40th Anniversary
Celebrating Your Good Ideas in 2026
For four decades, the Initiative Foundation has partnered with the people of Central Minnesota to strengthen communities, support entrepreneurs and invest in ideas that build lasting vitality. Since our founding in 1986, we’ve believed that local vision and collaboration are essential to the region’s future prosperity. As we celebrate this milestone in 2026, we honor the relationships, resilience and shared commitment that have shaped our past—and continue to guide our work ahead.
“The Minnesota Initiative Foundations are like this living, breathing expression of our communities in the region—the joys and the hopes and the fears, and the dreams and the aspirations.”— Brian Voerding, Initiative Foundation president
Read more about our 40th year in IQ Magazine.
Your Good Ideas: 40th Anniversary Gatherings
Throughout 2026, we celebrated 40 years of investing in your good ideas with four regional gatherings across Central Minnesota.
Hundreds of community leaders, partners, donors and neighbors joined us in Foley, Braham, Big Lake and Nisswa to celebrate the people, partnerships and ideas that have shaped our region—and to look ahead to what we can accomplish together.
Each gathering featured stories of local impact, time to connect and the presentation of a Good Neighbor Honor recognizing individuals and groups whose steadfast service strengthens their communities.
Our 2026 Gatherings
May 13 — Northern Hollow Winery, Foley
June 10 — Braham Event Center, Braham
Sept. 22 — Lupulin Brewing Company, Big Lake
Oct. 1 — Nature Link Resort, Nisswa
Meet Our Good Neighbor Honorees
The Good Neighbor Honor celebrates individuals whose quiet, steadfast service strengthens communities across Central Minnesota. Honorees are recognized for consistently showing up for their neighbors, organizations and communities—often without seeking recognition.
Ma Elena Gutierrez
Ma Elena Gutierrez was recognized at our May 13 event at Northern Hollow Winery in Foley. She is a community organizer and immigrant rights advocate who has spent more than a decade building leadership and advancing justice across Central Minnesota. As the founder of Fe y Justicia (Faith and Justice), she empowers families, strengthens communities and creates pathways to dignity, equity and opportunity. Learn more about Ma Elena.
Tusen Tack Volunteers
The Tusen Tack Programs volunteers were recognized at the Braham Event Center on June 10. For nearly 40 years, this dedicated group has built and sustained a vibrant community hub in Braham, creating spaces where people can connect, find support and feel a sense of belonging. Through their volunteer-driven efforts—from a thrift store and food shelf to community meals and the Braham Event Center—they meet essential needs while strengthening relationships across East Central Minnesota. Learn more about the Tusen Tack programs volunteers.
Heather Kliewer
Heather Kliewer was recognized on September 22 at Lupulin Brewing Company in Big Lake. As executive director of Community Aid of Elk River (CAER) Food Shelf, she provides steady, compassionate leadership, helping ensure neighbors can access food in a welcoming setting that preserves dignity and choice. A former volunteer for CAER, Heather brings firsthand understanding of the challenges families face and works closely with staff, volunteers and partners to strengthen support for the Elk River area. Learn more about Heather Kliewer.
Verna Toenyan
Verna Toenyan was recognized on Oct. 1 at Nature Link Resort in Nisswa. A former director of the Todd County Council on Aging, she is known for bringing people together to support seniors and neighbors in need. Her leadership helped spark Hilltop Regional Kitchen, now a regional effort delivering meals across Minnesota and strengthening care for older adults. Learn more about Verna Toenyan.
Event Sponsors
A big thank-you to the generous sponsors whose support helped make our 40th anniversary gatherings possible.
Download Anniversary Logo
The 40th anniversary logo may be used to recognize and celebrate this milestone year and our shared commitment to community vitality, partnership and lasting regional impact.
Read Stories of Impact
Next-Level Initiators
Nine social entrepreneurs join the 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship as the program expands its reach across Greater Minnesota Read More
The Power of Local Leadership
From small-town business owners to regional planners and volunteers, Central Minnesotans have spent four decades working with the Initiative Foundation to strengthen their communities. Read More
Our Legacy, Our Future
A forward-looking framework that honors the past and invests in people, places and ideas. Read More
Regional Highlights
Get the latest highlights from Central Minnesota’s 14 counties and two Native nations. Read More
A Hope, a Prayer—and a Plan
As weather patterns shift, communities plan for long-term stability. Read More