Initiative Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Initiative Foundation supports nonprofit sustainability, entrepreneurs, economic development, education and leadership in Central Minnesota.
FUNDING AREAS: Nonprofit sustainability, entrepreneurs, economic development, education, leadership
IP TAKE: This unique foundation awards about a million in grants each year and is locally accessible for first-time grantseekers.
PROFILE: Established in 1986 Initiative Foundation is a private foundation based in Little Falls, Minnesota. It has satellite offices in St. Cloud and Brainerd, Minnesota. Regional leaders and the McKnight Foundation created this foundation as one of six groups to serve the state. The foundation aims to "strengthen the economy and communities of Central Minnesota.” It funds local efforts for nonprofit sustainability, entrepreneurs, economic development, education and leadership.
The Initiative Foundation serves a diverse region that is made up of the St. Cloud area and Twin Cities metro ring counties, Brainerd Lakes area, two tribal nations and the rural countryside. It regularly provides support for the economy, businesses and jobs. These grants go towards business financing, workforce development, an enterprise academy and a fellowship. Community grants fund quality of life efforts and assist entrepreneurs with start-up businesses and support the next generation of leaders in the region. The foundation is supported by over 2,000 donors per year to make these grant programs possible.
Grants range between about $5,000 and $30,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Central Minnesota. It serves 14 counties in the region, spanning 12,000 square miles and 750,000 residents. Past local grantees include Bridges of Hope, the Cambridge Community College Center and the Cuyuna Range Youth Center.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits for certain opportunities. It uses an online application and typically has four application deadlines, which occur in February, May, August and November. Direct general questions to the staff at info@ifound.org or 320-632-9255.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
