Mankato (KMKO)-A series of grants have been awarded to Mankato schools.  The grants from the Educare Foundation were awarded to Monroe Elementary School and Lincoln Community Center.  $500 will be used to purchase an online reading program for first graders at Monroe.  The school was also awarded $494 for a series of books to be used by fourth graders.  Lincoln Community Center received $200 to provide transportation so students can take field trips to local places to learn more about biology. To learn more about the monthly grants visit their website educarefoundation.org.