Zach Tabatt, Initiative Foundation Staff

Tabatt Takes New Role at Foundation

LITTLE FALLS, MN–The Initiative Foundation is pleased to announce Zach Tabatt as its new community philanthropy manager to support and grow hosted Partner Funds. In his new role, Tabatt will provide value-added training and services while helping individuals and families meet their charitable goals.

Tabatt joined the Initiative Foundation in 2019 and most recently served as nonprofit development program officer, where he designed and delivered capacity-building programs for regional nonprofits.

Tabatt will guide the Initiative Foundation’s Partner Fund program, which hosts 130 funds for families, businesses, nonprofit organizations and volunteer-led groups. He also will focus on building new relationships to advance the goals of those who want to support local causes through the creation of charitable funds. Supporting an array of fund types, the Foundation’s Partner Fund program helps local people champion local causes to ensure strong and vibrant communities throughout Central Minnesota.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Tabatt served as a financial adviser and as a law enforcement officer.

“My role in supporting Central Minnesota nonprofits has really helped me to understand the important relationships between donors and service providers,” Tabatt said. “Paired with my financial industry background, I can bring a unique perspective to help others achieve their philanthropic visions.”

Tabatt currently serves on the Baxter City Council and the Crow Wing County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. He earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a master’s degree from Creighton University and is currently wrapping up a policy fellowship with the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

“Zach’s breadth of experience and knowledge is a great fit for our community philanthropy program,” said Carl Newbanks, Initiative Foundation director of development. “Our goal is to grow the number and size of endowed funds we host so that we can increase their collective impact over time. By building stronger relationships with those who have a vested interest in our region, we can build greater wealth and prosperity across Central Minnesota.”

Tabatt assumed his new duties on May 15. He and his wife, Jessica, and their two daughters make their home in Baxter where Zach enjoys getting his family outdoors to hunt, fish and camp.