Foundation Awards More Than $1.4 Million in Second Quarter
The Initiative Foundation and its Partner Funds awarded 147 grants totaling more than $1.4 million during the second quarter of 2025.
Among second-quarter grants was a $500,000 donation from the Memorial Hospital Foundation, an Initiative Foundation Partner Fund, to New Pathways in Cambridge. The grant supports a permanent family shelter for those experiencing homelessness. In addition, a special grant round distributed $100,000 to 18 food shelves serving communities with populations of less than 1,000 people.
The Initiative Foundation awarded 48 grants, including the food shelf grants, for a total of more than $230,000. These second-quarter grants supported trauma training at Arrows Family Services in Milaca, helped 10 organizations attend the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits fundraising conference, and provided general support to Parenting With Grace in Buffalo. See the full list of grantees.
The Foundation’s family of Partner Funds awarded 99 grants totaling nearly $1.2 million, including the Memorial Hospital Foundation grant to New Pathways. These grants supported a fireworks display in Pease, continued beautification in downtown Hackensack, and flexible seating for Little Falls fifth graders. See the full list of grantees.
“Each of these grants represents a powerful investment in the people and places of Central Minnesota,” said Brian Voerding, president of the Initiative Foundation. “From food shelves in rural communities to strategic planning for nonprofits, we’re proud to support local solutions that build a stronger region for everyone.”
View the summary below for highlights of the second quarter 2025 grants. For a complete listing, visit ifound.org.
Initiative Foundation Grant Awards
The following organizations were among those receiving Initiative Foundation grants during the months of April, May and June of 2025:
Hooyo Hour Organization: $5,000 to support strategic planning.
Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation: $5,000 to support continuous improvement initiatives.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud: $5,000 to enhance volunteer engagement.
See the full list of grantees.
Partner Fund Grant Awards
The Initiative Foundation manages a variety of endowed Partner Funds created by families, businesses, nonprofits and volunteer-led groups. The following grants were among those made by our Partner Funds during April, May and June of 2025:
Albany Area Education Foundation: $65,000 to Albany schools for a climbing wall.
Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation: $2,000 to LEAP, Inc., for the Legacy Arboretum and Natural Trail.
Rum River Community Foundation: $1,000 to Milaca Wolves Snack Pack program.
See the full list of grantees.
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