Grant Guidelines, Eligibility
New Technology Partnership Streamlines Grant Application Process Starting in January 2021
The Initiative Foundation is pleased to announce a new partnership with Foundant Technologies to transition its grant making software starting on Jan. 1, 2021. We know you will appreciate the new system and its ease of use.
To make the transition, all current and future Initiative Foundation and Partner Fund grantees will need to create a new account. To learn more about the registration and account creation process, watch our video.
View Open Grant Opportunities APPLY/LOGIN
(The "View Open Grant Opportunities" button is a preview only.Potential grantees must create an account and login to apply for a grant.)
Learn More
Reference these tutorials to guide you through the account setup and application process:
Reports on Past Grants
If you have a final report due on a past grant, please log into our legacy grantmaking system. We will use our legacy system for final reporting on existing grants during the first half of 2021. All future reporting will transition to our new system by mid-year.
2021 Innovation Fund Guidelines
The Initiative Foundation makes grants through its Innovation Fund for projects and programs that advance our mission to empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.
Innovation Fund grants primarily support start-up or capacity-building projects across the 14 counties of Central Minnesota. Applications to the Innovation Fund are accepted on an ongoing basis, with quarterly awards made through a competitive review process.
2021 Review Schedule
Application Deadline: | Notification of approval or denial: |
Feb. 3 | Feb. 28 |
May 5 | May 31 |
Aug. 11 | Aug. 31 |
Nov. 10 | Nov. 30 |
Eligibility
We seek to make strategic investments during critical phases in an organization's history and to be a catalyst for innovative and bold ideas, approaches and initiatives. Therefore, past recipients of funding should not necessarily assume that they will receive funding every year.
Grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts or local units of government that serve the people and communities in Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena and Wright counties, and the portions of the sovereign tribal nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe which lay within these counties. Funding requests for use outside of this geography will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funds.
Innovation Fund grants seldom exceed $5,000. We typically receive many times more applications than we can fund, so our process is highly competitive. Priority consideration is given to projects that have local financial support. The Initiative Foundation also strives to allocate our grant resources around our entire region, so geographical diversity is a consideration in our review. Applicants are encouraged to contact one of our program officers—Don Hickman or Zach Tabatt—to discuss proposal design and fit prior to submitting an application.
Proposals that focus on at least one of the following areas will be given priority consideration:
- General operating support for nonprofits addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cost share for projects intended to create behavioral change associated with combating racism, and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Advancement of creative activities or strategies to address workforce shortages and/or re-training by those displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Support for strategic planning, fund development, board training or other capacity building initiatives for nonprofits that advance economic security for vulnerable households and financially disadvantaged people.
- Projects responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in one of our region’s three communities which are home to large meat processing facilities (Cold Spring, Melrose and Long Prairie).
- Support for local and regional community and economic development entities advancing early-stage feasibility or pilot projects.
The following expenses are ineligible and will NOT be considered for Innovation funding:
- Grants or reimbursements to individuals and businesses.
- Expenses incurred prior to the receipt of a grant award.
- Capital expenses (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles, etc.).
- Programs or projects that DO NOT directly benefit residents in the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service area.
- Replacement of or substitution for government funding.
- Religious activities.
- Lobbying or campaigning for a candidate, issue or referendum vote.
- Development or purchase of school curriculum or support for school athletic programs.
- Out-of-state travel.
Once you’ve confirmed that your project fits within the guidelines, you can select the "Apply/Login" button to create an account, complete an eligibility quiz, submit an application, review your application history and submit grant reports.
Additional Grant-Supported Opportunities
In addition to the Innovation Fund, the the Initiative Foundation has two other paths to award grants.
- Partner Funds: A significant share of Initiative Foundation grantmaking is funded by donor-advised or community-based Partner Funds. View priority areas for each fund and their granting schedule. Each of these funds has specific priority areas and varying grant schedules.
- Program Grants: The Foundation makes a limited number of discretionary grants related to specific localities within the region, or specific high-priority program activities. Current examples include grants to pilot communities in partnership with First Children's Finance to improve access to economically sustainable, quality, affordable childcare; grants on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Education to support young children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; and support to the city of Becker and Sherburne County as they prepare for decommissioning of the Sherburne County coal-generation facility and associated loss of the community’s primary tax base.
Additional Grant-Funded Programs
- Nonprofit Development Programs: Programs provide organizations with training on business topics and fund development to strengthen long-term resiliency. Learn more here.
- Initiators Fellowship: A two-year program providing a suite of supports to Greater Minnesota early-stage social entrepreneurs leading change in their community. Learn more here.
- Enterprise Academy Program: A training program for minority and income-eligible entrepreneurs. Learn more here.
Questions?
The Initiative Foundation strives to treat applicants with courtesy and respect. Staff members are sensitive to varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourages open communication with applicants needing additional assistance.
For assistance, please contact us:
Email:
Mail: 405 First Street SE, Little Falls, MN 56465
Phone: (320) 632-9255 or toll free (877) 632-9255
Staff support typically is available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Staff members are currently working remotely. Calls to the Initiative Foundation’s office will be forwarded to the appropriate person and will be answered in the order in which they are received.
Current Grantees: Financial Reports
The Financial Report Form is for organizations currently receiving a grant. Once completed, refer to the provided instructions for next steps.
2020 Grant Highlights
4th Quarter 2020 Grant Highlights
- Central Lakes College Foundation—General Operating Support: $1,000 in support of liberal arts and technical educational opportunities in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This grant is awarded to commemorate Charles Black Lance’s (Central Lakes College) service on the Initiative Foundation's Board of Trustees.
- Funders Network for Smart Growth & Livable Communities—2021 Annual Membership: $2,000 for membership fees for this organization that promotes smart growth and livable communities.
- Community Growth Fund, Inc.—Local Child Care Solutions: $10,000 to support creative and economically sustainable solutions to the child care shortage in Long Prairie. Long Prairie is a participant in the Child Care Solutions program funded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
- Sherburne County—Clean Transportation Electric Car Project: $4,000 to explore opportunities to partner with the Minnesota Department of Transportation's programs to support clean transportation options. This grant is funded in part by the McKnight Foundation's Climate Change program, in recognition of the economic impact of the pending decommissioning of the Sherburne County coal generation facility in Becker.
- Stearns County Human Services—Stearns County Latinx Community Outreach: $5,000 to help Stearns County assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Latinx workforce in Cold Spring and Melrose, and to develop culturally appropriate outreach and responses based on this information.
- Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Education Association—Virtual Career Exploration Experience: $7,500 to launch a virtual career exploration experience for area high school students. This new, interactive website would showcase local industries and careers through engaging online activities and simulations, videos and 360-degree, clickable photos. All relevant local career information will be available in a free, secure setting.
- Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce—Cuisine Cash Gift Certificate Program: $10,000 to encourage the purchase of gift certificates to local restaurants that were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in the Brainerd Lakes-area. A portion of proceeds were given to Bridges of Hope in Brainerd.
- City of Cold Spring—Hospitality Industry and ROCORI Area Food Shelf Support Program: $5,000 to partner with the Economic Development Authority on a gift card promotion to support local restaurants that were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions with a share of proceeds going to the ROCORI Food Shelf.
- Walker Area Food Shelf, Inc.—Gift Cards to Area Restaurants For Families In Need: $5,000 to partner with the Leech Lake Chamber of Commerce to purchase gift cards from local restaurants that were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions and donate the cards to food insecure households.
- Long Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce—Buy Local & Greater Good Giving Campaign: $3,000 to support a buy local campaign where some of the funds supported local food shelves during the holiday season.
The below nonprofits received $5,000 for successful competition of the Nonprofit Academy program. Each nonprofit will use the funds to implement the ideas they generated during training.
- Jugaad Leadership program, St. Cloud
- Promise Neighborhood Central Minnesota, St. Cloud
- Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization, St. Cloud
- Waite Park Somali Community Association, St. Cloud
- Too Much Talent, St. Cloud
- Higher Works Collaborative, St. Cloud
- NorthStar Family Advocacy Center, Braham
3rd Quarter 2020 Grant Highlights
- Salem Lutheran Church—Sustainability for the Salem WEST Outreach Program: $5,000 to support economic sustainability of the Salem WEST mission to help families and individuals by providing new and gently used items to help fulfill their basic needs.
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits—2020 Membership Renewal: $1,200 to support the annual operations of this statewide group that works to build the capacity and voice of the Minnesota’s nonprofit sector.
- Central Minnesota Islamic Center—COVID-19 Relief Project, Caawi Walaalkaa (Help Your Brother): $10,000 to provide emergency relief to members of the East African community of Greater St. Cloud who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation—Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant Opportunity Coordination and Yearly Membership: $10,000 to support administration of Crow Wing County's CARES grants for relief of small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- GPS 45:93—East Central Minnesota Virtual Business Park Tour: $4,100 to support a virtual tour of shovel-ready business parks and industrial sites in East Central Minnesota.
- Greater Minnesota Partnership—Membership: $1,000 to support advocacy, education and collaboration on behalf of Central Minnesota's economic development organizations.
- Sprout, LLC—Expanding Regional Food Networks Through Increased Online Capacity: $5,000 to review and enhance the capacity of Sprout, a regional food hub for Central Minnesota. The project goal was to optimize the internet to connect local producers and consumers of the region's agricultural produce, thus improving access to fresh and healthy foods, shortening supply chains and helping farmers harmed by tariffs or markets disrupted by the pandemic.
- Southwest Regional Development Commission—Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition Speed Test: $10,000 to support a more accurate assessment of internet speeds in rural areas. This data will enhance advocacy efforts to encourage investment in broadband capacity needed to support equal economic opportunity in Central Minnesota. This effort is coordinated by the Blandin Foundation.
A series of grants was awarded to the following nonprofits to provide technical assistance with COVID-19-related challenges. Each nonprofit received about 10 hours of technical assistance on topics ranging from fund development to marketing.
- Angel Reins Stable
- Friends of Career Solutions
- Kinship of Morrison County
- Hands of Hope
- Family Safety Network
- UniteCloud
- Tusen Tack
- Anishinabe Legal Services
- Boys and Girls Club of the Leech Lake Area
Partnership Awards More Than $1 Million in Pine County CARES Act Funds
The Initiative Foundation this fall partnered with Pine County to help deliver $1,055,972 in relief grants to 163 businesses and organizations. The U.S. government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law in March 2020. Some of the money from the $2.2 trillion package went to counties to support local grants. The Initiative Foundation partnered with Pine County to deliver CARES Act grants throughout September, October and November 2020. Learn more ...
2nd Quarter 2020 Grant Highlights
- Tusen Tack—General Operating Support: $1,000 to provide general operating support for the Braham Event Center, a community facility for weddings, celebrations, expos, and other events. This grant is awarded to commemorate the service of Steve Shurts (East Central Energy) on the Initiative Foundation's Board of Trustees
- Kanabec County Family Services—Workforce Mobility: $2,500 to support innovation in helping staff explore technology options and work remotely while respecting client needs and privacy.
- Milestones—Child Care Solutions: $3,000 to contract for 50 hours with a trained infant mental health consultant to provide group support for early childhood professionals and parents. The Consultant will also work individually with programs as needed to assist them through this stressful time of COVID-19.
- Staples Economic Development Authority—Child Care Solutions: $3,000 to support professional development and training for existing child care providers and/or those considering entering the sector. Both Long Prairie and Staples-Motley are participating in the Foundation’s Child Care Solutions program to expand and/or retain quality, affordable child care.
- Kanabec County—Implementation of Strategic Child Care Supply Plan Goal #3: $3,000 to support the recruitment and development of new professionals in the child care sector. This grant is supported in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
- City of Little Falls—Childcare Facility Planning—DOD Grant Application: $3,000 to support design and planning for a child care facility to align with the Department of Defense—Community Infrastructure Program serving Camp Ripley.
- New Pathways, Inc.—Financial Resiliency: $1,000 to support continued success in development and fundraising activities. New Pathways was a runner-up in the Initiative Foundation’s #GiveAtHomeMN challenge.
- Friends of Linden Hill, Inc.—Financial Resiliency: $1,000 to support continued success in development and fundraising activities. Friends of Linden Hill was a runner-up in the Initiative Foundation’s #GiveAtHomeMN challenge.
- Tusen Tack—Financial Resiliency: $3,000 to support continued success in development and fundraising activities. Tusen Tack was the top prize earner in the Initiative Foundation’s #GiveAtHomeMN challenge.
- Sherburne County—St. Cloud Airport Planning Study: $5,000 to work with the counties of Benton and Stearns and the city of St. Cloud to form a Regional Airport Authority.
- Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce—Lake Country Cares Public Safety Campaign: $10,000 to support a COVID-19 safety campaign designed to build trust among residents, visitors, and local businesses. This model program that other chambers can emulate shares shares easy and effective practices that businesses can adopt to prevent transmission and build customer confidence.
- Chisago County EDA—Economic Development Strategy During COVID-19 and Beyond: $5,000 to address the retention and attraction of business, to encourage countywide business development to stimulate the economy and to provide opportunities for residents to find quality jobs, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2nd Quarter Emergency Relief and Recovery Fund Grant Highlights
- United Way of Otter Tail & Wadena Counties—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,709
- Family Pathways—Food Access in East Central Minnesota: $8,997
- Staples Area Food Shelf—Staples Area Food Shelf: $3,000
- Rivers of Hope—Innovative Advocacy to Reach Victims of Relationship Abuse: $2,500
- Crow Wing County Victim Services, Inc.—Emergency Services and support to Crime Victims: $2,500
- Healing Opportunity—Safe Housing for Domestic Violence Clients During COVID-19.: $2,500
- Someplace Safe—Emergency Basic Needs Resources for Survivors of Crime and Abuse: $2,500
- ASAMBLEA DE DERECHOS CIVILES—Linea de Recursos COVID-19: $5,000
- Holy Trinity Catholic School—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Jessica Nutz Daycare and Preschool—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Discovery Corner Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Terry Pflipsen—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Denise Erickson—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Shannon Wright—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Pine Childrens Early Learning Center, LLC—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Kara Super-Peterson (Tiny Sprouts Day Care)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $2,000
- Amber Hennessey—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Grow With Us Childcare Center—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $2,500
- Kiddie Country Club—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Ashley Posterick (Little Beginnings)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Kimberly Opay—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Rene Wagner (Kingdom Kids)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Annie’s Childcare & Learning Center—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $3,000
- Angela Kunesh/Kunesh Family Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Bright Lights Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Ronda Palmer (Tiny Tots Daycare)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Rachel Christensen (Precious In His Sight)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Amy Sullivan—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $3,000
- Early Years Academy, Inc.—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Jillian Daigle (Mrs Petits Amis)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Super Tigers and Tiger Tots Child Care—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Sunshine Station Childcare and Preschool—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Jennifer Buzzell (Loving Hearts Child Care)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Brenda Regouski—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Patty's Child Care/Preschool—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Sharon Bonsante—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Playhouse Child Care Center of Monticello, Inc.—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $2,000
- Playhouse Child Care Center, Inc.—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Alison M Prill—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Mustang Munchkins Childcare Center—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $2,500
- Tiny Tots Childcare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Big Adventures Child Care, LLC—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $3,000
- Nicole Yourczek (Nikki's Daycare)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Melissa Skog—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Lucky Little’s Child Care—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Jennifer Hatton—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Deidre LaBatte-Allen (DeidresDaycare)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Tiffanie Berg—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Kidzzone Daycare Center—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- DFred's Daycare—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Jennifer Gephart—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Charlotte Brown—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Jennifer Peplinski-Bella's Playhouse Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Totally Kids Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Roxanne Peterson—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Virginia Madison—Essential Workders & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Jenny Chilton (Jenny’s Daycare)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Little People Learning Center—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $3,000
- Krayola Kids Childcare Center—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $2,500
- Lil' Dreamers In Home Child Care—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Kristi Fornshell (The Learning Ladder, Inc.)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $3,000
- Allstar Childcare Center—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $2,500
- Melissa Pioske Childcare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Susan Moravec—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Tessa Petron—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Tammy Skaro—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Megan's Daycare—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Katie’s Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Annette Smieja—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Jennifer Niessen (The Cub Club Daycare)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Ubah Hassan (Hope Academy Child Care Center, LLC)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $2,500
- NikisNoodlesboppers—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Kelly’s Kiddos Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Nicole Miller (Nicole's Daycare)—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Lindsay's Mora Family Childcare—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Heavenly Sunshine Preschool—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- St. Mary's Early Learning Academy—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $3,000
- Pillager Area Family Center—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $3,000
- Brainerd Family YMCA—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $3,000
- Wadena County Developmental Achievement Center, Inc.—Keep the WCDAC running & Freezer repair:$2,000
- Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe—Elder Food Sustainability: $15,000
- The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe—COVID-19 Food Security Program: $15,000
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Central MInnesota—COVID-19 Relief Programs: $5,000
- Lakes & Pines Community Action Council, Inc.—Provide Basic Unmet Needs During COVID-19: $5,000
- Onamia School District—Addressing the Basic Needs of Onamia Youth: $3,000
- Islamic Center of St. Cloud—COVID-19 Essential Workers Care Project: $5,000
- Anna Marie’s Alliance—Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence: $2,500
- Horizon Health, Inc.—Food, Technology for Older Adults Struggling Alone During COVID-19: $5,000
- Pine River-Backus Family Center—Community Meals: $5,000
- Wadena County Developmental Achievement Center, Inc.—Freezer Repair: $1,000
- Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers—Emergency Food and Delivery Service: $5,000
- Wright County Area United Way—Emergency Relief Grant: $16,914
- Princeton Parent Teacher Organization—Community Outreach: $3,000
- Hands of Hope Resource Center—Emergency Assistance During COVID-19 Crisis: $2,500
- North Branch School District—School-Age Care COVID-19 Relief: $3,000
- Crow Wing County United Way, Inc.—Emergency Relief Grant: $11,711
- United Way of Central Minnesota—Emergency Relief Grant: $24,785
- Love and Learn Childcare Academy, Inc.—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Nursing Value, LLC, dba Red Balloon—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Bright Child Development Center, Inc.—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $2,500
- New Horizon Child Care, Inc., dba New Horizon Academy—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- New Horizon Child Care, Inc., dba New Horizon Academy—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Lovely Child Care Center, LLC—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- First Step Preschool & Childcare—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Kid's Haven, LLC—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- New Creations Child Care & Learning Center—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- A to Z Children's Academy—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Tinkertown Station Child Care Center—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Carla Tapio (Carla Tapio's Child Care)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $2,000
- Karen Rademacher (Karen’s Daycare)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Kayla Arens (Miss.Kayla's)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Playhouse Child Care Center, Inc.—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Playhouse Child Care Center, Inc.—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Debra Schwartz—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Holly Richter—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Merry Moose Childcare and Preschool—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Merry Moose Childcare and Preschool—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Little Learner’s Child Care Annandale, LLC—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Prairie Hill Montessori, LLC—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Jaguar Kid Connection—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Verndale Family Life Church—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Nicole Kittock—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- 40 Acres Childcare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Beth Marie Bundy—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Brittany’s Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Stacy Harthan (Magic Forest Childcare Center and Preschool LLC)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Amy Hooser—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Sheri’s Daycare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Sarah Rocheleau—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Allie Bauman Childcare—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Michele Lyn Anderson—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Dawn of Discovery, LLC—Essential Workers & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- Little Saints Academy—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,500
- New Horizon Child Care, Inc., dba New Horizon Academy—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- New Horizon Child Care, Inc., dba New Horizon Academy—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
- Playhouse Child Care Center, Inc. (St. Cloud)—Essential Worker & Child Care Relief: $1,000
1st Quarter 2020 Grant Highlights
- Minnesota Council on Foundations—Annual Membership: $5,850 to provide annual support to the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a statewide affinity group which works to advance prosperity and equity.
- Milestones—Helping Count Children and Young Families in the United States Census: $1,000 to purchase copies of We Count! A 2020 Census Counting Book to distribute to child care programs. This document is developed for children and young families, a demographic frequently undercounted in the census.
- Central Minnesota Taskforce on Battered Women—Anna Marie's Alliance: $500 to provide general operating support for Anna Marie's Alliance Shelter. This grant was recommended by this year's winners of the 5 Under 40 event hosted by St. Cloud's Times Media.
- Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Implementation of New Three-Year Junior Achievement Strategic Plan: $7,000 to support the Career Speakers Series in which a volunteer guest speaker visits the classroom and shares information about career, work and education experience. Junior Achievement intends to make a special effort to recruit diverse entrepreneurs, so that students of all interests see successful adults that look like them.
- St. Cloud Area School District—Exploring Potential Interests and Careers (EPIC) Event: $5,000 to support St. Cloud’s second annual Exploring Potential Interests & Careers (EPIC) event that provides hands-on career exploration opportunities for up to 5,000 students from more than 25 schools in Central Minnesota.
- Crow River Trail Guards, Inc.—Executive Director Succession and Curriculum Writing: $5,000 to support capacity building and succession planning for Crow River Trail Guards, Inc.
- Amherst H. Wilder Foundation—Minnesota Compass: $4,000 to provide annual support for Minnesota Compass, a social indicators project that measures progress in our state and its communities. Minnesota Compass tracks trends in topic areas such as education, economy, workforce, health, housing and more.
- The Funders Network for Smart Growth & Livable Communities—Annual Membership: $2,000 to provide annual support for this affinity group that helps grantmakers across North America advance strategies to create fair, prosperous and sustainable regions and communities that offer everyone the chance for a good life. The Funders Network is the host for the Philanthropic Preparedness, Resiliency and Emergency Partnership (PPREP) group, which has helped build the capacity of rural low-income communities in Central Minnesota to be prepared for natural disasters.
- Avivo—Career Education Enhancement and Capacity Building: $5,000 to support career education and job skills improvement in the St. Cloud community.
- St. Cloud Technical & Community College Foundation—VEX Robotics Program Expansion in Central Minnesota: $5,000 to support the VEX Robotics program. VEX Robotics is a proven program to help close the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills gap to support local employment needs. VEX provides tools for today's educators, mentors and parents to inspire tomorrow’s problem-solvers.
- Sourcewell—29th Annual Students of Character Celebration: $1,000 to support the Students of Character celebration hosted by Sourcewell. The event recognizes 48 students from 24 schools in the Region 5 area (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties) that have overcome adversity in their communities.
- Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota—Come to your Census: $1,000 to empower income-eligible people to interact, communicate and recruit other community members to participate in the 2020 Census.
- CommunityGiving—Social Capital Survey Support: $6,500 to support a new iteration of the periodic social capital survey of Greater St. Cloud to identify where relationships and community connections are strongest, where they can be improved and what activities or strategies help build strong networks and support.
- Native Governance Center—Native Nation Rebuilders Leadership Retreat: $6,000 to support leadership development.
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Student Scholarships: $3,216 to support the Julie Ann Hanson Scholarship Fund for graduates of Sauk Rapids-Rice School District.
- First Children's Finance—Regional Child Care Technical Assistance: $30,000 to provide technical assistance to child care providers and communities/employers that recognize that access to quality, affordable child care is a key strategy for attracting and retaining workforce.
- Kanabec County—Kanabec County Child Care Capacity Building: $10,000 to support implementation of strategic planning to improve access to quality, affordable child care by increasing the number of school-age summer slots, identifying locations for new or expanded child care facilities, launching new family child care providers and developing an early childhood career pathway through Mora High School. This grant is supported in part by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
- Horizon Health, Inc.—In Recognition of Service Provided by Barb Downs: $1,000 to Horizon Health, Inc., in gratitude to Barb Downs, who volunteered her time to instruct nonprofit leaders in the Initiative Foundation’s Financial Resiliency program.
- Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation—Annual Investment: $25,000 to provide annual support for business and workforce development initiatives in the Greater St. Cloud region.
- Leech Lake Financial Services—Individual Financial Coaching and Improving Credit to Buy a Home: $10,000 to support individual financial coaching for income-eligible residents at Leech Lake Reservation to assist with basic budgeting, financial goals and improved credit. The long-term goal is to help participants gain financial literacy and establish good credit to become home owners.
- Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Inc.—Be Strategic: Grow Your Business offered by the Women's Business Alliance Entrepreneur Fund: $4,000 to support development of businesses and social enterprise ventures through improved access to technical assistance, mentorship, succession planning and education efforts, especially to support minority business ownership and job creation in areas of poverty.
Early COVID-19 Response: Grants Redirected to Respond to Virus Outbreak
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Initiative Foundation in March offered flexibility to grantees with open Innovation Fund Grants. The following first-quarter 2020 grants were redirected from their original purpose to be used for general operating expenses and other COVID-19 response.
- College of Saint Benedict—Interfaith Engagement Event: $2,000 original grant amount (amount redirected: $2,000)
- Wright County Community Action, Inc.—Engaging the Community with the 2020 Census to Strengthen Partnerships: $5,000 original grant amount (amount redirected: $5,000)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota—Dr. Potter’s Bigs On-Campus Mentoring Initiative: $5,000 original grant amount (amount redirected: $5,000)
The following 2019 grants were redirected from their original purpose to be used for general operating expenses and other COVID-19 response.
- Anishinabe Legal Services, Inc.—Fund Development Assistance for Capital Campaign: $5,000 original grant amount (amount redirected: $5,000)
- Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration—Service Enterprise and Change Management for Effective Leveraging of Volunteer Resources: $5,000 (amount redirected: $3,500)
- Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc.—Untapped Workforce Series, Benefits to Hiring Specific Populations: $7,000 (amount redirected: $3,112)
- Bridges of Hope—Program Integration of Resource and Service Delivery at Crow Wing County: $10,000 (amount redirected: $5,000)
- Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota—Technical Assistance for Bicycle-Friendly Communities: $7,000 (amount redirected: $4,000)
- Boys & Girls Club of Leech Lake Area—Board and Staff Retreat to Review the Financial Resiliency Training Concepts: $5,000 (amount redirected: $5,000)
- Hands Across the World—Workforce Trainings for Immigrants and Refugees: $7,500 (amount redirected: $7,500)
To date, more than $45,112 in active grants have been reallocated to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.
2020 Partner Fund Grant Highlights
4th Quarter 2020 Partner Fund Grant Highlights
Three Rivers Community Foundation and the Sherburne County Outdoor Capacity Relief Fund
- Lupulin Brewing, LLC—Outdoor Dining Equipment: $1,304
- Volkers, Inc.—Outdoor Dining Equipment: $291
Delano Community Foundation
- Community Aid of Elk River—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- City of Delano—Senior Lunch Program Enhancement: $1,000
- Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture—COVID-19 Old-Fashioned Christmas Wish Tree: $1,000
- Delano Friends of the Library—Exterior South Wall Display Panels on the History of Railroad Avenue: $1,000
- Friends 4 A Cause—Christmas For A Cause: $500
- Delano Helping Hands Food Shelf—General Operations: $1,000
Longville Area Community Foundation
- Longville Area Community Foundation—Operating Support: $7,600
Greater Pine Area Endowment
- Hilltop Recreation Area Improvement Project, Pine City: $27,375
Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Central Lakes College Foundation—Staples-Motley Holiday Food Basket Program: $2,500
- Staples Motley School District REACH Program—Building an Inviting Classroom Community: $2,000
- Todd Wadena Community Corrections—Purchase of Body Armor: $500
Black Oak Getty Community Foundation
- Outdoor Skating Rink Upgrades, Sauk Centre: $15,000
- Community Connection—Sauk Centre Food Shelf: $5,000
Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Paws & Claws Animal Shelter—Relief Grant: $1,000
Central Minnesota Builder’s Association Fund and Initiative
- Little Falls School District—Tools For Schools Project: $1,000
- Sartell-St. Stephen School District—Tools for Schools Project: $1,300
- Kimball Area School District—Tools for Schools Project: $600
- Albany School District—Tools for Schools Project: $2,277
- St. Cloud Area School District, Apollo High School—Tools for Schools Project: $1,000
- St. Cloud Area School District, ALC McKinley—Tools for Schools Project: $1,500
- St. Cloud Area School District, North Junior High School—Tools for Schools Project: $1,500
- St. Cloud Area School District, South Junior High School—Tools for Schools Project: $1,500
- St. Cloud Area School District, St. Cloud Tech High School—Tools for Schools Project: $2,000
- Melrose Area School District—Tools for Schools Project: $1,000
- Becker School District—Tools for Schools Project: $1,400
- Rocori School District—Tools for Schools Project: $540
- Swanville School District—Tools for Schools Project: $2,000
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Tools for Schools Project: $1,500
- Foley School—Tools for Schools Project: $500
- Upsala Area School District—Tools for Schools Project: $940
- Eden Valley-Watkins School District—Tools for Schools Project: $1,800
- Cathedral High School—Tools for Schools Project: $500
- Royalton School District—Tools for Schools Project $2,000
Innovative Schools Project Fund
- Bertha-Hewitt School District—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000
- Swanville Dollars for Scholars—Swanville Dollars for Scholars: $5,000
- Menahga Education Foundation: $5,000
Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Logitech Crayons for Teachers: $750
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Apple Pencils for Student Feedback: $750
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Empowering Young Writers—Providing Students With Access to iPad Keyboards: $750
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Literacy for Littles: $500
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Music Technology for Grades 6 to 12 Choirs—Sight Reading Factory: $790
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Take Home Astronomy Kits: $500
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—High Interest Novels and Audiobooks for Struggling Readers: $960
Minnesota Pioneer Park Fund
- Minnesota Pioneer Park: $450
Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation
- Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Operating Support: $7,100
Braham Area Education Foundation
The following grants will support Braham Area Schools:
- Weight Room Renovation: $500
- Multi-Cultural Classroom Library for Fourth-
- Document Cams for Kindergarten: $600
- Mallet Instruments for Elementary Students: $1,200
- Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Needs: $500
- Expanding Expression Tool: $249
- Multi-Cultural Classroom Library for Fourth-Graders: $26
Memorial Hospital Foundation (Serving Greater Isanti County)
- New Pathways, Inc.—Emergency Relief Grant: $20,000
- Isanti County Commission on Aging—Emergency Relief Grant: $10,000
- Pine Technical & Community College Foundation—Student Support and Scholarships: $5,000
Becker Education Foundation
- Becker School District—One Book One School: $500
Royalton Education Foundation
The following grants will support the Royalton School District:
- BrainPop Online Subscription: $2,950
- Wacom Wireless Tablets for Teaching: $400
- Spanish Free Voluntary Reading Library: $1,000
- Indoor and Outdoor Sensory Motor Pathways for Early Childhood Center: $420
- Be Positive! Social Emotional Activity Book: $154
Playing it Forward: The Kenneth and Evelyn Pinckney Young Musicians’ Fund
- Little Falls School District—Playing it Forward—Band eBooks: $1,000
Gaalswyk Family Fund
- Pillager Family Council—Home Visiting Program in Pillager Area: $800
- Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center—General Operations: $800
Thrive Fund
- Milestones—Child Care Solutions: $3,300
Land and Waters Preservation Trust
- Whitefish Area Property Owners Association—General Operations: $13,200
Patrick and Jane Mitchell Family Fund
- Great River Educational Arts Theatre—Great Theater Program: $2,000
- Abbott House Foundation—Bicycle Program: $2,000
- Mitchell Area Safehouse Foundation—Clarke Matching Grant for the Foundation: $2,000
Anderson Brothers Family Fund
- Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen—Soup Kitchen Needs: $3,800
- Brainerd Family YMCA—Facility Repairs: $1,000
Hanowski Family Fund
- Little Falls Sports Arena, Inc.—Blue Line Club: $750
Shawn Grittner Memorial Fund
- Oasis Central Minnesota, Inc.—General Operations: $600
- St. Cloud Technical & Community College Foundation—2020 Shawn Grittner Memorial Fund Scholarship Award: $1,100
- Holy Family Church, Belle Prairie—Holiday Gift Program: $1,500
Artesian Homes Charitable Fund
- Pillager Family Council—Pillager Food Shelf: $10,000
- Salvation Army—General Operations: $25,000
- Motley Area Food Shelf—General Operations: $10,000
- Confidence Learning Center—General Operations: $10,000
- Lincoln Evangelical Free Church—General Operations: $10,000
- Verndale Family Life Church—General Operations: $10,000
- Heritage Church—General Operations: $10,000
Central Minnesota Emergency Relief & Recovery Fund
- Kinship of Morrison County—Customer Relationship Management for Kinship: $1,000
- Leech Lake Financial Services—Technical Assistance for Area Existing Business: $5,000
- Latino Economic Development Center—Winter Warm & Safe for Latino Children: $5,000
- Anna Marie’s Alliance—Shelter Support: $4,000
- Bridges of Hope—Resource Connection Services: $4,000
- Rise Incorporated—Emergency One-Time Transportation Funds for Ex-offenders Reestablishing Life in Central Minnesota: $4,000
- Family Pathways—Sustaining Access to Healthy Food in Central Minnesota: $3,000
- Love, Inc. Heartland—Ongoing Services for Those In Need Affected by COVID-19: $4,000
- Sexual Assault Services, Inc.—Emergency Funds to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence: $4,000
- Family Safety Network of Cass County, Inc.—Provide Advocacy Services and Support Services to Victims of Domestic Violence and Their Families: $4,000
- Feeding Area Children Together—Backpack Program: $4,000
3rd Quarter 2020 Partner Fund Grant Highlights
Three Rivers Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Young Life—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,363
- Tootsie's Lakeside Pub—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $1,000
- Lupulin Brewing, LLC—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $4,000
- Ridgewood Bay Resort—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $1,000
Delano Community Foundation
- Delano School District—Delano United Task Force: $750
Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Pine Center for the Arts, Inc.—Technology Improvement: $645
- Paws & Claws Animal Shelter—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Flair for Hair—Small Business Emergecy Relief Grant: $500
- Spectrum Entertainment—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $250
- Birchwood Char House & Bar—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Pine Mountaineer Senior Center—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,500
Innovative Schools Project Fund
- Wadena-Deer Creek School District—Innovative Schools Program: $5,000
- Verndale School District—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000
Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation
- Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Operating Support: $5,000
Lake Region Christian School Education Foundation
- Lake Region Christian School—Scholarships: $10,000
- Lake Region Christian School—Classroom Enhancements: $9,913
Women’s Leadership Fund
- BOLD, Inc.—BOLD Girls Camp: $100
- Brainerd Lakes Pride—In Honor of Dawn Espe: $100
Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund
- Rocori School District—Action Pack: $1,000
- Anna Marie’s Alliance—Operating Support: $1,000
- United Way of Central Minnesota—Operating Support: $1,000
- Africa Jam—Operating Support: $1,000
- Andra Heart Foundation—Operating Support: $1,000
- The Yes Network—Operating Support: $2,500
- St. Cloud State University Foundation—Baseball Program: $2,500
- Rocori Food Shelf, Inc.—Operating Support: $1,000
- River Park Community Foundation—Operating Support: $3,000
- Abbott House Foundation—Operating Support: $1,000
- Mitchell School District, Gertie Bell Rogers Elementary School—Moody Project: $5,000
- Mitchell School District —Action Pack: $1,000
John & Bonnie Schlagel Endowment
- New Pathways, Inc.—Housing for Homeless Families: $3,000
- Isanti County Humane Society—Animal Care: $2,000
- Cambridge Community College Center Foundation—2021 Cambridge Scholardazzle Fundraiser: $1,500
- Tres Islas Orphanage Fund, Inc.—Animal Care: $2,000
- Tres Islas Orphanage Fund, Inc.—General Operations: $2,500
- Family Pathways—Food Shelf Program: $2,000
- Family Pathways—Refuge Network Shelter Domestic Abuse Program: $3,000
- Anoka Ramsey Community College Foundation—Scholarship in Memory of Even Stein: $2,000
- Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars Foundation—Scholarships: $2,000
- Minnesota Safe Ride—Sober Cab Program in Kanabec and Pine Counties: $2,000
- A Place for You—Housing for Homeless Individuals: $2,000
- Animal Humane Society—Animal Care at Coon Rapids Location: $2,000
- Mayo Clinic—Alzheimer's Program: $2,000
- Mayo Clinic—Cancer Program: $2,000
- Cambridge Isanti School District—Early Childhood Partnership for Isanti County: $2,000
- Pine Technical & Community College Foundation—Scholarships: $2,000
- University of Minnesota Foundation—Veterinary Medicine Scholarship: $2,000
Anderson Brothers Family Fund
- Second Harvest North Central Food Bank, Inc.—Kids-Pack-To-Go-Backpack Program: $1,500
Paws & Claws Animal Shelter
- Paws & Claws Animal Shelter—Operating & Marketing Support: $1,600
Operational Reserve Fund of the Northern Waters Land Trust
- Northern Waters Land Trust—General Operating Support: $30,000
Sourcewell Region 5 COVID-19 Relief Fund
- St. Gabriel's Hospital Foundation—Relief Grant: $3,000
- Lakewood Hospital Foundation—Relief Grant: $3,000
- CentraCare Health Foundation (Long Prairie)—Relief Grant: $3,000
- Essentia Health Foundation—Relief Grant: $3,000
- Tri-County Healthcare Foundation—Relief Grant: $3,000
- CTC—Relief Grant: $10,000
- West Central Telephone Association—Relief Grant: $10,000
- Cass Lake Indian Health Services—Relief Grant: $3,000
Central Minnesota Emergency Relief & Recovery Fund
To see a full list of grants to underserved youths, birth to 8, click here.
- Pine Habilitation and Supported Employment, Inc.—Stemming the Tide during COVID-19: $5,000
- Wadena County Developmental Achievement Center, Inc.—Sustainability During COVID-19: $5,000
- Community Connection Allies—Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels: $1,000
- North Star Family Advocacy Center—Professional Family Advocate Sustainability Project: $5,000
- Pine River Area Developmental Achievement Center, Inc.—Utilizing Technology to Improve Socialization and Job Retention during the COVID-19 Pandemic.: $5,000
- Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Foundation—Relief Grant: $3,000
- New Pathways, Inc.—Path to Home COVID Response: $5,000
- Employment Enterprises, Inc.—Getting Disabled Adults Back to Work: $4,000
- RiverWorks—Mobile Food Distribution: $5,000
- Second Harvest North Central Food Bank, Inc.—COVID-19 Crisis Response: $4,000
- Homeless Helping Homeless—COVID-19 Motel Sheltering Effort: $4,000
- Community Connection Allies—Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels: $4,000
- Higher Works Collaborative—Reaching Hands: $4,000
- Trinity Lutheran Church of North Branch—Viking Vittles Food Programs for School-aged Children: $2,004
2nd Quarter 2020 Partner Fund Grant Highlights
Three Rivers Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- The Wave Youth Center—Emergency Relief Grant: $5,000
- Granny's Closet—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,500
- Big Lake Community Food Shelf, Inc.—Emergency Relief Grant: $5,000
- Elk River Country Club, Inc.—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $1,000
- Frey, Inc.—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $1,000
- SIG, LLC—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $1,000
- Sunshine Depot—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $300
- Sunshine Depot—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $405
- 54, Inc.—Sherburne County Outdoor Dining Capacity: $674
- Elk River YMCA—Emergency Relief Grant: $3,000
- Great River Family Promise—Emergency Relief Grant: $5,000
- Christians Reaching Out In Social Service—Emergency Relief Grant: $5,000
- Open Doors For Youth—Emergency Relief Grant: $5,000
Rum River Community Foundation/Milaca Area Emergency Relief Fund
- City of Milaca—Emergency Relief Grant: $900
- Milaca Area Pantry—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Daddio's Drive In—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Daddio's Drive In—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,800
- Milaca Tanning—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Radiance Salon & Spa—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $250
- Northern Lights Ballroom and Banquet Center—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Cory's Barber Shop—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $550
- Cory's Barber Shop—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $550
- Confidence and Company—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $900
- Cuts on Central—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- The Grounded Path Massage—Small Business Emergecy Relief Grant: $800
- In Good Hands Massage—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $800
- Jiggers Grill & Bar—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Jiggers Grill & Bar—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,500
- Tranquility Masage & Bodywork—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $800
- Milaca Golf Club—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- NatMat Entertainment—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Milaca Pizza Central—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Milaca Pizza Central—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Back Alley Bowl—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- KISS, LLC, dba Brookview Winery—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Shear Beauty—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Shear Beauty—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Kayla Snow Salon—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- The Pease Cafe—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Abby Lingle Pottery—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Emergency Relief Grant, Milaca Senior Dining: $1,000
- Trinity Lutheran Church of Milaca—Milaca Wolves Snack Pack Program Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Marcia Grant Travel, LLC—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $250
- Mach Motors—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Marilyn's on 2nd Salon—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $835
- Milaca Family Dental—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Tracy Larsen Fitness—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $250
Greater Pequot Lakes Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Bridges of Hope—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Lakes Area Food Shelf, Inc.—Relief Grant for Lakes Area Food Shelf: $1,000
- Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota—Emergency Relief Grant, Pequot Lakes Area: $1,000
- Community Action of Pequot Lakes—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Firemens Relief Association of Minnesota Pequot Lakes—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
Greater Pine Area Endowment and its Emergency Relief Fund
- City of Pine City—Technology Park Highlight Video: $400
- A Place for You—Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Grindstone Lake Bible Camp—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,500
- Pine Technical & Community College Foundation—High Fidelity Simulation Mannequin Equipment:$5,000
- Family Pathways Pine Community Food Shelf—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,500
- Bombard Tech—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $250
Morrison County Area Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Horizon Health, Inc.—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota—Emergency Relief Grant: $3,600
- Apple Tree Dental—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Oasis Central Minnesota, Inc.—Emergency Relief Grant: $4,000
- Morrison County Food Shelf—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota—Emergency Relief Grant: $400
Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Staples Area Food Shelf—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- STEP—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Amanda's Massage Therapy—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,120
- B & B's Sports Bar and Grill—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Next Step Adolescent Residential—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $362
- Iron Paradise Health Club—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
- Ribbons and Bows Salon and Spa, LLC—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Moto City Raceway & Recreation, Inc.—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Lefty's, Inc.—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $612
- Lefty's, Inc.—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center, Staples—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,620
- Local Legends Liquor—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Christina's Massage—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Wadena County—Free Rides for Summer Recreation/Activities: $750
- Staples Economic Development Authority—Staples-Motley Child Care Initiative: $1,200
- Sacred Heart Area School—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Motley Area Food Shelf—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Staples Motley School District—Staples Motley School Garden: $1,500
- LEAP, Inc.—Community Pride Sign: Story of Our Local Athletic Legacy: $1,500
- Old Wadena Society—30th Annual Old Wadena Rendezvous and Chautauqua: $1,000
- B & B's Sports Bar and Grill—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Staples Motley Basketball Boosters, Inc.—2020 Summer Basketball Opportunities: $1,000
- Simplicity Salon & Spa—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Iron Paradise Health Club—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $1,500
- HWY 10 Paw Spa—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $650
- Kempe & Kite, LLC—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Faith Lutheran Church—CARE Ministries Back-To-School Fair: $2,000
- City of Motley—Speed Zone Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety: $2,000
Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Faith in Action for Cass County—Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Hackensack Senior Citizens Center, Inc.—Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Hackensack Senior Citizens Center, Inc.—Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- City of Hackensack—Comprehensive Plan: $750
- Flair for Hair—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- ADOR Photography—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Total Image—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Spectrum Entertainment Minnesota—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Birch Lake Association—Butterfly Garden: $1,000
- Birchwood Char House & Bar—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Serenity Now Therapeutic Massage—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Sun 'n Fun—Small Business Emergency Relief Grant: $500
- Deep Portage Foundation—Emergency Relief Grant: $1,000
Cambridge Area Community Foundation and its Emergency Relief Fund
- Family Pathways—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
- Mission 61—Emergency Relief Grant: $2,000
Innovative Schools Project Fund
- Bertha-Hewitt School District—Innovative Schools Project: $3,400
- Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Public School District—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000
- Browerville Public Schools—ISP Grant, Browerville School District: $5,000
- Pioneer Elementary Parent Teacher Organization—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000
- Freshwater Education Foundation—Freshwater Education Foundation: $5,000
- Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Parent Teacher Organization—Innovative Schools Project Grant: $5,000
Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Provide Gift Cards to Seniors: $1,700
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Light Table for Early Learners: $589
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Cross Country Skis: $1,000
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Storm Skills, Yoga Mats: $350
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Storytelling Kits.: $667
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Dramatic Play Kits for Kindergarten: $400
Manufacturing Fund of Central Minnesota
- Sartell-St. Stephen School District—Advancement of Sabre Manufacturing: $6,000
Little Falls Education Foundation
- Little Falls School District—Little Falls Community Middle School Wellness Project: $1,250
- Little Falls School District—Lock Box Challenges: $748
- Little Falls School District—Personalized Learning and Flexible Seating: $550
- Little Falls School District—Flexible Seating the 3rd Grade: $740
- Little Falls School District—Providing Flexible Seating for a Positive Classroom Environment: $345
- Little Falls School District—Flexible Seating for a Personalized Classroom: $750
- Little Falls School District—Social/Emotional Health of Children Birth-5: $1,000
- Little Falls School District—Ukulele Project: $500
- Little Falls School District—Campus Connections, The College Campus Visit Experience: $1,087
- Little Falls School District—Osmo Coding Activities for Elementary Students: $1,270
- Little Falls School District—Summer Book Access & Family Connections for Multilingual Learners: $1,200
- Little Falls School District—Personalizing Physical Education, Getting Students in the ZONE: $1,250
- Little Falls School District—Growing With Speech: $410
- Little Falls School District—Guided Reading Texts: $1,400
- Little Falls School District—Flexible Writing in 1st Grade: $250
- Little Falls School District—Ukulele Project: $500
- Little Falls School District—Personalized Learning/Flexible Seating Space: $750
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Fund
- New Pathways, Inc.—Emergency Relief Grant: $10,000
- Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution—Emergency Relief Grant: $3,000
- Isanti County Commission on Aging—Emergency Relief Grant, SACS Enrichment Center: $2,500
- Tusen Tack—Emergency Relief Grant: $5,000
- Isanti County—Emergency Relief Grant: $4,971
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Scholarship Foundation
- University of Minnesota Foundation—Scholarship in Memory of Dr. Daniel Huff: $43,336
Royalton Education Foundation
- Royalton School District—Kitchen supplies/ equipment: $150
- Royalton School District—Standing Group Desk: $550
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Special Education Programming (COVID-19 response): $250
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Classroom Library Magazine Subscriptions: $100
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Flexible Seating for ROAR Students: $464
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Title I Workspace Facelift: $690
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Resource Support: $700
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Flexible Seating for Classroom: $207
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Flexible Seating to Increase Student Focus: $275
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Character Education Materials for Middle, High School Students:$1,000
- Royalton School District ISD 485—Flexible Seating and Storage for Students' Supplies: $555
Lakes Area Medical Development Fund
- CommunityGiving—For the Family Services Collaborative, Advancing Lakes Area Community Wellness:$5,000
CWEPA
- Crow Wing Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA)—Operational Support: $3,500
Patrick and Jane Mitchell Family Fund
- Great River Educational Arts Theatre—Matching Grant: $2,000
Bob & Marsha Bunger Family Endowment Fund
- Milaca Area Pantry—Emergency Relief Grant: $250
Anderson Brothers Family Fund
- Bridges of Hope—Operation Sandwich: $2,000
- Brainerd Family YMCA—Youth Meal Plan: $3,500
Betty and Larry Nelson Family Fund
- Kiva Microfunds—Operating Support: $250
- Minnesota Public Radio—Operating Support: $150
- Friends of MWANGAZA—Operating Support: $250
- Northwoods Humane Society—Operating Support: $250
- School Sisters of Notre Dame—Operating Support: $150
Operational Reserve Fund of the Northern Waters Land Trust
- Northern Waters Land Trust—General Operating Support: $39,000
Sauk Rapids-Rice School District – Youthprise Special Project Fund
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program, February-April 2020: $15,848
1st Quarter 2020 Grant Highlights
Three Rivers Community Foundation
- Elk River School District—Three Rivers Foundation Scholarship Fund: $19,000
- Spectrum High School—Three Rivers Foundation Scholarship Fund: $1,000
- Community Aid of Elk River—Emergency Relief: $10,000
Rum River Community Foundation
- City of Milaca—Veterans Memorial Park Project: $19,325
Central Minnesota Builder’s Association Fund & Initiative
- Elk River School District—Tools for Schools Project at Zimmerman High School: $2,000
Innovative Schools Project Fund
- Brainerd Public Schools Foundation—Innovative Schools Project Grant: $5,000
Dorn Family Fund
- Delano School District—Dorn Scholarship Fund for Delano High School: $750
Bert and Helen LeBlanc Legacy Scholarship Fund
- Central Lakes College Foundation—LeBlanc Scholarship Fund: $500
- St. Cloud State University Foundation—LeBlanc Scholarship Fund: $1,000
Archie and Isabelle Powell Family Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Elk River School District—Archie and Isabel Powell Family Foundation Scholarship: $1,000
Zimmerman Elementary School (ZES) Scholarship Fund
- Elk River School District—ZES Scholarship Fund for Zimmerman High School: $400
Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Fund
- Sacred Heart Area School—Sacred Hearts Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund: $200
Staples Knights of Columbus Council #1803 - Lloyd & Marion Giddings Scholarship Fund
- Staples & Motley Dollars for Scholars—Staples Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund: $2,800
Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Business Summit Event: $1,000
Manufacturing Fund of Central Minnesota
- Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Inc.—Women's Business Alliance: $5,650
Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation
- Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Operating Support: $10,000
Albany Area Education Foundation
The following grants will support the Albany School District:
- YES Network Activities for Kindergarten to 8th Grade with 9th to 12th Grade Leaders: $1,000
- Science Lab Experiences With Middle and High School Teachers & Students: $766
- Battle of the Books: $750
- Creating Personalized Learning Opportunities: $750
- Robotics and Science Department 3-D Printer: $1,697
- Welding Technology: $1,000
- Outdoor Recreation Bike Replacement: $1,000
- Safely Supporting the Social/Emotional Needs of Kindergarteners and Preschoolers: $600
Braham Area Education Foundation
The following grants will support Braham Area Schools:
- Wildlife Biology Zoo Field Trip: $300
- Youth Summer Musical Theater Camp for Students in Grades 4-8: $1,015
- Elementary Classroom Instruments: $1,410
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Fund
- Pine Technical & Community College Foundation—Scholarship Program: $5,000
Patriot Foundation
The following grants will support the Pequot Lakes School District:
- Flexible Seating for Special Education Students: $1,000
- Middle and High School Library Digital Collection Expansion: $1,500
- Guest Children's Book Author Douglas Wood: $1,500
- Festival of Nations Field Trip: $1,464
- Patriot Workplace Health & Wellness: $1,500
Women’s Leadership Fund
- American Association of University Women of Minnesota, Inc.—National Conference Scholarship: $1,000
- BOLD, Inc.—Scholarships to Attend Camp Vanasek: $1,000
Lakes Area Medical Development Fund
- Wellness in the Woods, Inc.—Empowerment & Recovery Coalition: $5,500
Brainerd Public Schools Foundation Early Childhood Fund
- Brainerd Public Schools Foundation—Brainerd Public Schools Foundation Support: $300
Bridges Manufacturing Workforce Development Fund
- Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Education Association—Scholarships: $1,000
Bob and Pauline Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Isle School District—Bob and Pauline Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund: $3,200
Pillager Education Foundation
- Pillager School District—Classroom Grant for Concession Stand Management: $500
Playing it Forward: The Kenneth and Evelyn Pinckney Young Musicians’ Fund
The following grants will support the Little Falls School District:
- 2020 Kenneth Pinckney Music Award/Playing It Forward: $4,021
- Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Clinic: $805
Paula and Chad Becker Fund
- Staples Economic Development Authority—Todd County Early Childhood/Day Care Initiative: $2,500
- CentraCare Health Foundation—CentraCare Vitality Wellness Center in Long Prairie: $2,500
- Browerville Public Schools—Support of Athletic Programs: $2,500
- Christ the King Church—Church and School Operations: $10,000
- St. Lawrence Catholic Church—Capital Campaign for Steeple: $2,500
Alternative Sources of Energy Fund
- Milaca School District—Alternative Sources of Energy Scholarship: $1,375
- Milaca Scholarship Foundation—Alternative Sources of Energy Scholarship: $4,125
Patrick and Jane Mitchell Family Fund
- ROCORI Area Dollars for Scholars—Dollars for Scholars: $500
- CommunityGiving—Pickleball Courts Project: $2,500
Beverly M. Pantzke Scholarship Fund
- Little Falls School District—Beverly Pantzke Johnston Scholarship Fund for Little Falls High School: $22,000
Mark Wood Foundation
- Little Falls School District—Annual Grant For Lincoln Elementary: $5,500
Little Falls Scholarship Fund
- Little Falls School District: $3,200
William and Ethel Nelson Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Royalton School District: $1,600
Betty Ford Menzel Scholarship Fund
- Crosby-Ironton School District: $2,200
Lake Region Conservation Club
- Sullivan Lake First Response Team—Operating Support: $375
- Hillman Area First Response Team—Operating Support: $375
H. Eugene Menzel Scholarship Fund
- Aitkin Dollars for Scholars: $1,100
Artesian Homes Charitable Fund
- The Church on The Wise Road—Jamaican Missions: $1,500
- The Refuge Fellowship Church—General Operations: $10,000
- Pillager School District—Pillager Huskies Fishing Team: $1,000
Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD47 / Youthprise Special Project Fund
- Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program: $11,386
Stanback-Bittner Acquisition Fund of the Northern Waters Land Trust
- Northern Waters Land Trust—Fund Closeout: $6,936
National Loon Center Project Fund
- The National Loon Center Foundation—National Loon Center Project: $6,000
Partner Fund Grant Rounds
The Initiative Foundation is proud to host a variety of Partner Funds for families, businesses, nonprofit organizations and volunteer-led groups. Our Partner Fund program allows local leaders to champion local causes while we provide the 501(c)(3) public charity infrastructure necessary for donor gifts to receive the highest possible charitable tax deduction. From community foundations to educational funds to special project and field-of-interest funds, the Initiative Foundation and its Partner Funds are working together to ensure strong and vibrant communities throughout Central Minnesota.
View Our Partner Fund Grant Schedule
- For more information on starting a Partner Fund, contact Community Philanthropy Manager Kate Bjorge.
- For more information on applying for a Partner Fund grant, contact Program Specialist Kerie Thoma.
Connect:
Jessy Beto
Program Specialist
(320) 631-2057
Don Hickman
Vice President for Community
& Workforce Development
(320) 631-2043
Keep Investing In
Central Minnesota
Thanks to our supporters and contributors for powering possible and investing in Central Minnesota. Keep the momentum going.
Insight & Information
Since 1986, the Foundation has awarded thousands of grants that have provided millions to the communities we serve. The average grant award is about $5,000. For an historic snapshot, see our Impact Update or our county-by-county investment activity.
In all of its grant-making efforts, the Foundation subscribes to the Minnesota Council on Foundation’s Principles for Grantmakers.
Visit our Grants Awards page to learn more.