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 start-up or capacity-building projects for units of government and 501(c)(3) nonprofits across the 14 counties and two Native nations of Central Minnesota.

We currently are revising our guidelines and anticipate that the grant application will be open in early 2025.

Pequot Lakes knitting class
Grant funding helped Pequot Lakes fifth-grade students learn how to knit.

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
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
11/30/2024
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.

Learn More

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
04/15/2024
Application Deadline
11/30/2024
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.

Principal meeting required by Oct. 24. Application deadline is 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

Open
11/18/2024
Application Deadline
12/17/2024
Area Served
Pillager schools
Emphasis
  • Scholarships
  • Enhance student excellence in academics, arts, athletics and activities

Learn More

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

 

No Longer Accepting Applications for 2024.

Memorial Hospital Foundation (Serving Greater Isanti County)

Open
01/01/2024
Application Deadline
11/30/2024
Area Served
Isanti County
Emphasis
  • Health
  • Wellness
  • Volunteerism
  • Community involvement

Applications reviewed in late August.

Learn More

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 are sensitive to varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourages open communication with applicants needing additional assistance.

Nicole Clements

Nicole Clements

Nonprofit Development Program Officer (320) 631-2048
Don Hickman

Don Hickman

Vice President for Community & Workforce Development (320) 631-2043