Become a Community Builders Circle Member
Why Community Builders Matter
Community Builders Circle gifts provide flexible support that allows the Initiative Foundation to invest where need and opportunity are greatest—guided by community input and our strategic priorities.
Because of you, we are able to …
- support entrepreneurs and small businesses
- invest in child care, workforce and community resilience
- strengthen nonprofits through grants and training
- respond quickly to urgent and emerging needs.
Your commitment allows us to act thoughtfully, invest strategically and lead where it matters most—today, and for generations to come.
Making Music in Milaca
Ardy Becklin (left) and Dave Dillan embody the spirit of community pride sparked more than 20 years ago by an Initiative Foundation grant that helped to restore the city’s bandshell. That early investment ignited local momentum and led to the creation of the Rum River Community Foundation, supporting lasting hometown improvements.
Nourishing Neighbors
Amy Erickson, founder of Community Table, serves a meal in Elk River, where monthly gatherings provide food, friendship and a sense of belonging. For the past six years, on the fourth Sunday of each month, residents can come together to share food, friendship and connection—strengthening community bonds one meal at a time.
Standing With Veterans
An Initiative Foundation loan helped Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk Centre avoid closure and continue serving veterans in crisis. Pictured is Air Force veteran Aaron Starrett, who arrived homeless in 2024 and rebuilt his life on campus—now working to support fellow veterans seeking healing, stability and renewed purpose.
Join the Community Builders Circle
Contact one of our gift-planning team members today to learn how you can make a difference in Central Minnesota.
Meet Community Builders Circle Members
The generosity of Community Builders Circle members unlocks the power of local leadership, nonprofits, small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs. Thank you for your annual contributions that help to make Central Minnesota an exceptional place to live, work and raise a family.
Businesses
$10,000+
- BankVista
- Citizens Bank of Waverly
- Connexus Energy
- East Central Energy
- Falcon National Bank
- Frandsen Bank & Trust
- Granite Partners Foundation of Minnesota
- Harvest Bank
- Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union
- Pine Country Bank
- Sentry Banks
- Sherburne State Bank
- Sourcewell
- Stearns Bank, NA
- U.S. Bank Foundation
- Wadena State Bank
- Western Bank
$5,000+
$2,000+
- American Heritage National Bank
- American National Bank of Minnesota
- Central McGowan
- CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, Northern Minnesota
- Clow
- Crow Wing Power
- Farmers & Merchants State Bank Charitable Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation
- First National Bank of Milaca
- IPEX, Inc.
- Long Prairie Packing Company
- McDowall Company
- Microbiologics, Inc.
- New Life Thrift Store
- Rotochopper
$1,000+
- Buffalo Hospital on behalf of Allina Health System
- Brenny Transportation
- Cambridge Medical Center on behalf of Allina Health System
- First Bank & Trust
- First National Bank North
- First Western Bank & Trust
- Hanneken Insurance Agency
- Hunt Utilities Group, LLC
- Kensington Bank
- LINDAR Corporation
- Little Falls Chamber and Tourism
- Midwest Security and Fire
- National Bank of Commerce
- NOR-SON Custom Builders
- NOR-SON Construction
- Park Industries, Inc.
- Pequot Tool & MFG., Inc.
- Schlenner, Wenner & Co.
- The Bank of Elk River
- Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative
- West Central Telephone Association
- WiDSETH
Individuals
$2,000+
- Nancy and Thomas Adams Family Charitable Fund
- John E. Babcock
- Rick and Helga Bauerly Foundation
- Don Hickman & Sandra Kaplan
- John & Bonnie Schlagel
- Dorothy J. Simpson
- Diane Tuff and Murdoch Johnson
- Brian Voerding and Mollee Sheehan Voerding
- Bob & Carrie Willis
$1,000+
- Julie and David Anderholm
- Dick & Mimi Bitzan Family Fund of Central Minnesota Community Foundation
- Michael & Kathleen Burton
- Hara & Russ Charlier
- David & Kim Ellingson
- Kathy & Neal Gaalswyk
- Teri & Tom Hoggarth
- Jo & Larry Korf
- Mateo Mackbee
- Robert & Susan Olson
- Robert Shadduck Family Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation
- Kimberly & Denise Slipy
- Rita & Everett Sobania
- Charlotte Stephens
- Kristi Westbrock & Mike Bjerkness
*As of May 13, 2026