About

Through decades of service to the region, the Initiative Foundation and its staff remain deeply aware of the disparities and barriers that led to our organization’s founding—and of others that have emerged over time. In reflecting on the challenges and opportunities we are best equipped to address, and how we have learned to spark lasting, positive change, we affirm the following:

The belief that every person should have the chance to succeed—regardless of background or circumstance—has long been at the heart of the Initiative Foundation’s work. When we bring more voices to the table and expand access to opportunity, we strengthen our mission to build a thriving economy and vibrant communities across Central Minnesota.

We embrace this approach because it’s the right thing to do. But just as importantly, our experience—and a growing body of evidence—shows that organizations that welcome a wider range of perspectives are better equipped to solve problems, foster innovation and achieve meaningful, lasting results.

Therefore, as we reflect proudly on the past and look with hope toward the future, we affirm:

• We are blessed to live in this beautiful region we call home.
• We gratefully acknowledge the Native peoples on whose ancestral homelands we gather, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities who make their home here today.
• We are dedicated to advancing the Initiative Foundation’s mission for the sake of current and future generations.
• We are convinced that achieving something so important does not afford us the luxury of exclusion, but rather calls upon each of us to work together in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.