The Union Pacific Foundation is granting approximately $70,000 in 2012 to 21 Minnesota nonprofit organizations.

“Supporting these charitable organizations helps them continue to play important roles in improving the communities where our employees live and work,” said Robert W. Turner, Union Pacific senior vice president of corporate relations and Union Pacific Foundation president. “We are proud to make a positive contribution to building strong, sustainable communities across our railroad network.”

Union Pacific assists nonprofits in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

For more than 50 years, the Union Pacific Foundation has upheld the tradition of supporting community and civic programs. Grants benefit community, cultural, and health and human services organizations.

To apply for a 2013 grant, visit the Union Pacific Foundation website beginning May 1 and follow the online application instructions. The deadline is August 15.

The Freeborn County Fair was among one of the 21 other recipients to receive a Minnesota 2012 Union Pacific Foundation Grant.

The Union Pacific Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Union Pacific Corporation. The Foundation has distributed funds since 1959 to qualified organizations in communities served by Union Pacific. The Foundation is not endowed, but is funded each year from the operating profits of Union Pacific Corporation.