Grants

Initiative Foundation Grants

The Initiative Foundation awards grants for projects and programs that empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity. Foundation grants support start-up or capacity-building projects across the 14 counties and two Native nations of Central Minnesota. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with quarterly awards made through a competitive review process. See grant guidelines.

Innovation Fund

Area Served
Central Minnesota
Emphasis

The Initiative Foundation provides grants to nonprofits and local government units for program or capacity-building support; projects that advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and strategies to address workforce shortages. These grants typically are up to $7,500 and are not intended to provide ongoing support. Review our grant guidelines or contact Nicole Clements or Zach Tabatt to see if your project is a fit. Applications due Feb. 9, May 10, Aug. 9 and Nov. 8.

Economic Development

Area Served
Central Minnesota
Emphasis

The Initiative Foundation provides grants to cities, counties and economic development organizations for feasibility studies, strategic planning, and operating costs. These grants typically are up to $5,000 and require a local match. Review our grant guidelines or contact Don Hickman or Brian Voerding to see if your project is a fit. Applications are accepted and approved on a rolling basis.

PROMISE Act Grants

Open
03/12/2024
Application Deadline
04/10/2024
Area Served
Central Minnesota
Emphasis

The Initiative Foundation in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will distribution of up to $1.1 million in PROMISE Act funds to eligible Central Minnesota small business. Grants through the Providing Resources & Opportunity & Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Act will range from $10,000 to $50,000. The application will close at 4 p.m. on April 10.

Loneliness, Social Isolation

Open
02/14/2024
Application Deadline
03/21/2024
Area Served
Central Minnesota
Emphasis

Loneliness and social isolation are taking a toll on society. What can we do to reverse course? Through a special grant round, the Initiative Foundation will offer a limited number of grants to fund Central Minnesota projects, programs and community-building ideas that bridge differences and bring people together. Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects that foster genuine engagement and community-based connections.

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

Open
03/25/2024
Application Deadline
05/01/2024
Area Served
Central Minnesota
Emphasis
As a trusted partner, the Initiative Foundation will award $750,000 in grants to Central Minnesota organizations from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund. The Community Responsive Fund will support organizations or programs that address relevant community initiatives and align with the following funding priorities: basic needs; community-asset building; health and wellbeing; and restorative and responsive services.
Children play at the Upsala playground

Partner Fund Grants

A significant share of Initiative Foundation grantmaking is funded by Partner Funds. Each of these funds has specific priority areas and varying grant schedules. Learn how you can start a fund today to support the causes that matter most to you.

Community Funds

Hosted community funds provide grants to the communities they serve. The following community funds award grants to local initiatives.

Black Oak Getty Community Foundation

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
11/30/2024
Area Served
Black Oak Getty Wind Farm Area Communities (Sauk Centre area)
Emphasis
  • Community development
  • Educational growth
  • Responsible stewardship of resources

Applications reviewed in late November.

Learn More

Delano Area Community Foundation

Area Served
Delano area
Emphasis
  • Improve the quality and scope of educational programming to residents
  • Promote community development and appearance
  • Enrich the artistic and cultural climate
  • Increase and diversify recreational activities

 

Greater Pine Area Endowment

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
08/31/2024
Area Served
Pine City
Emphasis
  • Economic development
  • Community development

 

Grant Review Dates: March 31 & August 31

Learn More

Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation

Area Served
Hackensack Lakes area
Emphasis
  • Community development
  • Environmental projects
  • Health and wellbeing

Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation

Area Served
Mille Lacs area
Emphasis
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Economic vitality
  • Sustainable farming and food programs
  • Community pride

 

Morrison County Area Foundation

Area Served
Morrison County
Emphasis
  • Education
  • Health
  • Developing welcoming communities

 

Rum River Community Foundation

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
11/30/2024
Area Served
Bock, Foreston, Milaca, Pease and surrounding townships
Emphasis
  • Parks and recreation
  • Community
  • Youth

Learn More

Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
12/15/2024
Emphasis
  • Improved community appearance
  • Strengthen youth and families
  • Increase community involvement and leadership

Applications reviewed April 15 and Oct. 15.

Learn More

Three Rivers Community Foundation

Area Served
Elk Rivers, Rogers, Zimmerman
Emphasis
  • Human services
  • Education and life-long learning
  • Social, cultural and leisure
  • Public issues and information

 

Education Funds

Hosted education funds provide grants to schools in their targeted service area. The following funds award grants to local schools.

Albany Area Education Fund

Area Served
Albany schools
Emphasis
  • Support district programs
  • Spur innovation
  • Expand opportunities in academics, activities, arts and athletics

Becker Education Foundation

Area Served
Becker schools
Emphasis
  • Provide opportunities for students and teachers

Bluejacket Education Foundation

Area Served
Cambridge-Isanti Schools
Emphasis
  • Increase innovative learning opportunities for Cambridge-Isanti students.
  • Support learning, achievement, growth, and well-being.

All projects must comply with ISD 911 policies, specifically policies 601, 603, and 604.

Principal meeting required by Oct. 24. Application deadline is Oct. 31.

 

Braham Area Education Foundation

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
12/15/2024
Area Served
Braham Schools
Emphasis
  • Expand opportunities for students of all ages
  • Strengthen ties between Braham schools and community

Applications reviewed quarterly in early February, May, August and November.

Learn More

Little Falls Education Foundation

Open
01/24/2024
Application Deadline
03/15/2024
Area Served
Little Falls schools
Emphasis
  • Enrich the educational experience of students

 

 

Patriot Foundation

Area Served
Pequot Lakes schools
Emphasis
  • Create unforgettable learning experiences for students
  • Provide students with opportunities for real world career exposure and STEAM activities
  • Provide opportunities for children who need one
  • Investing in our teachers

 

Pillager Education Foundation

Area Served
Pillager schools
Emphasis
  • Scholarships
  • Enhance student excellence in academics, arts, athletics and activities

Learn More

Royalton Education Foundation

Open
01/15/2024
Application Deadline
02/29/2024
Area Served
Royalton schools
Emphasis
  • Enhance student well-being, education and activities

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Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
11/30/2024
Area Served
Sauk Rapids and Rice schools
Emphasis
  • Create unforgettable classroom experiences
  • Unite the community and schools
  • Provide an opportunities for children in need

Learn More

Field-of-Interest Funds

Field-of-interest funds hosted by the Initiative Foundation provide grants to specific projects. The following are field-of-interest funds that award grants in the region.

Lakes Area Medical Development Association Fund

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
11/30/2024
Area Served
Brainerd Lakes area
Emphasis
  • Health
  • Wellness

 

Memorial Hospital Foundation (Serving Greater Isanti County)

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
12/15/2024
Area Served
Isanti County
Emphasis
  • Health
  • Wellness
  • Volunteerism
  • Community involvement

Applications reviewed in late August.

Learn More

Grants Awarded

Wondering if your project is a fit? View our awarded grants to see examples of projects.

Grant Questions

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.

Initiative Foundation staff members are sensitive to varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourages open communication with applicants needing additional assistance.

Nicole Clements

Nicole Clements

Nonprofit Development Program Officer (320) 631-2048
Don Hickman

Don Hickman

Vice President for Community & Workforce Development (320) 631-2043