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.

Program Officer: Clean Energy & Community Resilience

Join Our Team!

Could this be you or someone you know? The Foundation is searching for a clean energy and community resiliency program officer—a new position—to drive forward-thinking initiatives across Central Minnesota. Through relationship-building and partnerships, the clean energy and community resilience program officer identifies opportunities, coordinates services, and connects local governments and nonprofits with resources for clean energy opportunities, disaster preparedness, and resilience planning.

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 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

$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

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

Foundation Awards Nearly $1.9 Million During Second Quarter

The Initiative Foundation and its hosted Partner Funds delivered 164 grants during the second quarter of 2024 totaling $1.87 million. Supported by the PROMISE Act… Read More

All News