Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations are critical to thriving communities. The Foundation’s nonprofit development programs support Central Minnesota nonprofits by providing grants, training, resource referrals and loans.
Subscribe to the Initiative Foundation’s nonprofit newsletter (below) to stay in the loop on upcoming trainings and other opportunities.
Nonprofit Board Support
Strong nonprofit boards are essential to organizational success. Strengthen your board in 2026 through training and consulting opportunities offered by the Initiative Foundation.
Customized Board Support
Receive up to 15 hours of tailored board consulting to help your organization strengthen governance, clarify roles, and build board effectiveness. Consulting support is available through Dec. 31, 2026.
Board Leadership Training
Bring your board members and executive director and join us for one of three Board Leadership Trainings being offered in Pine City, Waite Park and Brainerd. Gain practical tools, shared understanding and strategies to help your board lead with confidence.
Nonprofit Grants
The Initiative Foundation provides grants to eligible nonprofits to support start-up or capacity-building projects. Foundation-hosted Partner Funds provide funding based on specific priority areas.
Upcoming Nonprofit Trainings
Board Leadership Training
Strong nonprofit organizations are supported by engaged and effective boards. Organizational leadership and board members play critical roles in ensuring boards provide strategic leadership, ensure…
- Subject
- Nonprofit
- Location
- Waite Park
- Start Date
- October 14, 2026
Resilient Nonprofit Lab
Join The Resilient Nonprofit Lab, a free, hands-on, five-month training designed for nonprofits in the Greater St. Cloud area serving underserved communities. Limited to 10…
- Subject
- Nonprofit
- Location
- Waite Park
- Start Date
- October 20, 2026
Board Leadership Training
This training is offered in Partnership with Sourcewell. Strong nonprofit organizations are supported by engaged and effective boards. Organizational leadership & board…
- Subject
- Nonprofit
- Location
- Brainerd
- Start Date
- November 12, 2026
Nonprofit Assistance
Running a nonprofit isn’t easy. There are resources available to help Central Minnesota nonprofits succeed. Initiative Foundation staff can connect you with the help you need.
Nonprofit Lending
Nonprofits may need access to capital for various purposes, such as expanding their programs, investing in infrastructure, or bridging temporary financial gaps. The Initiative Foundation provides lending for eligible projects.
Contact Us
Initiative Foundation staff members are here to help! Reach out to discuss your nonprofit’s needs.
Download a fact sheet to learn more about nonprofit programming.
IQ Magazine Stories
Next-Level Initiators
Nine social entrepreneurs join the 2026-2027 Initiators Fellowship as the program expands its reach across Greater Minnesota Read More
The Power of Local Leadership
From small-town business owners to regional planners and volunteers, Central Minnesotans have spent four decades working with the Initiative Foundation to strengthen their communities. Read More
Our Legacy, Our Future
A forward-looking framework that honors the past and invests in people, places and ideas. Read More
IQ Magazine Stories
A Balm for Loneliness
Initiative Foundation grants help ease social isolation in Central Minnesota. Read More
Replenishing the Mission
Foundation makes the connection for a nonprofit needing a new well. Read More
Bear Paws Cultural Art
Students connect with community, culture as they make jingle dresses, moccasins—and do beadwork. Read More