The Austin Area Foundation is conducting its annual appeal that seeks financial support to promote the work of the foundation through its endowment funds.

Foundation grants, given annually, provide additional support to causes such as free children’s dental health clinics, Matchbox Children’s Theatre, Cornerstone Church Single Mom’s Car Care Clinic, Austin Mountain Bike Team support, Habitat for Humanity and others.

Applications for grant requests are received each year by Sept. 1.

The AAF has three endowment funds:

•The Greatest Need Endowment Fund: An unrestricted fund to meet special funding needs.

•The Basic Needs Endowment Fund: Funds used to respond to significant community demands for food, shelter and other basic needs.

•The Austin Legacy Endowment: Benefits the people of Austin, through a grant process. In December, $21,000 in grants will be announced. Since 2007, the fund has provided for younger citizens through Rachel’s Hope; senior members through the Senior Citizens Center; arts organizations, sports teams and other groups improving the lives of Austin residents. A total of $101,000 has been granted from this fund.

Funds used are from interest earnings, not principal, from investments.

To make a donation and create a lasting legacy, contact: Austin Area Foundation, P.O. Box 6, Austin, MN 55912, or visit, www.austinareafoundation.org