Helping Central Minnesota people build and sustain thriving communities
How Can We Help You?
The Initiative Foundation works daily to strengthen the economy and communities of Central Minnesota. Choose an option: Let’s work together to bring greater opportunity and prosperity to all.
Read Fall Edition of IQ Magazine
Read the fall edition of IQ Magazine to learn about the Bottemillers, a family with deep Wadena roots, and how they are modeling the way for giving at a time of great generational wealth transfer.
Register: Upcoming Trainings
The Initiative Foundation offers trainings for business owners and nonprofit volunteers and staff throughout the year. Business owners can learn about everything from bookkeeping to marketing. Nonprofit board and staff can attend sessions on branding and finances. A slate of new training opportunities will be added for 2025, so check back early and often.
Support for Your Business
Lending programs at the Initiative Foundation go beyond just providing capital. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution, or CDFI, we also provide business support to help borrowers succeed. Support can come in many forms, from business planning and credit counseling to other forms of education.
Lending: A Mission to Serve
By providing access to capital and support to borrowers, CDFIs like the Initiative Foundation help to create opportunities for economic growth and empowerment in disadvantaged areas.
Making a Difference in Central Minnesota—With Your Support
Supported by your generosity, the Initiative Foundation since its founding in 1986 has invested multiple millions into Central Minnesota through grants, loans and programming.
$71 Million
Through 10,675 grants delivered to schools, nonprofits and local units of government
Latest News
Foundation Awards $1.2 Million in Third Quarter Grants
The Foundation awarded $750,000 in grants to 19 Central Minnesota nonprofits through a partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust and its Community Responsive Fund. The… Read More
Foundations Award More Than $21,000 in Rural Poverty Grants
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation are awarding $21,600 to five area organizations, through their jointly held Rural Poverty Grant Round. The… Read More
Foundation Welcomes Gray in Community Philanthropy Role
The Initiative Foundation is pleased to announce that Amy Gray has joined the team as community philanthropy manager. Gray has an extensive background in nonprofit… Read More