Grants
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 Guidelines
Grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local units of government operating within the 14-county region served by the Initiative Foundation. The service area includes Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena and Wright counties, and the Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with quarterly awards made through a competitive review process.
Grants seldom exceed $10,000 and are not intended to provide ongoing support. The grant process is highly competitive.
We focus on:
- Localism: We support local organizations and projects with local leadership and local financial support.
- Geographic equity: We strive to create a meaningful difference annually in the counties and Native nations we serve.
- Economic roots: We focus on grants that improve economies, build economic opportunity, and create community vibrancy.
- Leverage: We believe in building the capacity of nonprofits and economic development entities so that our initial investment acts as a catalyst to attract larger and ongoing support from the community, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
2025 Grant Timeline:
The application opens on Feb. 17, 2025. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed according to the following schedule:
Nonprofit capacity building grant deadlines:
- April 1, 2025
- Oct. 10, 2025
Economic development, workforce grant deadlines:
- May 9, 2025
- Nov. 14, 2025
Applicants will typically be notified of decisions within two weeks of the application deadline.
Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grants
- Area Served
- Central Minnesota
- Emphasis
-
The Initiative Foundation supports Central Minnesota nonprofits with budgets of $1 million or less. Capacity-building grants are designed to strengthen organizations that lift up local economies, build a strong workforce, and add to the vibrancy of the region’s economy.
Economic Development, Workforce Grants
- Area Served
- Central Minnesota
- Emphasis
-
The Initiative Foundation supports local units of government, Tribal governments and economic development nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status. The grants are geared toward early-stage or pilot projects, or new strategies that encourage economic development that includes workforce development and initiatives that attract and retain workers in the region.
Nonprofit Academy Grants
- Area Served
- Central Minnesota
- Emphasis
-
The Initiative Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Central Minnesota that are implementing projects or programs directly related to Nonprofit Academy training participation. Invitation-only applications are accepted on a rolling basis from participants who complete training programs.
These grants follow the same guidelines and restrictions as the capacity-building grants for nonprofits.
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
- 01/01/2025
- Application Deadline
- 11/30/2025
- Area Served
- Black Oak Getty Wind Farm Area Communities (Sauk Centre area)
- Emphasis
-
- Community development
- Educational growth
- Responsible stewardship of resources
Applications reviewed in late November.
Delano Area Community Foundation
- Area Served
- Delano area
- Emphasis
-
- Improve the quality and scope of educational programming to residents
- Promote community development and appearance
- Enrich the artistic and cultural climate
- Increase and diversify recreational activities
Greater Pine Area Endowment
- Area Served
- Pine City
- Emphasis
-
- Economic development
- Community development
Grant Review Dates: March 31 & August 31
Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation
- Open
- 01/01/2025
- Application Deadline
- 12/31/2025
- Area Served
- Hackensack Lakes area
- Emphasis
-
- Community development
- Environmental projects
- Health and wellbeing
Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation
- Area Served
- Mille Lacs area
- Emphasis
-
- Environmental stewardship
- Economic vitality
- Sustainable farming and food programs
- Community pride
Grant Round Opens June 1 and Closes September 15 annually.
- Grant applications are reviewed in October
- Grant recommendations for funding are awarded in November
Morrison County Area Foundation - Early Childhood Fund
- Area Served
- Morrison County - Early Childhood Fund
- Emphasis
-
- Education
- Health
- Developing welcoming communities
Rum River Community Foundation
- Area Served
- Bock, Foreston, Milaca, Pease and surrounding townships
- Emphasis
-
- Parks and recreation
- Community
- Youth
Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation
- Emphasis
-
- Improved community appearance
- Strengthen youth and families
- Increase community involvement and leadership
Applications reviewed April 15 and Oct. 15.
Three Rivers Community Foundation
- Area Served
- Elk Rivers, Rogers, Zimmerman
- Emphasis
-
- Human services
- Education and life-long learning
- Social, cultural and leisure
- Public issues and information
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 Fund
- Area Served
- Albany schools
- Emphasis
-
- Support district programs
- Spur innovation
- Expand opportunities in academics, activities, arts and athletics
Becker Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Becker schools
- Emphasis
-
- Provide opportunities for students and teachers
Bluejacket Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Cambridge-Isanti Schools
- Emphasis
-
- Increase innovative learning opportunities for Cambridge-Isanti students.
- Support learning, achievement, growth, and well-being.
All projects must comply with ISD 911 policies, specifically policies 601, 603, and 604.
Applications reviewed on April 30 and Oct. 31.
Braham Area Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Braham Schools
- Emphasis
-
- Expand opportunities for students of all ages
- Strengthen ties between Braham schools and community
Applications reviewed quarterly in early February, May, August and November.
Little Falls Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Little Falls schools
- Emphasis
-
- Enrich the educational experience of students
Patriot Foundation
- Area Served
- Pequot Lakes schools
- Emphasis
-
- Create unforgettable learning experiences for students
- Provide students with opportunities for real world career exposure and STEAM activities
- Provide opportunities for children who need one
- Investing in our teachers
Pillager Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Pillager schools
- Emphasis
-
- Scholarships
- Enhance student excellence in academics, arts, athletics and activities
Royalton Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Royalton schools
- Emphasis
-
- Enhance student well-being, education and activities
Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation
- Area Served
- Sauk Rapids and Rice schools
- Emphasis
-
- Create unforgettable classroom experiences
- Unite the community and schools
- Provide an opportunities for children in need
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
-
- Health
- Wellness
Memorial Hospital Foundation (Serving Greater Isanti County)
- Open
- 01/01/2025
- Application Deadline
- 11/30/2025
- Area Served
- Isanti County
- Emphasis
-
- Health
- Wellness
- Volunteerism
- Community involvement
Applications reviewed in late August.
Current Grantees: Financial Reports
The Financial Report Form is for organizations currently receiving a grant. Refer to the provided instructions for next steps.
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 grants@ifound.org or contact Nicole for nonprofit and Nonprofit Academy questions; Zach or Donniel for economic development and workforce questions; or Jessy for procedural questions.
