Newbanks Named Vice President for Philanthropy
The Initiative Foundation is pleased to announce that Carl Newbanks has been named vice president for philanthropy.
Newbanks previously served as the Foundation’s director of development. Before joining the Foundation in 2018, he served as director of program development and community relations at United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota.
In his new role, Newbanks will lead the development team, which includes donor relations and planned giving, along with the Foundation’s grant writing to attract resources to the region. He also will guide and oversee the Foundation’s growing Community Philanthropy program. The Community Philanthropy program includes nearly 130 Partner Funds for families, businesses, nonprofit organizations and volunteer-led groups. In 2023, the Foundation’s Partner Funds awarded $3.5 million in grants throughout the region.
“I am very passionate about our work and I’m so grateful to play a role in bringing positive change to Central Minnesota,” said Newbanks, who has earned accreditation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning (FCEP). “I am committed to being an advocate for donors and to partner and guide them on the path to creative giving solutions to support a stronger, more vibrant Central Minnesota.”
Each year, thousands of donors support the Initiative Foundation’s mission to empower people throughout Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity. Many of these generous donors belong to the Community Builders Circle, giving $1,000 or more annually to the Foundation’s general endowment to support programs that lift up entrepreneurs, grow the economy, enhance our communities, and fortify our nonprofits.
“Carl has a big heart and vision for our region and is driven by supporting generous residents to keep wealth local by investing in the communities and causes they care deeply about,” said Brian Voerding, Initiative Foundation president. “We are excited to elevate Carl to this new role, and I invite people to reach out to explore how we can partner to support their philanthropic vision for Central Minnesota.”
Newbanks has served in numerous volunteer roles within the St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids Chambers of Commerce and as a member of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation advisory team. He belongs to the Minnesota Gift Planning Association, Leave a Legacy MN, the Central Minnesota Leave a Legacy Committee, and the Grants Professionals Association. He and his family make their home in Sauk Rapids.