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.

INNOVATION APPLICATION

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: grants(at)ifound.org
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.

Regardless of circumstances, the Initiative Foundation cannot provide grants to individuals or businesses.

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.

View past Innovation Fund grant awards.

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- Graders: $374
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 8^th Grade with 9th to 12^th 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

View past Partner Fund grant awards.

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
jbeto(at)ifound.org
(320) 631-2057

Don Hickman
Vice President for Community
& Workforce Development
dhickman(at)ifound.org
(320) 631-2043

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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.

Grantee Reporting Instructions (PDF)

Visit our Grants Awards page to learn more.