Renewable Energy
The Future Looks Bright ...
To bolster the economies of Central Minnesota, the Initiative Foundation is working with partners on renewable energy projects that are sustainable, feasible, build workforce skills and create quality, living-wage jobs.
Sherburne County Coal Generation Station
Since 2016, the Initiative Foundation has been working with the city of Becker to mitigate the community impact of Xcel Energy’s plan to decommission their three coal-burning plants. This will force Becker to lose about 75 percent of the tax base. A new solar array is being planned to offset the power of coal power generation.
The lessons learned through this project could help other communities with aging coal power plants plan for their energy and economic transitions.
Electric Vehicle Events
In the summer of 2022, the Initiative Foundation worked with Recharge America and other partners to host a St. Cloud Electric Vehicle Expo. More than 150 people test drove a vehicle at the event. In 2023, the Foundation sponsored a similar event in Elk River. Both of these events also raised funds for area charities and showcased career opportunities for youth.
Electric Vehicle Charging
We were excited to partner with Minnesota Power to install an electric vehicle charging station at the Initiative Foundation’s Little Falls office. Minnesota Power partners with ZEF ENERGY to power the stations. The cost is $1.50 per hour of charging. The charger includes two charging ports.
Mitigating Climate Change
The Northern Waters Land Trust in Walker has been exploring ways to compensate private landowners for managing their property to maximize woody biomass, which helps keep carbon from the atmosphere. One strategy is to create a collection of properties to help attract grant funds from conservation organizations. These lots can still be harvested for timber. This project may represent a new revenue stream for these properties.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
In 2023, the Initiative Foundation partnered with the University of Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Team to complete a cost-benefit analysis for the installation of solar panels at food shelves in Elk River and Walker. Another project is exploring a geothermal installation for a community-owned workforce housing project. The analysis revealed it would take more than 10 years to cover the cost of the projects. In 2024, the Minnesota Department of Commerce will premiere a program that could cover up to 70 percent of installation costs for all three projects.
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 to Deliver $750,000 Thanks to Otto Bremer Trust
Through a partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) and its Community Responsive Fund, the Initiative Foundation will award $750,000 in grants to organizations that… Read More
Revitalization Grants Leverage $47 Million in Improvements
Through a yearlong partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the Initiative Foundation awarded $4.3 million in grants to six communities… Read More
IQ Magazine Stories
A Bundle of Community Help
Otto Bremer Trust partnership delivers millions to Greater Minnesota nonprofits. Read More
The Sandstone Solution
Communities across the region are in dire need of affordable workforce housing. The city of Sandstone is determined to make a difference. Read More
Where Passion Meets Purpose
2024-2025 Initiators Fellows are leveraging lived experiences to drive meaningful social change. Read More
Contact Us
Do you have a renewable energy idea that might represent an economic opportunity in Central Minnesota? Contact Don Hickman to share your idea and explore whether grants or financing are available.
