Avon Hills Folk School Receives $160,000 Grant to Expand Community-Driven Programming
Avon, MN — May 5, 2025 — Avon Hills Folk School (AHFS) is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a $160,000 grant from the prestigious Minnesota Community IDEAS Program, administered by The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. This multi-year grant, generously supported by the Bush Foundation, will enable AHFS to expand its educational offerings, increase access to community-led programs, and continue to build and enrich community through traditional practices, craft, and art. AHFS was one of only 15 organizations selected from across the state of Minnesota.
With a mission that reduces isolation and builds connections across diverse identities, AHFS uses its rural 64-acre setting to host hands-on learning experiences that foster personal growth, skill-building, and collaboration. AHFS began in 2017 by offering classes in timber framing, ceramics, and leather working. Since then, it’s expanded its offerings to include youth programming and over 100 additional classes and workshops such as mushroom foraging, beekeeping, woodworking, paper making, fiber arts, glass mosaic, frame-drum making, black ash basketry and more.
The Minnesota Community IDEAS Program prioritizes organizations that drive significant, long-lasting community change, with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion. AHFS was chosen for its transformative work in providing a welcoming, inclusive space for traditionally underrepresented communities to learn, grow, and thrive. The Folk School’s innovative Timber Framing for FLINTA (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender) initiative, designed to offer trade skills to individuals historically excluded from the trades, is an example that directly aligns with the program's goals. A collaboration with Against The Grain, this initiative is a safe space where participants can build confidence, forge meaningful connections, and develop skills that empower them both personally and professionally.
As a part of the IDEAS program’s commitment to community-led initiatives, AHFS will ensure that its programs remain responsive to the needs and priorities of the communities it serves. The folk school consistently engages with marginalized groups, offering a platform for them to inform, shape, and lead their learning experiences.
The funding will be distributed over three years, with $100,000 allocated in 2025, $40,000 in 2026, and $20,000 in 2027. In addition to supporting AHFS's efforts to offer community-driven educational programming, the funding will enable AHFS to pursue growth in capacity of the organization and its facilities. .
The grant comes at a significant turning point for the folk school, having transitioned from an all-volunteer startup into a nonprofit with a growing staff, volunteer base, alumni, partnerships, and increasing audience of supportive community members all in only a few years. The funds position AHFS to explore opportunities that deepen and expand its work and help it provide a large social return on investment.
“We are thrilled and humbled to receive this grant at this time,” said Chris Schellinger, Executive Director of AHFS. “Given where the Avon Hills Folk School is on our journey means this grant has the potential to provide for transformational and foundational change, leading to long-term growth in our ability to build and enrich our communities. Our deepest gratitude to the St. Paul and Minnesota Foundation and especially to our many stakeholders and supporters: board and team members, instructors, community partners, volunteers and donors. We wouldn't be here today if not for your support.”