Mission
To unlock the power of central Minnesota people to build and sustain healthy communities.


Who We Are
The Initiative Foundation exists for one purpose, to improve the quality of life in central Minnesota. At the core of our work is the belief that local people possess the talent, passion and ability to achieve a brighter future. Our programs and investments strive to give every person an opportunity to contribute to a shared vision and plan of action that strengthens community character and relationships.

The Initiative Foundation is an action-driven catalyst and convener, bringing people together to spark meaningful discussions and partnerships. Relentlessly focusing on assets (what we have rather than what we lack), our success depends on the integrity of a shared vision and plan, the development of capable leaders, and the emergence of dedicated volunteers. We measure our success through changed lives and tangible, visible progress.

Because quality of life is determined by many factors, and each community has its own assets and challenges, we intentionally pursue a broad spectrum of focus areas. We believe the following elements represent the most effective use of our resources to achieve long-term results:

• Leadership Training - Build the skills and confidence of established and emerging servant leaders as they guide their community or organization toward a shared vision and plan of action.
  
  
• Financial Investments - Nonprofit grants and business investments that advance the shared vision and plan, foster relationships, inspire volunteerism and generate local financial support.
  
  
• Staff Assistance - Provide ongoing support, encouragement and expert consulting to leaders and volunteers as they implement their shared vision and plan.
  
  
• Resource Referral - Connect leaders and volunteers to other sources of assistance and funding.
  

Our Core Values

• Our primary resources are local people who are inspired to invest their time, talents and assets.
  

• Collaboration, interdependence and partnerships among organizations, people and communities are critical to realizing a shared vision.

• Civic participation is the most precious component of an enlightened, healthy community.
  


• Success is multiplied by embracing diversity across age, class, culture and ability level.

• Creativity, innovation and risk-taking are essential for the discovery of new ideas.

• Endeavors must be fluid, responsive and readily adaptable to address ever-changing community concerns.

• A strong leadership organization must perceive and embrace its social responsibility to introduce, promote and defend pioneering ideas.

• Sustainability and long-term effectiveness are integral factors in weighing community initiatives and investments.

Our History
Created in 1986 by a partnership of local people and The McKnight Foundation, the Initiative Foundation is one of six Minnesota Initiative Foundations (MIFs) serving greater Minnesota. The MIFs were originally formed to address economic issues related to rural flight, poverty and downtown decline, which were prevalent during the mid-1980s.

Today, the MIFs work to make the six regions outside the metropolitan area stronger and more prosperous. Each foundation's priorities are decided by the people in its own region, with grants and loans supporting such issues as economic development, leadership development, community building, and families, youth and seniors.

> MIF Fact Sheet