Austin Area Foundation is encouraging community non-profit organizations, schools and groups to submit applications for its upcoming grant distribution process.

Non-profit agencies and organizations have until Sept. 1 to submit applications. Each year, AAF awards grants to support a variety of local improvements and projects.

Applications can be found at the Austin Public Library, the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce or the Austin Area Foundation website, www.austinareafoundation.org.

A full list of past grant recipients and projects can be found on the foundation’s site as well.

2010 Grants

•Chamber of Commerce Access Scholarships: $500

•Mower County Humane Society (cages for cats): $600

•Dental Health Services (dental kits: $900

•Mower County Historical Society (multi-media screen, PA system): $750

•Hormel Historic Home (Autism Day Camp): $1,000

•Austin Symphony Orchestra (concert): $1,500

•United Way of Mower County (coat project): $600

•Salvation Army (family food): $1,150

Total: $7,000