Explore the Portal
Improved Technology to Empower Central Minnesotans
Initiative Foundation grants empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity. The Initiative Foundation has transitioned its technology platform for grants. See the guidance below to understand the timeline and view tutorial content as we work to improve capacity-building support for nonprofits, local government units, schools, and economic and workforce development initiatives across the 14 counties and two Native nations of Central Minnesota.
Transition Timeline
The Initiative Foundation has launched a new portal for nonprofit capacity-building and economic development and workforce grant seekers.
New grant-seekers and those who have applied for and received past grants will need to create a new account. The “Portal Login” link will be permanently located at the top of the Initiative Foundation’s website next to the search bar. Visitors to this site will also find the link in the drop-down menu under “Grants” in the main navigational menu. The portal will open to all grant-seekers on April 1, including those seeking economic development and workforce grants and grants from our family of Partner Funds.
To file a close-out report for an existing or open grant, visit the Foundation’s legacy grantmaking system.
Get Ready for the Transition
Take This Simple Step ...
As we make the transition, we ask that you take this simple step:
Automated emails from the new grants management platform, the portal, will come from grants@ifound.org. These include notifications during account creation, when you submit applications, and when follow-up forms are due or submitted. Please add this email address to your safe senders list or work with your IT manager so messages from this address do not get flagged as spam or phishing.
Benefits of the Portal ...
- Dashboard view: Track applications, award status, and review grant history.
- One-stop landing page: See all grant opportunities currently available on a single page.
- One and done: Create one user account to have all grant opportunities, applications, and history at your fingertips—no matter how many organizations you support as a grant writer.
- Save your work: You won’t lose your hard work if you get distracted or walk away. A “Save” button lets you pick up where you left off.
- You’re in control: Manage your profile and your password without having to reach out for a reset.
- User-friendly: The portal system is simple, intuitive, and easy to follow.
Grant-Seekers: Learn About the Portal
Watch the videos to learn how to register your account and apply for a grant.
We're Here to Help!
For questions about the portal, send an email to grants@ifound.org or contact Program Specialist Jessy Beto for nonprofit and economic development grants; Kerie Thoma, community philanthropy specialist, for Partner Fund grants and grant-reviewer questions; or Amy Gray, community philanthropy manager, for navigating Partner Fund financials.
