Grant Guidelines Change in Response to COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Initiative Foundation is temporarily changing its grant guidelines. Rather than focus on innovative new programming, strategic planning and other capacity-building projects, the Foundation and its grants team will prioritize basic needs and general operations to serve those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

These temporary guidelines will extend until at least September 2020.

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 sovereign tribal nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe. Funding requests for use outside of this geography will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funds.

Priority will be given to new or existing programs or services that provide for the basic needs of individuals and families negatively affected by the COVID-19 health crisis. Examples include food security, housing, clothing, health care and employment.