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.

Generational Goodness

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 has been added for 2025, but continue to check back. 

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

$524 Million

Leveraged in outside investments through 1,243 loans totaling $70 million

12,379

People supported through training for nonprofits, community programs, etc.

Latest News

Eight Graduate From Mille Lacs Enterprise Academy Class

The Initiative Foundation is celebrating the graduation of eight entrepreneurs who are dedicated to building their homegrown business ideas in the Mille Lacs area. These… Read More

Seven Graduate From St. Cloud Enterprise Academy Class

The Initiative Foundation is celebrating the graduation of 14 entrepreneurs who are dedicated to building their homegrown business ideas in the St. Cloud area. These… Read More

Seven Graduate From Long Prairie Enterprise Academy Class

The Initiative Foundation is celebrating the graduation of seven entrepreneurs who are dedicated to building their homegrown business ideas in the Long Prairie area. These… Read More

All News