The Hormel Foundation approved over $34 million — a historic record — in grants and annual contributions in 2016 to benefit Austin-area organizations, including $25 million for a new recreation center, the largest single project donation in the foundation’s history.

The record is particularly significant since it comes during the foundation’s 75th successful year, said foundation officials.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of this community and to play a role in its development and growth” said Gary Ray, chairman of The Hormel Foundation. “When the Hormel’s created the foundation more than 75 years ago, they had an idea that the foundation, the company they created and the community they called home would support and help one another.

“That idea has been tested and proven time and again to the benefit of everyone who lives in, works in or visits Austin. This interlocking relationship is a center of gravity that pulls our community together and sustains our institutions, even while it lets them change to meet the changing needs of the community.”

The new community recreation center will be built at the downtown Austin Municipal Plant site and will feature an aquatic center, gyms, a gymnastics facility, workout rooms and a running track along with public spaces like an indoor playground, a Youth Activity Center and meeting rooms.

The board also approved grants of $8 million for its qualifying organizations including Austin Area Foundation, Austin Public Schools, Austin Scholarship Committee, Austin Salvation Army, Austin Community Growth Ventures, Cedar Valley Services, city of Austin, Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Riverland Community College, United Way of Mower County and the YMCA.

“We are excited for the many transformative projects that are either newly-completed or in various stages of development that will greatly impact and improve our community,” said Ray. “The choices our board makes are those to benefit people’s experience of living and working here and to help the Austin area’s economy grow and thrive.”

The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, a world- renowned cancer research center located in Austin, is the principal recipient of the Hormel Foundation’s annual contributions. Following The Hormel Foundation’s investment of $23 million for 20 new labs, the Ray Live Learning Center/Auditorium, recruitment and hiring of top scientists and a new CryoEM microscope, The Hormel Institute celebrated its second major expansion in eight years in June. The expansion is expected to bring 130 new jobs to Austin over the next few years.

“The Hormel Foundation looks forward to continuing to provide substantial support for the Institute’s incredible research, growth and success,” Ray said.

In 2016, The Hormel Foundation celebrates its 75th year. The Foundation has given $229.2 million to the Austin area in projects designed to serve and benefit all people in the community. Since 2000, 84 percent, or $196 million, has been distributed to the community.

In the past year the Hormel Foundation gifted $5 million for the new interpretive center for the Hormel Nature Center, a project that will be completed next spring. This center will bring enjoyment and nature conservation education to people of all ages in the community as well as serve as a destination site to bring visitors to Austin.

Ray said that there is already excitement brewing for new projects.

“We have several large projects on the horizon in 2017,” Ray said. “It promises to be an exciting year as well.”

The Hormel Foundation ranks fourth in annual giving among Minnesota’s largest community/public foundations and public charity grant makers, with those in the lead located in the Twin Cities, according to the Minnesota Council on Foundations. The Hormel Foundation’s contributions are a direct result from the dividend increases of Hormel Foods’ common stock — the foundation’s main asset.

“We continue to benefit from the strong performance of Hormel Foods,” said Ray. “The company reported its 14th consecutive quarter of record earnings and has a strong culture of innovation and industry leadership. That success is translated into projects and services that impact the lives of people in our community and around the world.”