Grants Available
Initiative Foundation Grants
The Initiative Foundation awards grants for projects and programs that empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity. Foundation grants support capacity-building projects for nonprofits, local units of government, schools, and economic and workforce development initiatives across the 14 counties and two Native nations of Central Minnesota.
The Initiative Foundation’s family of Partner Funds includes community, education and donor-advised funds. These funds also award grants based on specific priorities and typically are more localized to make investments in Central Minnesota communities.
Grant Seekers: Create an Account to Apply for a Grant
The Initiative Foundation’s portal is a centralized online location where grant-seekers can apply for grants, review grant history and more.
Grant-seekers must create an account to gain access. Visit our landing page for information and how-to videos about creating your account and navigating the space.
Economic, Community and Workforce Development Grants
- Open
- 08/18/2026
- Application Deadline
- 09/25/2026
- Area Served
- Central Minnesota
- Emphasis
-
This opportunity offers Economic Development, Community and Workforce grants to support early-stage pilot and innovative efforts that strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity and build a thriving workforce across Central Minnesota.
There will be one additional Economic, Community and Workforce Development grant round in 2026.
Emerging Needs & Nonprofit Capacity-building Grants
- Open
- 10/05/2026
- Application Deadline
- 11/06/2026
- Area Served
- Central Minnesota
- Emphasis
-
Two grant opportunities in one, designed to strengthen nonprofits serving Central Minnesota. Together, these grants support both immediate, short-term stabilization and urgent response and long-term organizational strengthening and stability.
Small and Mighty Nonprofit Grants
- Open
- 08/31/2026
- Application Deadline
- 10/01/2026
- Area Served
- Central Minnesota
- Emphasis
-
Small and Mighty Nonprofit Grants support program and project needs of small and mighty nonprofit organizations across the Initiative Foundation region. Grants will be awarded to support nonprofits making a difference in our communities every day.
Partner Fund Grants
A significant share of Initiative Foundation grantmaking is funded by Partner Funds. Each of these funds has specific priority areas and varying grant schedules. Learn how you can start a fund today to support the causes that matter most to you.
Community Funds
Hosted community funds provide grants to the communities they serve. The following community funds award grants to local initiatives.
Black Oak Getty Community Foundation
- Open
- 01/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 11/15/2026
- Area Served
- Black Oak Getty Wind Farm Area Communities (Sauk Centre area)
- Emphasis
-
- Community development
- Educational growth
- Responsible stewardship of resources
Application open through November 15.
Buffalo Area Community Foundation
- Open
- 08/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 09/15/2026
- Area Served
- Buffalo area
- Emphasis
-
The Buffalo Area Community Foundation exists to improve the quality of life of the Buffalo area.
Delano Area Community Foundation
- Open
- 09/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 11/15/2026
- Area Served
- Delano area
- Emphasis
-
The Delano Area Community Foundation is led by an advisory team of local volunteers who have made a commitment to strengthen the local communities. Revitalized in 2014, the goal of the fund is to build a constant source of capital and income to meet the needs and interests of the Delano area far into the future.
Greater Pine Area Endowment
- Open
- 07/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 09/15/2026
- Area Served
- Pine City
- Emphasis
-
- Economic development
- Community development
Application open all year. Applications reviewed in March and September.
Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation
- Area Served
- Hackensack lakes area
- Emphasis
-
The Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation provides financial and human connections to support a healthy place to live, learn, work and play.
Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation
- Open
- 06/16/2026
- Application Deadline
- 09/15/2026
- Area Served
- Mille Lacs area
- Emphasis
-
The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation serves the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area. The Fund makes annual grants to eligible organizations, including nonprofits, schools and local units of government to benefit health communities, natural resources and inclusive community building.
Morrison County Area Foundation
- Emphasis
-
The Morrison County Area Foundation works to develop and strengthen community resources and to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and organizations in Morrison County and the surrounding area.
Rum River Community Foundation
- Area Served
- Cities of Bock, Foreston, Milaca, and Pease; and the townships of Bogus Brook, Borgholm, Hayland, Milaca, Milo and Page.
- Emphasis
-
The Rum River Community Foundation is led by an advisory team of local volunteers who have made a commitment to strengthen local communities. Created in 2011, the vision is to improve the quality of life in the cities of Bock, Foreston, Milaca, and Pease; and the townships of Bogus Brook, Borgholm, Hayland, Milaca, Milo and Page.
Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation
- Open
- 01/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 10/15/2026
- Area Served
- Staples & Motley area
- Emphasis
-
- Improved community appearance
- Strengthen youth and families
- Increase community involvement and leadership
Application open all year. Applications reviewed April 15 and Oct. 15.
Three Rivers Community Foundation
- Area Served
- Elk River, Otsego, Rogers, Zimmerman and surrounding areas
- Emphasis
-
The Three Rivers Community Foundation is a pay-it-forward foundation, committed to returning the proceeds of the endowment for the betterment of the local area. Serving Elk River, Otsego, Rogers, Zimmerman and surrounding areas, the mission is to recognize, encourage and strengthen local resources to continually build the foundation for successful and vibrant communities.
Education Funds
Hosted education funds provide grants to schools in their targeted service area. The following funds award grants to local schools.
Albany Area Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Albany schools
- Emphasis
-
The Albany Area Education Foundation is devoted to supporting the continued excellence of Albany Area Schools. Partnering with the school district and the community, the Albany Area Education Foundation secures private, supplemental funding to support district programs, spur innovation, and expand opportunities for students and staff in the areas of academics, activities, arts and athletics.
Becker Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Becker schools
- Emphasis
-
The Becker Education Foundation cultivates the educational experience of all students within the Becker School District through the connection of alumni and the support of community, families and businesses.
Bluejacket Education Foundation
- Open
- 01/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 12/15/2026
- Area Served
- Cambridge-Isanti Schools
- Emphasis
-
- Increase innovative learning opportunities for Cambridge-Isanti students.
- Support learning, achievement, growth, and well-being.
Application open all year. Applications reviewed on April 30 and Oct. 31.
Braham Area Education Foundation
- Open
- 01/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 11/05/2026
- Area Served
- Braham Schools
- Emphasis
-
- Expand opportunities for students of all ages
- Strengthen ties between Braham schools and community
Application open all year. Applications reviewed quarterly in early February, May, August and November.
Cass Lake-Bena Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Cass Lake-Bena Schools
- Emphasis
-
The Cass Lake-Bena Education Foundation is committed to supporting and enhancing the educational experience of Cass Lake-Bena students for generations to come. The Foundation aims to strengthen academics, extracurricular activities, facilities and community connections.
Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Cuyuna Lakes Schools
- Emphasis
-
The Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation works to directly benefit students through academic, leadership and service grants.
Lake Region Christian School Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Lake Region Christian School, Baxter
- Emphasis
-
The Lake Region Christian School Education Foundation works to advance Christian education through the promotion of academic excellence by providing educational scholarships and classroom enhancements that develop and support Christian values. This is achieved by supporting Lake Region Christian School through student scholarships and classroom enhancements.
Little Falls Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Little Falls
- Emphasis
-
The Little Falls Education Foundation allows people to strengthen the community through a charitable contribution to benefit students of the school district. The advisory board is comprised of local volunteers who understand that strong, viable and inviting schools provide the basis for a growing community.
Patriot Foundation
- Area Served
- Pequot Lakes Schools
- Emphasis
-
The Patriot Foundation works to provide sustainable funding to enhance opportunities in the arts, academics, athletics and activities for students in the Pequot Lakes School District.
Pillager Education Foundation
- Open
- 12/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 01/31/2027
- Area Served
- Pillager schools
- Emphasis
-
The Pillager Education Foundation exists to provide and enhance student excellence in acadmics, arts, athletics, and activities. This is done through fundraising efforts designed to support scholarships, innovative classroom grants, special projects and community events.
Royalton Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Royalton schools
- Emphasis
-
The Royalton Education Foundation advisory team is a group of volunteers, from the community, working together to establish a permanent endowment to support education today and into the future.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation
- Open
- 08/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 10/15/2026
- Area Served
- Sauk Rapids-Rice schools
- Emphasis
-
The Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation provides opportunities for all students to excel by funding educational opportunities, special projects and engaging ideas that go beyond the district’s operating budget.
Sebeka Schools Foundation Fund
- Area Served
- Sebeka School District
- Emphasis
-
The Sebeka School Foundation is committed to supporting and enhancing the educational experience of Sebeka students for generations to come. The Foundation aims to strengthen academics, extracurricular activities, facilities and community connections.
Field-of-Interest Funds
Field-of-interest funds hosted by the Initiative Foundation provide grants to specific projects. The following are field-of-interest funds that award grants in the region.
Lakes Area Medical Development Association Fund
- Area Served
- Brainerd Lakes area
- Emphasis
Memorial Hospital Foundation (Serving Greater Isanti County)
- Open
- 01/01/2026
- Application Deadline
- 12/02/2026
- Area Served
- Isanti County
- Emphasis
-
- Health
- Wellness
- Volunteerism
- Community involvement
Application open all year. Applications reviewed as they come in, but are done reviewing by early December.
Grants Awarded
Wondering if your project is a fit? View our awarded grants to see examples of projects.
Grant Questions
Staff support typically is available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
Initiative Foundation staff members respect that there are varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourage open communication with applicants needing additional assistance. Send an email to [email protected] with questions.
