Guided by our five-year strategic plan and focus areas, the Initiative Foundation awards about $1 million annually in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, governments and schools that serve residents within our central Minnesota service area. Regardless of circumstances, we cannot provide grants to individuals or businesses.

• Help communities plan for and address opportunities or barriers to economic development, including transportation, childcare, affordable housing, financial literacy, and sustainable energy.
• Organizations engaging and serving vulnerable children and families, particularly those working to help meet basic needs and improve family financial conditions.
• Support training programs for at-risk and displaced workers that lead to employment or advancement in growing industries.
• Help small businesses survive and grow through access to consulting services, mentorship and education efforts provided by nonprofit entities.
• Help communities explore improved efficiencies through shared services with nearby local units of government or public-private partnerships.

We require that all grant seekers review the information on this website and our complete grant guidelines, then submit a short, online grant inquiry before preparing a full application. Inquiries are accepted on an ongoing basis and are generally reviewed within 14 days upon receipt. 

Grant seekers should apply for grants well in advance of their desired project timeline. Applications may require up to 90 days for a final decision.

We are sensitive to the fact that not everyone is a professional grant writer. In fact, some of our most successful grants are written by community volunteers. If you are visiting our site as a first-time grant seeker, you may wish to visit the Minnesota Council on Foundations for helpful tips on preparing a successful grant application.