The Alliant Energy Foundation contributed $21,640 to nonprofit organizations in southern Minnesota communities in the first of three grant cycles in 2011.

The foundation provided community grants to nine charitable groups throughout Filmore, Freeborn, Hennepin, Martin, Ramsey and Watonwan counties. The grants ranged from $500 to $2,000 and were given to help fund a variety of community-based initiatives and projects.

“The Alliant Energy Foundation Community Grants Program annually provides grants to over 600 deserving nonprofit groups throughout our utility service territory,” said Tom Aller, Alliant Energy Foundation president. “We are pleased to support many charitable groups in southern Minnesota.”

The Community Grants Program focuses on contributing to a wide range of programs aimed at improving the quality of community life. Grants are awarded to support specific programs that address community needs and benefit a large number of people. The program emphasizes five primary areas of giving: human needs, education, culture and art, civic and the environment.

In 2010, the Alliant Energy Foundation contributed more than $3.5 million to charitable causes throughout Alliant Energy’s utility service territory with over $1 million of that total given via the Foundation’s Community Grants Program. The foundation was formed in order to help improve the quality of life — now and in the future — in the communities where Alliant Energy has a presence. Its programs reflect a commitment to play an active role in those areas and give back to future generations. Since its formation in 1998, the foundation has contributed more than $34 million to worthwhile projects and organizations.

List of recipients in southern Minn.

In Albert Lea:

Albert Lea High School

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce

Pelican Breeze Foundation

Freeborn County Fair

Other recipients:

City of Darfur

Martin Luther High School in Northrop

The Salvation Army Northern Division in Roseville

Chatfield Elementary School in Chatfield

Lutheran Music Program in Minneapolis