Avon Hills Folk School Receives $160,000 Grant

(KNSI) – The Avon Hills Folk School has been given a big boost thanks to a $160,000 grant.

The 64-acre campus sits in a natural valley with the Spunk River. The grounds host several educational programs for adults and kids. Executive Director Chris Schellinger called the funds a huge shot in the arm for the eight-year-old facility. “We are still a young, emerging organization, and we are really, really excited about this. We are growing a lot the last couple of years, and it comes at a really good time to help us to continue that momentum.”

The cash will be doled out over three years. Schellinger explained to KNSI News how the money will improve the folk school by allowing it to hire more helping hands. “What I often say is, we’ve got a lot more hats than heads to wear them. And so, we end up having to wear a lot of hats. We’re spread pretty thin sometimes. As well as developing and delivery programming and possibly some facilities improvements as well.”

The folk school was awarded the funds by the Minnesota Community IDEAS Program, administered by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

Learn more about the school’s mission and programming by clicking here.

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