The Center, Brainerd
Darcy Walkowiak, executive director of The Center in Brainerd, leads the organization as it expands its fund-development efforts. An Initiative Foundation grant will help build The Center's fundraising capacity to support its mission.

$61,000 Awarded for Emerging Needs, Capacity Grants

The Initiative Foundation has awarded 10 grants totaling $61,000 to Central Minnesota nonprofits to strengthen their organizations and address urgent challenges.

The grants support organizations that provide essential services and strengthen community wellbeing. Four organizations received grants to address unexpected funding gaps, staffing disruptions and operational challenges, while six organizations received grants to strengthen leadership, planning, fundraising and organizational effectiveness.

“Strong nonprofits are essential to strong communities,” said Amy Trombley, Initiative Foundation vice president for community. “These grants help organizations navigate unexpected challenges while also investing in the planning, leadership and infrastructure needed to sustain their impact for years to come. We’re proud to partner with organizations that are responding to community needs across Central Minnesota.”

The Initiative Foundation’s grant program is designed to meet long-term development goals and immediate community needs. Its economic, community and workforce development grants focus on early-stage, innovative efforts that strengthen local economies, expand opportunity capacity and build a skilled workforce. Its emerging needs and nonprofit capacity-building grants help organizations respond to short-term urgent challenges while also investing in longer-term stability and sustained organizational growth.

See the recipients.

The Foundation offers multiple rounds of grants for emerging needs and nonprofit capacity-building throughout the year, with the next application deadline on July 17. Learn more.