Programs Funded by BASC
January - December 2026
BASC provides funding for community-based programs that align with two Board-established priority areas: Mental Health and Educational Success. In 2026, over $260,000 was awarded. We appreciate the efforts of each of these partner organizations.
Lincoln Elementary Social Worker
BASC partially funds the social work position at Lincoln Elementary School. The social worker serves students 1st through 3rd grade
Circle of Security Parenting
BASC fully funds this therapeutic parent education and support group. Circle of Security Parenting serves at-risk families with at least one child under age nine who are involved in past, present or at-risk of Child Protective Services. Led by licensed parent educator and mental health service provider, the program provides free transportation and childcare at no charge to participants. The format is open for new clients to start at any time. Families are referred primarily by Beltrami County case managers and Lake Country Associates.
Equine-Assisted Learning
BASC provides the funding for Bemidji Area Boys and Girls Club members in grades 6 through 12 to participate in Equine-Assisted Learning sessions during the summer of 2026. Eagle Vista Ranch & Wellness Center helps individuals gain self-confidence, trust, responsibility, and explore their future through the use of horses.
Law Enforcement Relationship Building
BASC funds weekly law enforcement visits with Club members grades 1 through 12 to foster relationships. Officers play games, share snacks, converse and get to know Club members.
Bringing Peacemaker Resources to Blackduck
BASC funds monthly, one-hour, developmentally appropriate social emotional learning (SEL) sessions delivered by Peacemakers Resources, along with ten Family Night Events designed to strengthen caregiver engagement and build positive connections between youth, families, and the community.
Individual and Group Skills
BASC partially funds individual and group skills; service plan development and reviews for students at Lakeside Learning Center.
Family Support Services
BASC partially funds the work of Evergreen’s Family Support Specialist, who provides coaching to families who are experiencing conflict or crises. Annually around 250 families access this service - provided at no cost to them.
Crisis Shelter and Services
BASC supports Crisis Shelter Stays and Services for at-risk youth who are in crisis but do not have a County Case Manager. Youth may be experiencing chemical or mental health issues; they may be overwhelming parent or guardian's behavior management abilities; or they may be exhibiting other behaviors that threaten their healthy development.
Unlocking Career Success
BASC partially funds Unlocking Career Success program. This program provides a bridge between postsecondary and career success with parents and students on how to navigate the road to success. This program serves Kelliher Public School District’s High School students.
Outreach Attendance Coordinator
BASC partially funds this initiative to address chronic absenteeism and support students in staying on track to graduate. The project focuses on Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade students through coordinated attendance monitoring and early intervention. By strengthening family partnerships and providing culturally responsive support, the program aims to improve engagement and graduation outcomes.
Bemijdi-School-Linked Mental Health
BASC provides support for school-linked mental health for students within the school building, removing the transportation barrier that many families face. North Homes serves a number of area schools.
Blackduck School-Linked Mental Health
BASC provides support for Blackduck students to receive mental health services within the school building, removing the transportation barrier that many families face.
Kelliher School-Linked Mental Health
BASC provides support for Kelliher students to receive mental health services within the school building, removing the transportation barrier that many families face.
Bemidji Middle School School-Based Mental Health Services
On-site mental health services to students who need additional emotional and behavioral support. Through therapeutic interventions, school collaboration, and family engagement, the program helps students develop coping skills, improve functioning, and succeed academically. By offering services within the school setting, the program increases access, reduces barriers, and supports student well-being.
Trek North Jr. & Sr. High School
Mindfulness Program
BASC funds Trek North to provide mindfulness-based services that support students’ stress management, focus, and emotional wellbeing. A certified mindfulness coach delivers brief weekly sessions to 6th grade students, offers voluntary individual sessions for grades 7–12, and provides group support for seniors preparing for life after graduation. This on-site program strengthens emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and builds resilience throughout the school year.
Blackduck School-Linked Mental Health
BASC provides support for Blackduck students to receive mental health services within the school building, removing the transportation barrier that many families face.
Kelliher School-Linked Mental Health
BASC provides support for Kelliher students to receive mental health services within the school building, removing the transportation barrier that many families face.
Bemidji High School
Link Leaders
BASC supports this initiative to strengthen student leadership, civic responsibility, and collaborative problem-solving at Bemidji High School. Through structured training, mentorship, and student-led events, juniors and seniors lead school-wide initiatives that improve school climate and support 8th and 9th graders as they transition into high school.
Additional 2026 Awards
Second Funding Round April 1 - December 2026
In Spring 2026, BASC conducted a second Request for Proposals (RFP) after additional funding became available. The following programs were awarded funding for the remainder of the 2026 grant period.
Bemidji Early Childhood Collaborative (BECC)
Movement in Play
Movement and Play (MAP) provides free, year-round, play-based sessions for children ages birth to five and their caregivers. The program promotes healthy child development, strengthens caregiver-child relationships, and connects families with early childhood resources.
United Way of Bemidji
Jacks United
Jacks United provides Bemidji Middle School students with confidential access to essential items such as hygiene products, clothing, school supplies, and food. The program removes non-academic barriers to attendance and learning by ensuring students have the basic necessities needed to succeed in school.
Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center (NWMJC)
Project Green Space
Project Green Space will expand the secure outdoor recreation area at the Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center to provide youth with more opportunities for physical activity, mindfulness, gardening, and cultural programming. The project promotes mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being by increasing daily access to safe outdoor green space.
Schackman Kramer & Associates
BHS School Mental Health
School Based Mental Health Services provides on-site, licensed mental health therapy for Bemidji High School students experiencing emotional, behavioral, or trauma-related challenges. The program increases access to timely mental health care, reduces barriers to treatment, and supports students' emotional well-being and academic success.
Red Lake School; District #38
Mental Health MTSS-Designing for Sustainability
The Red Lake Mental Health MTSS project is developing a sustainable, district-wide framework to coordinate and strengthen school-based mental health services. The project will improve access to supports, align services across providers, and establish systems to sustain mental health services through standardized procedures and third-party billing.
Minnesota Autism Center-Bemidji
Safe-Care Certification
MAC Midwest provides behavioral health services for children and adolescents with autism through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and related therapies. The program is expanding services in Bemidji to increase access for youth ages 2–21. BASC funding will support staff safety training to ensure safe, trauma-informed care.
Bemidji School District #31
McKinney-Vento Student Stability & Engagement Project
The McKinney-Vento Student Stability & Engagement Project provides individualized support, family outreach, and resource coordination for students experiencing homelessness, foster youth, and other at-risk students. The program helps remove barriers to school attendance, engagement, and academic success while strengthening connections between families, schools, and community resources.
Bemidji School District #31
Summer Bridge Program
The Summer Bridge provides school-based mental health services for high-need students during the summer to ensure continuity of care between school years. The program offers evidence-based individual and small-group interventions that promote mental health, resilience, and a successful transition back to school.