership and a vision that closely aligns with our mission. The Board is excited to partner with her as we continue to strengthen philanthropy to support meaningful initiatives throughout the Austin area.”

The Austin Area Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life throughout the Austin area through philanthropy, partnerships, and support for local initiatives. As Executive Director, she will work closely with the Board of Trustees, donors, and community partners to advance the Foundation’s strategic priorities and expand its impact.

“I am honored to join the Austin Area Foundation and to serve this community,” said Dr. Page. “I look forward to working alongside the Board, donors, and community partners to build AAF’s strong foundation and continue supporting and developing initiatives that make the Austin area a vibrant place to live and work.”

The Board extends its sincere appreciation to Steve Barrett for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the Austin Area Foundation and to grow its positive impact on the community.

For more information about The Austin Area Foundation visit www.austinareafoundation.org

03/19/2026

In case you missed the article in the Herald, we offer four scholarship opportunities this year! Learn more by clicking the link below. Please share this post and help spread the word.

Austin Area Foundation opens applications for four scholarships for Austin High seniors, alumni and Mower County residents and grads; apply online by April 30.