MARSHALL — An area nonprofit is in the running for a big honor this year. This month, WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs (WRAP) announced that it has been named a finalist for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ 2025 Mission Award.

“We were honored to be nominated in the first place,” said WRAP Executive Driector Becci ten Bensel. “It’s really a big deal.”

WRAP helps provide needed services to abuse victims in Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood and Yellow Medicine Counties. In addition to providing direct service, WRAP also works to educate the public around issues like domestic violence in rural areas.

The Minnesota Nonprofit Mission Awards honor the contributions of nonprofit organizations across the state. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits said the awards have showcased nonprofits’ work since 1987. Awards are given in three different categories: Advocacy, Anti-Racism Initiative, and Innovation.

This year, WRAP is one of three finalists in the Advocacy category. The other two finalists are the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), and Solutions Not Suspensions (SNS), a coalition dedicated to ending racial disparities in school discipline.

Of the three Advocacy finalists, WRAP was the only organization based in a rural area, ten Bensel said.

“It’s an honor, and the (WRAP) team has worked really hard,” she said.

Voting for the Nonprofit Mission Awards runs from June 16-29, with award winners being announced later this year. Voting is open to staff and board members at Minnesota Council of Nonprofits member organizations. Members can cast their votes at the MCN’s website, https://minnesotanonprofits.org.