Besides the Nature Conservancy grant, the Initiative Foundation also announced awards to other groups:

• South Central College will use a $20,000 grant for hands-on learning for 14- to 18-year olds interested in agricultural careers through a Farm in the City project in Mankato.

• Rushford’s Institute for Nanotechnology will use a grant of $20,000 to purchase an atomic force microscope and associated nanotechnology training.

• The Faribault Diversity Coalition received $15,000 for an energy generation and conservation project that will involve new immigrants in Rice County’s workforce.

• The Byron School District was granted $20,000 for a wind and solar energy feasibility study at the local high school.