Data & Trends

At the Initiative Foundation we draw on the expertise of partners from around the region and across the state.

Since inception in 1986, the Initiative Foundation has built valuable relationships with other service providers, civic organizations, government agencies and funders who are committed to helping advance our mission. 

A number of these partners present at our training sessions and regional workshops and are available to our program participants to provide additional training, financial support and technical assistance.  Resources specific to our programs and activities are listed on the corresponding page(s) of our website. However, here are a few that we refer people to often as general ‘first stops’ for information and data: 

Minnesota Compass
By tracking and analyzing trends in areas that affect our quality of life, Compass gives everyone in our state – policymakers, business and community leaders, and concerned individuals who live and work here – a common foundation to act on issues to improve our communities.  

Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development
Prepared by DEED’s Labor Market Information Office and our Analysis and Evaluation Office, DEED provides the latest and most detailed data available on employment, wages, job growth and more, as well as key economic comparisons between Minnesota and other states. 

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
MCN works to inform, promote, connect and strengthen individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector. Through MCN – the largest state association of nonprofits in the U.S. - nonprofits join together across interest areas to work on issues of common concern to all. 

Minnesota Council on Foundations
MCF works to expand and strengthen a vibrant regional community of diverse grantmakers who individually and collectively advance the common good. MCF members include private family and independent foundations, community and public foundations, and corporate foundations and giving programs. 

GiveMN.org
GiveMN is a collaborative venture to transform philanthropy in Minnesota by growing overall giving and moving more of it online. GiveMN.org is a website that combines a state-of-the-art national technology platform with local knowledge and trust-based relationships in order to promote online giving to schools and nonprofits in Minnesota.