Foundation Awards More Than $2.8 Million in Grants
The Initiative Foundation and its Partner Funds awarded 136 grants totaling more than $2.8 million during the third quarter of 2025.
The Foundation awarded $740,000 in partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust’s Community Responsive Fund to support locally led initiatives that strengthen families, enhance health and literacy and expand access to mental well-being services.
The Foundation also awarded $160,000 to 25 organizations through a special Joy & Connection grant round. The granting effort supports community-led projects that bring people together and create opportunities for belonging, healing and shared purpose.
Seven grants totaling $97,000 were awarded for energy efficiency and community resiliency planning—a first-time grant round designed to help communities plan for a more sustainable future.
In addition, more than $13,000 was awarded through the Minnesota Main Street Economic Revitalization program. This program is delivered in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
The Initiative Foundation awarded 21 grants totaling more than $142,000. These third-quarter investments help nonprofits plan for the future while solidifying their boards of directors, teaching youth entrepreneurship skills and supporting hometowns participating in the Initiative Foundation’s Thriving Communities program. See the complete list of grantees.
The Foundation’s family of Partner Funds awarded 66 grants totaling nearly $1.7 million. These grants support youth mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota and Tools for Schools grants at 16 schools through the Central Minnesota Builders Fund & Initiative. More than $1 million was awarded to the Friends of the Wadena City Library to support ongoing library operations. See the complete list of grantees.
“These grants reflect the heart of our mission—to strengthen the communities of Central Minnesota by investing in the people and organizations leading meaningful change,” said Amy Trombley, Initiative Foundation vice president for community. “From supporting families and mental well-being to fostering belonging and resiliency, we’re proud to partner with local leaders who are building a more connected and vibrant region.”
View the summary below for highlights of third-quarter 2025 grants.
Initiative Foundation Awards
The following organizations were among those receiving Initiative Foundation grants during the months of July, August and September of 2025:
- Minnesota Humanities Center—Sketches of Minnesota: $15,000 to support the Sketches of Minnesota event in Deerwood.
- WAVE Saludos Welcome Center: $5,000 to support the belonging work of the organization.
- ConnectAbility of MN—Board Development to Support Organizational Growth: $3,000 to support a board retreat in 2025.
See the complete list of grantees.
Partner Fund 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 July, August and September of 2025:
- Artesian Homes Charitable Fund: $30,000 to Camp Shamineau as a donation for children to attend camp.
- Memorial Hospital Foundation: $20,000 to New Pathways to support general operations.
- Early Childhood Fund of Morrison County: $1,000 to Arrows Family Services for Circle of Security groups.
See the complete list of grantees.
To support efforts like these, or to create your own Partner Fund, visit ifound.org/ways-to-give/start-a-fund.