A 12-week educational course is at the heart of the Enterprise Academy program. Building Local Economies From Within The Initiative Foundation believes in the drive and daring of local entrepreneurs to transform their lives and contribute to the revitalization of their communities. The Enterprise Academy, following the Entrepreneur Development Model pioneered by the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) and its Build From Within Alliance, provides training, lending and one-one-one advising services to start and grow vital small businesses. Outcomes include ... Providing unique goods and services to the local economy Revitalization of communities and vacant properties Developing and lifting up community role models Strengthening local economies Broadening participation in the American dream. Entrepreneur Training  Aspiring entrepreneurs learn from business experts as they create their own individual business plan. Classes are once per week for 12 weeks and feature training specifically tailored to each group, with one-on-one assistance available to help each participant create a realistic business plan roadmap. Click Here for Class Topics Small Business Lending The Enterprise Academy is supported by a lending program and provides access to credit for businesses owners who may not be able to access traditional sources of capital, including culturally tailored lending. Direct loans are possible in amounts up to $50,000 for successful graduates of our Enterprise Academy Entrepreneur Training Class or to our Business Services and Technical Assistance clients who create a realistic and robust business plan. Enterprise Academy program borrowers may also be able to access larger loan amounts through our traditional gap lending program, which requires a lead lender such as a bank or credit union.       Learn More About the Gap Lending Program Business Services & Technical Assistance Expert consultants provide one-on-one technical assistance services in areas such as recordkeeping, accounting, marketing and branding, web development, social media marketing and legal aspects of business. These services are available to qualifying existing businesses for a reduced fee.      Soomaali Learn More Support for the Enterprise Academy is made possible by grants from Wells Fargo, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.  The Enterprise Academy program is part of the Build from Within Alliance, an association of organizations from across the United States who are implementing a similar comprehensive program of support for entrepreneurs.      

The Initiators Fellowship recently selected seven Fellows for its 2020-2021 cohort in partnership with Southwest Initiative Foundation and West Central Initiative! We'll open applications in spring 2021 for our 2022-2023 cohort. Learn more by visiting Greaterminnesota.net/fellows or contact Chris Fastner, Initiators Fellowship program manager, at (320) 631-2019. The Initiative Foundation would like to thank the many generous partners who aided in the development and funding of the Initiators Fellowship program. Special thanks to Granite Equity Partners, founding supporter of this groundbreaking regional economic development and leadership initiative. Support also comes from the Bush Foundation, Sourcewell and CliftonLarsonAllen.   Empowering Entrepreneurs to Make a Difference The Initiators Fellowship is a two-year suite of supports—including training, mentoring and funding—for beginning or early stage social entrepreneurs in Central, Southwest and West Central Minnesota. These Greater Minnesota leaders are helping to build the economy and quality of life in their hometowns by developing purpose-driven for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations that have a positive social or environmental impact. In October 2019 we celebrated the selection of seven individuals from across the 41 counties served by the Initiative Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation and West Central Initiative who will make up our second cohort of Initiator Fellows. Their two-year Fellowship begins January 2020. Applications for the next cohort of the Fellowship will be accepted in spring 2021. Learn more about the program and social entrepreneurship by visiting Greaterminnesota.net/fellows or by contacting Chris Fastner, Initiators Fellowship program manager, at initiators@ifound.org or (320) 631-2019.  

Loan Products/ Business Financing Matt Schiller and Jeff Zierdt are co-founders of Lupulin Brewing (lupulinbrewing.com) in Big Lake, an Initiative Foundation loan client. Read their business story. The Initiative Foundation works to create economic opportunity by lending funds to locally owned businesses. The Foundation’s business loans work to strengthen communities and diversify local economies. In partnership with other lenders, the Initiative Foundation offers loans to entrepreneurs who ... wish to start or expand a locally owned business have a sound business plan and acceptable credit create quality jobs with living wages and benefits advance local and regional goals for target industries. The Initiative Foundation is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution, or CDFI. The certification from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund signifies that the Foundation meets stringent requirements as a financing entity with a primary mission of promoting community development. Learn more about our CDFI partnerships that are helping to drive change in the region. A Diversity of Financing Programs The Initiative Foundation offers the following business financing programs to meet diverse regional needs: Business Loan Fund: Up to $500,000 for value-added agriculture and manufacturing companies that bring new revenue to communities. Business Finance Fact Sheet Nonprofit Loan Fund: Up to $100,000 for the creation or expansion of mission-related earned-income/social enterprise activities carried out by eligible nonprofit organizations. Loan proceeds may be used for working capital, equipment acquisition and/or facility improvements. Nonprofit Fact Sheet Lender Match Loan Fund: Up to $100,000 for manufacturing, technology, wholesale and other businesses. In partnership with financial institutions, this fund provides crucial capital to minimize the out-of-pocket cash outlay otherwise needed for a down payment on the purchase of equipment or real estate. Lender Match Fact Sheet Nontraditional business owners such as women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. Business loans are competitive and subject to review by staff and a volunteer committee. Loans may require 90 days to review and close based on complexity and documentation. How to Apply After reviewing the above loan guidelines, please email Dan Bullert or call toll-free (877) 632-9255. This is your first step to securing a loan through the Initiative Foundation. Initiative Foundation loans are seldom more than 50 percent of a total financing package. Terms require a personal guaranty.

Hussein Farah, owner/operator of 33rd Meat & Grocery, St. Cloud, is adding a deli to his operation. Read his business story. To learn more about the Business Finance Program, please contact Dan Bullert, business finance manager, at dbullert@ifound.org or (320) 631-2013.  2019 First Quarter Loans: $155,000 Lake Superior Laundry, Inc., Pine City—Lake Superior Laundry, Inc., provides laundry services to the healthcare and hospitality industries in Minnesota, parts of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Horseed Deli Inc., St. Cloud—Horseed Deli Inc., is a grocery store which will be expanded to a deli.  Legacy Place, LLC, Sauk Rapids—Legacy Place, LLC, operates an eight-unit specialized assisted living facility in Sauk Rapids. As a result of these loans, $878,475 in private financing was leveraged through other lending institutions. 2019 Second Quarter Loans: $348,250 J&M Transport, LLC, Sauk Rapids—J&M Transport is a trucking company that will transport freight all over the United States.  Jill's Cafe, Richmond—Jill's Cafe is a restaurant in Richmond offering home cooking and fresh-baked pies.  Aaron's Total Car Care, LLC, Mora—Aaron's Total Car Care, LLC, is a start-up business that will provide automotive maintenance and repair services. Bogart, Pederson & Associates, Inc., Becker—Bogart, Pederson & Associates, Inc., is a land surveying and civil engineering firm. Little Fiesta, Little Falls—Little Fiesta is a Mexican restaurant located near Highway 10 in Little Falls.  As a result of these loans, $1.9 million in private financing was leveraged through other lending institutions. 2019 Third Quarter Loans: $1.15 Million Barrett Petfood Innovations, Little Falls—Barrett Petfood Innovations is a full‐line pet food manufacturer specializing in co‐packaging super premium animal feed and pet food for domestic and multinational brands. Brown's Produce, Long Prairie—Browns Produce operates a facility that grades, packages and stores vegetables. Our involvement would finance costs associated with the recent construction of real estate. Collyard Chiropractic and Professional Karate Studios, Elk River—Collyard Chiropractic provides chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, acupuncture, essential oils and nutritional supplements. Professional Karate Studios is a full-time martial arts school and provides physical fitness, self-esteem and practical self-defense classes for families and children.  LJ Level Construction, Isanti—LJ Level Construction is a residential and light commercial general contractor.  Renters Warehouse, Sauk Rapids—Renters Warehouse provides property management services to people who own investment property or are unable to sell their home in a timely manner. Baby's on Broadway LLC, Little Falls—Baby’s on Broadway is a specialty baby boutique started by Adelle Starin in 2014. In 2017, Baby’s on Broadway purchased the assets of the Gumdrop Tree, a children’s toy store that was going out of business, to add to its product line. Distinctive Iron, Elk River—Distinctive Iron is a designer, fabricator and installer of structural and miscellaneous metals.  Mako Store, St. Cloud—Mako Store is a fashion and beauty store located at 108 East St. Germain, St. Cloud. Fartun designs a modest and culturally inclusive clothing line for both men and women.  Gustaf’s Up North Gallery, Lindstrom—Gustaf's Up North Gallery sells an array of fine art and hand-crafted items from artists in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. The company also sells home décor and gift items, many of which are imported from Scandinavian countries. The company also provides professional framing and interior design services. Boone's Market, Randall—Boone’s Market is now open to replace Gosch's Grocery that closed in September 2018 after having been in operation for many years.This is the only grocery store in Randall. As a result of these loans, $22.4 million in private financing was leveraged through other lending institutions. 2019 Fourth Quarter Loans: $150,000 Summit Health Partners, Sauk Rapids—Summit Health Partners, LLC opened Wildwood Assisted Living in the spring of 2017. The facility can accommodate 30 patients, consisting of 24 one-bedroom studio units and 3 double bedroom units. El Tequila Autentico Mexican Restaurant, Baxter—El Tequila Mexican Restaurant was established by Pedro Unzueta Villanueva in 2008, and is well known in the Brainerd lakes area. The restaurant serves fresh authentic Mexican food for lunch and dinner. They have purchased the former Olive Garden building.  As a result of these loans, $1.86 million in private financing was leveraged through other lending institutions. Brainerd Unified Fund Loan Servicing:  The Unified Fund is a revolving loan fund of the Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation. The fund supports Crow Wing County business development and was created in 2017-2018 by pooling several million dollars worth of grants and other available city, county and utility resources. The Initiative Foundation partners with BLAEDC by servicing Unified Fund loans. Paradigm Automotive & Performance, Brainerd—Paradigm Automotive & Performance is full-service automotive repair, performance and speed shop. Victual, Crosby—Victual is a boutique-style, gourmet food retail store that specializes in lactose-free ice cream in Crosby.    

Students at Mora High School are working on their welding skills for potential futures in manufacturing.  The Initiative Foundation believes a skilled workforce is essential to the well-being of Central Minnesota. Through 2030, when at least one of five residents in every Minnesota county will be older than 65, the Twin Cities is the only region in Minnesota that is expected to expand its working-age population.

In the very near-term, there will be 3.1 million jobs available in Minnesota in 2024. Unfortunately, even if we maintain employment rates at historic levels of 78 percent of adults working, only 2.7 million workers will be available/able to work in 2024. That leaves the state with 400,000 jobs to fill. We are working on a number of initiatives to strengthen and grow our region's workforce for the future. 

Aquatic Invaders: A Threat to Ecosystems, Quality of Life Many aquatic invasive species (AIS) are now present in Minnesota, most notably Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, zebra mussels, and spiny water flea.These invaders threaten the current and future recreational enjoyment of our state’s waters and the economic sustainability of many communities dependent on Minnesota’s $13 billion tourism industry, largely centered on water and its adjacent natural resources. Not only can AIS impede recreation, but they change the ecosystem balance, potentially forever. The Initiative Foundation has awarded a total of $3.6 million to fund pilot projects to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species into Minnesota waters and to assess the effectiveness of these strategies. Funding for this program was recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) and approved by the 2014 Minnesota Legislature through the Outdoor Heritage Fund, one of four funds established by the 2008 Minnesota Clean Water Land & Legacy constitutional amendment. The pilot projects throughout Minnesota are legal, effective and financially sustainable methods of preventing the spread of invasive species through a range of education and outreach, inspection and decontamination, enforcement, containment and/or other methods that can be administered locally. Funded Projects: Since 2014, a total of 16 projects have been awarded grants through the Initiative Foundation-administered Aquatic Invasice Species (AIS) program. The name of the project and a short description of the outcomes are presented below: Boat Bucket Water Project: Starting in 2018, this project partners with up to 20 Aitkin County bait shops and resorts at the start of the fishing opener. In Minnesota, to transport minnows from one lake to another, state law says anglers should replace the water in their buckets with tap or spring water. Partner bait shops would provide customers with a free gallon of water that can be used to replenish bait buckets when anglers move from one lake to another. Bait customers who use the bags will be offered a $0.50 discount on their next bait purchase, or $1 off an artificial bait purchase at the store. Bait shop owners would receive compensation of $0.50 for every gallon of water they distribute. Boat Traffic Analysis: A Predictive Model: This effort puts metrics in motion to increase watercraft inspection efficiency. By plotting hour-by-hour arrivals and departures on Vermilion and Burntside Lakes for an entire boating season, organizers plan to implement a fast and flexible scheduling system that will increase convenience for anglers and tourists while optimizing savings and maximizing the number of watercraft inspections. Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District: This project aims to target and reduce the presence of Eurasion Water Milfoil on Big Marine Lake (Washington County) by 50 percent through an integrated, pest-management treatment program.  Carver County Water Managment Organization (Carver County): This project aims to reduce wait times at AIS inspection sites by establishing a "proof of inspection" tagging system that allows qualifying outbound boaters an expedited inspection process when leaving Lake Waconia or Minnewashta. Carver County Zebra Mussel Control Project (Waconia and Minnewashta lakes): This project calls for the removal of floating vegetation, hand-removal of rooted vegetation and the potential use of dock-mounted thrusters to clear floating debris from public water accesses. The object is to decrease by 50 percent the number of watercraft leaving the lake with zebra mussels and other aquatic invaders attached to plant matter. Success will be evaluated by comparing DNR inspection survey data to data collected from previous years. Cass County Environmental Services -- Enhanced Training for AIS Inspectors: This grant is an extension of the basic training provided by the DNR and provides additional training in conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques and the basic precepts in AIS limnology and ecology. City Governance Project (Cass & Ramsey counties): This project aims to increase coordination and collaboration between state/local governments and stakeholder groups. By taking a policy approach through coaching, work plan development and project coordination—and by linking sportsmen/women groups, lake associations, property owners and tourism and fishing professionals—the project goal is to maximize local engagement while providing a model that can be used in other regions of the state. Crow Wing County (on behalf of the Mississippi Headwaters Board): This project supports the marketing and placement of educational AIS videos in the metro area television market to appeal to younger recreationalists and promote AIS preventative measures. Crow River Organization for Water (CROW) Joint Powers Board: This project targets younger generations (ages 10 through 25) with education and outreach efforts intended to internalize the importance of AIS prevention. Lake Country Soil and Water Conservation District: This project enabled an aggressive trapping campaign in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area targeting rusty crayfish, a resilent species that was initially introduced as bait but now is threatening to wipe out native crayfish populations and significantly reduce aquatic vegitation populations, including wild rice. Lake Koronis Association (Stearns County) to Manage Starry Stonewort: This project provides resources to combat starry stonewort growing in Lake Koronis, a microalgae that appears in dense mats which impairs fishery reproduction, chokes native vegitation and impedes recreational activities. Resort Ambassador Program (Cass and Itasca counties and Lake Vermilion area): This project works with resort, lodge, campground and marina owners to participate in early detection efforts. A gap exists in AIS detection at private-sector marinas and other boat launching areas. Through training, compensation and participant recognition, it's anticipated that the resort ambassador project will create wider regional networks. The project also will reward private-access inspections, encourage early detection and enhance stewardship--all with the goal of long-term sustainability for Minnesota's tourism and angling industries. Voyageurs National Park/National Park Service: Non-native cattails have invaded wetlands in Voyageurs National Park, displacing native vegetation, reducing biodiversity, degrading fish/wildlife habitat, impairing recreational opportunities and degrading cultural resources—especially wild rice. This project involves the removal of non-native cattails followed by re-establishment of native vegetation to restore wetland communities.  Wildlife Forever and CD3, LLC: A prototype Clean, Drain, Dry and Dispose cleaning system will be placed at select outstate and metro locations. User behaviors will be monitored and evaluated to assess the effectiveness of user-operated systems.  Wildlife Forever to Support Interactive Educational Outreach in the Vermillion Lake Watershed: Promotes the "Stop, Drain and Dry" AIS prevention campaign's best practices, locations of decontamination or inspection services and other AIS resources. Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District to Prevent the Spread of Zebra Mussels: This project provides resources to assist with the rollout of a comprehensive AIS management/prevention strategy for Wright County lakes, including Lakes East and West Sylvia, Sugar and Clearwater. Aquatic Invaders Summit: Funding supported a two-day 2015 summit  hosted by the Initiative Foundation that brought together local and tribal governments, communities and their partners to brainstorm and plan together for effective AIS prevention. Aquatic Invaders Summit II: Funding supported a two-day 2016 summit hosted by the Initiative Foundation and the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates. More than 300 attendees learned about tried-and-true AIS prevention best practices and listened to AIS success stories. The Minnesota Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment is working to restore, protect and enhance Minnesota's wetlands, prairies, forests and habitat for fish, game and wildlife. For more information, visit the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council website.

Curly-Leaf Pondweed What is it? Curly-leaf was first noted in Minnesota about 1910. It probably was accidentally introduced when common carp were intentionally brought to Minnesota. What does it do? Curly-leaf generally grows in 3-10 feet of water. Curly-leaf tolerates low water clarity and will readily invade disturbed areas. Image Source: Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org  Eurasian Water Milfoil What is it? Eurasian milfoil was accidentally introduced to North America from Europe. It reached Midwestern states between the 1950s and 1980s, mostly hitching a ride on boats. What does it do? It's notorious for its ability to choke water resources. Image Source: Barry Rice, sarracenia.com, Bugwood.org Purple Loosestrife What is it? Loosestrife was introduced in the 1800s. It was distributed as an ornamental and is now found in 40 states. What does it do? Loosestrive invades marshes and lakeshores, replacing cattails and other wetland plants. Image Source: John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org  Starry Stonewort What is it? Starry stonewort are grass-like algae that cannot be found in North America. The first Starry Stonewort plan was discovered in Lake Koronis, near Paynesville, in 2015. What does it do? Starry stonewort produces dense mats at the water's surface which can interfere with recreational lake use. Image Source: MN DNR Zebra Mussel What is it? A fingernail-sized mussel that attach to solid surfaces. A native of Eastern Europe brought to the Great Lakes in ship ballasts, zebra mussels have been here for more than 20 years. What does it do? Their presence causes more algae and weed growth and kills native clams. Image Source: Randy Westbrooks, Invasive Species Prevention Specialist, Bugwood.org Reading Resources TitleDate AddedDescriptionSizeType AIS Legislative Recap Jun 16th, 2014 11:46 am This January 2011 report summarizes the recommendations of a stakeholder group and the DNR’s response to the recommendations. 213KB PDF Aquatic Nuisance Species Update Jun 16th, 2014 11:51 am A fall/winter 1999 report outlining a quantitative approach to predict potential nonindigenous aquatic plant species problems. 233KB PDF Buchan-Padilla 2000 report Jun 16th, 2014 11:54 am A 2000 study predicting the likelihood of eurasian watermilfoil presence in lakes. 422KB PDF Capers 2007 Report Nov 16th, 2015 1:58 pm A 2007 study of the aquatic plant community invasability and scale-dependent patterns in native and invasive species richness. 220KB PDF Comparing population abundance of AIS Jun 16th, 2014 11:57 am A 2013 study comparing population abundance of invasive and native aquatic species. 291KB PDF Johnson 2001report Jun 16th, 2014 11:58 am A 2001 study of overland dispersal of aquatic invasive species: a risk assessment of transient recreational boating. 274KB PDF Madsen 1999 report Jun 16th, 2014 12:01 pm A 1999 study predicting the invasion of eurasian watermilfoil into northern lakes. 459KB PDF Nichols-Buchan 1997 report Jun 16th, 2014 12:02 pm A 1997 study on the use of native macrophytes as indicators of suitable eurasian watermilfoil habitat in Wisconsin lakes. 66KB PDF Spear 2013 report Jun 16th, 2014 12:03 pm A 2013 study of human population density in relation to alien species richness in protected areas. 498KB PDF Zequanox background paper Jun 16th, 2014 12:06 pm An in-depth review of the discovery and commercialization of a new, non-chemical alternative for invasive mussel control. 877KB PDF MInnesota Sea Grants AIS Guide Aug 4th, 2014 4:01 pm A 2014 guide that provides a menu of strategies from which counties can use to get the most from Minnesota's AIS Prevention Aid dollars. 348KB PDF Local AIS Action Framework Nov 13th, 2015 3:46 pm A framework for local collaboration in developing AIS prevention programs and actions. 3955KB PDF Minnesota DNR Guidance Nov 13th, 2015 3:46 pm DNR Guidance for Conducting AIS Early Detection and Baseline Monitoring in Lakes 934KB PDF Invasive Species Report Nov 13th, 2015 3:46 pm 2014 DNR Annual Report Invasive Species of Minnesota 2148KB PDF

At the Initiative Foundation we draw on the expertise of partners from around the region and across the state. Since inception in 1986, the Initiative Foundation has built valuable relationships with other service providers, civic organizations, government agencies and funders who are committed to helping advance our mission.  A number of these partners present at our training sessions and regional workshops and are available to our program participants to provide additional training, financial support and technical assistance.  Resources specific to our programs and activities are listed on the corresponding page(s) of our website. However, here are a few that we refer people to often as general ‘first stops’ for information and data:  Minnesota CompassBy tracking and analyzing trends in areas that affect our quality of life, Compass gives everyone in our state – policymakers, business and community leaders, and concerned individuals who live and work here – a common foundation to act on issues to improve our communities.   Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic DevelopmentPrepared by DEED’s Labor Market Information Office and our Analysis and Evaluation Office, DEED provides the latest and most detailed data available on employment, wages, job growth and more, as well as key economic comparisons between Minnesota and other states.  Minnesota Council of NonprofitsMCN works to inform, promote, connect and strengthen individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector. Through MCN – the largest state association of nonprofits in the U.S. - nonprofits join together across interest areas to work on issues of common concern to all.  Minnesota Council on FoundationsMCF works to expand and strengthen a vibrant regional community of diverse grantmakers who individually and collectively advance the common good. MCF members include private family and independent foundations, community and public foundations, and corporate foundations and giving programs.  GiveMN.orgGiveMN is a collaborative venture to transform philanthropy in Minnesota by growing overall giving and moving more of it online. GiveMN.org is a website that combines a state-of-the-art national technology platform with local knowledge and trust-based relationships in order to promote online giving to schools and nonprofits in Minnesota.

The Value of Preparedness Unexpected natural and man-made disasters can be crippling to communities. In the face of a destructive fire or raging tornado, communities that posess an updated disaster response plan fare better than their counterparts who lack a plan. Although it is impossible to prevent severe weather or hold back an impending flood, communities can actively take steps to ensure that their response is timely, strategic and prevents the situation from spiraling out of control. Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Community Preparedness Toolkit for more information. Disaster Recovery: Initial Steps When disaster strikes, communities must respond swiftly and decisively. Beyond public safety concerns, here is a Top 10 post-disaster list that communities should consider: 10 Things for Disaster Recovery. Disaster Recovery: Long-Term Once the initial "lights and sirens" phase of a disaster passes, communities need to move into the long-term recovery phase. This is a longer process that may take several years to complete. The goal of long-term recovery is to get your community back to a new sense of normal. Here are a few things to consider as you start down the long-term recovery road: Basic Steps for Long-term Recovery. Key Organizations: Homeland Security Emergency and Management (MN) Lutheran Disaster Response Minnesota Design Team Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (MNVOAD) The Center for Disaster Philanthropy   Business Resources Disaster Planning
Prepare my Business 
Plan to Remain in Business American Red Cross Preparedness Rating Program The Institute for Business & Home Saftety: Open for Business OSHA Evacuation Plans and Procedures FEMA: How to Protect your Business Business Interruption Insurance   Disaster Recovery
U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Disaster Help Desk  FEMA: Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry Recovering from Disasters: Employee Pay Disaster ScamsI RS Disaster Videos SBA Disaster Loans OSHA Disasters & Worker Safety After the Flood: Safety Tips for Business Owners Tips for Supervisors of Disaster Responders IRS Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook    Community Resources Disaster Planning Health Impacts Planning Guide
Local Goverment Role FEMA Manual
Local Government Role in Disaster Recovery
Organizing a Recovery Team Before a Disaster
Preparedness Resources for House of Worship
Vulnerable Pop Emotional Health Overview
Vulneralbe Pop Emotional Health PowerPoint    Disaster Recovery 2014 MNVOAD Manual
Chambers, Texas Long-Term Recovery Plan
Class Sample Plan
Consumers Guide to Hiring Residential Contractors
Debris Management Plan Guidebook
Donations and Volunteer Management Guidebook 2015
Farm Service Agency 2015 Disaster Assistance Program
Federal and State Disaster Assistance Programs
Greensburg, Kansas Long-Term Community Recovery Plan
Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
Long-Term Community Recovery Self-Help Guide
Long-Term Disaster Recovery Best Practices 
Minnesota Housing Quick Start Disaster Loan
Minnesota Public Health Teams and Regions
National VOAD Disaster Spiritual Care Guidelines
Quick Overview of Assistance
Vulnerable Populations 

Child Care Shortage in Central Minnesota The Initiative Foundation is pleased to announce a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and First Children’s Finance to help surface innovative solutions to the shortage of quality, affordable child care in Central Minnesota.   First Children’s Finance estimates that more than 17,000 Central Minnesota children and their families lack child care opportunities, which inhibits development and school readiness. Equally important, said Don Hickman, vice president for community and workforce development at the Initiative Foundation, “is that many families are disengaged from the workforce because they can’t find quality, affordable care at a time when most employers in the region are urgently looking for skilled workers.”   The reasons for this challenge are varied, but include: Low-density, rural communities sometimes lack the number of children needed to help a child care provider generate enough revenue to make their operation profitable.  In nearly all communities, the relatively low wages and lack of benefits discourage new workers from entering the child care field.  Many older providers are retiring or switching to better paying jobs. In communities where the major employers require long or overnight shifts, few providers are able to offer 24-hour services. Some school districts have provided in-house toddler and older child care, leaving home-based providers to cover infants and very small children. The unintended consequence is that long-time providers often are forced to exit the child care sector.  About the Child Care Solutions Program  The Initiative Foundation’s Child Care Solutions program offers a three-step process to respond to the shortage: Professional staff from First Children’s Finance help convene local stakeholders to identify core assets and barriers to expanding quality, affordable child care in each community.  Based on the inventory of assets, each community develops primary strategies to expand existing child care or support new providers.  Upon completion of the strategic plan, each community is awarded a grant of $10,000 to implement its identified strategies. Please note: The $10,000 grant requires a local match—contributions from local employers, a local economic development authority, or other partners willing to help explore more financially sustainable child care models. In addition, communities that participate in the program will receive priority consideration if the Initiative Foundation secures additional resources. In addition to strategic planning, First Children’s Finance staff can provide business planning, technical assistance and gap lending to help new or existing providers provide the highest quality program while also generating positive revenue. We also partner with staff at Child Care Aware to help providers gain quality ratings that leverage scholarships so that income-eligible families also have access to quality care.   When appropriate, the Initiative Foundation partners with the Latino Economic Development Corporation, Leech Lake Financial Services and the African Development Corporation to provide culturally appropriate financial products and to confirm that language or culture is not a barrier to professionals interested in joining or expanding the child care sector.  2019 Child Care Solutions Program Outcomes Using funding from a grant administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, four communities/counties were selected in 2019: Greater St.Cloud, Todd County (including Long Prairie, Clarissa, and Staples-Motley), Morrison County (Little Falls) and Kanabec County.  St. Cloud: The St. Cloud effort has focused on securing donations from local businesses; providing training to help child care professionals gain credentials and earn better wages; and encouraging unlicensed providers to consider opening home-based child care businesses. Long Prairie: The community project has identified two businesses open to donating space or land within or adjacent to their businesses. Interest also exists to launch new home-based child care businesses. Kanabec County: The team is planning a fair to help elevate the opportunity to expand home-based care. There also is an existing center working on a potential expansion.  Morrison County: The team is exploring paths by which providers could receive health benefits and also is considering renovations to existing buildings in Little Falls to open a new center. Future of Child Care Solutions Program The Initiative Foundation in April 2020 is planning to select two new communities to begin work as soon as is practical and will likely choose additional communities in June. The final number of additional communities depends on funding. Groups that apply in March 2020 will automatically be considered for the slots that will open in summer 2020.   Community members are encouraged to share this opportunity with elected officials, chambers of commerce and other business leaders, child care providers, educational partners, and any other stakeholders interested in securing the grant funds, technical assistance, training, and financing available through this program.   Applications are due Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The application can be found here. Final applications can be emailed to Jessy Beto, Initiative Foundation program assistant. Want to Learn More? Send an email Don Hickman, Initiative Foundation vice president for community and workforce development, for more information. IQ Magazine Resources Pilot program unites communities around child care solutions How local communities are tackling the child care shortage  

Early Childhood Parent Aware Facts for Child Care Providers Early Childhood Challenge Match Fact Sheet Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative Fact Sheet Moving to Mixed Delivery, Voluntary Preschool for Four-Year-Olds: An ApproachFor Minnesota Inside Out Connections Guide: How to Explain Jails and Prisons to Children Early Childhood Dental Initiative Foundation Early Childhood Dental Network Fact Sheet Preschool Tooth Tips: Tips for preschool oral care Pregnancy/Infancy Tooth Tips: oral care tips for pregnant women and infants Baby Teeth: Bring your child to the dentist by age 1! Dentists have special tools to remove germs before it decays the teeth. It is their job to keep mouths happy and healthy. 
Somali  Spanish  Hmong Three good reasons to see the dentist by age 1 
Somali  Spanish  Hmong Expanded learning activities for “Throw Your Tooth on the Roof” book: Literacy, music and hands on activities to enhance the child’s learning experience while reading, "Throw your tooth on the roof book," by Selby Beeler.  
Somali  Spanish  Hmong Expanded learning activities for "The Tooth Book": Literacy, music and hands on activities to enhance the child’s learning experience while reading "The Tooth Book" by Doctor Seuss. Somali  Spanish  Hmong Fun activities for the "Open Wide" book: Guidelines and fun activities and ideas to aid your child in learning the concepts shared in this book.  
Somali  Spanish  Hmong Fun activities for the "Brush Your Teeth Please" book: Fun learning activities to aid your child in learning the concepts shared in this book.  
Somali  Spanish  Hmong Back to School- for school age children: Children with healthy mouths are ready to learn! 
Somali  Spanish  Hmong Back to School- for preschoolers: Children with healthy mouths are ready to learn!
Somali Spanish  Hmong Back to School- for infants and toddlers: Healthy mouths in young children is vital to their overall healthy development!  
Somali  Spanish  Hmong Helpful Links Child Care Aware
Dental Health Theme Free Preschool Curriculum Video: Healthy Teeth for Children- English 
Video: Healthy Teeth for Children- Spanish 
Video: Healthy Teeth for Children- Somali Minnesota Oral Health Coalition America’s Tooth Fairy Oral Health America Sip all Day, Get Decay Children’s Dental Health Project Colgate: Infants and Children’s Resources From Minnesota Compass ... Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America: National Estimates September 4th This report highlights results from a national survey on unaccompanied youth homelessness in America. The study captures youth homelessness broadly, including sleeping on the streets, in shelters, running away, being kicked out, and couch surfing. Overa… Health Insurance Coverage among Children Ages 3 and Younger and Their Parents: National and State Estimates March 8th Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS), this brief finds that relatively few children ages 3 and younger were uninsured in 2015 nationally and in most states, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was associated with increased coverage among b… The State of America's Children March 8th A compilation of national and state-by-state data on poverty, health, child welfare, youth at risk, early childhood development, education, nutrition and housing. Report is compiled annually. North Dakota Early Learning Standards October 11th A resource for parents and early childhood educators that provides guidelines on a continuum of learning and development skills for young children age birth to five. Northside Achievement Zone December 11th The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) is a collaboration of community organizations whose mission is to build a culture of achievement in North Minneapolis to assure all youth graduate from high school college-ready. The evaluation includes community surve…Health Insurance Coverage among Children Ages 3 and Younger and Their Parents: National and State Estimates March 8th Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS), this brief finds that relatively few children ages 3 and younger were uninsured in 2015 nationally and in most states, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was associated with increased coverage among b…

The Initiative Foundation believes that nurturing young children is the responsibility of parents and communities. The Initiative Foundation advances this belief by providing support for community-based coalitions to develop a vision and a strategic plan that focuses on quality early childcare and education.  The Initiative Foundation in partnership with the Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative strives to ... Educate citizens about the first five years of rapid brain development that forms lifetime personalities, social skills and learning capacity. Promote parents and families as the primary and most important caregivers of young children and fosters the concept that nurturing and educating children should be embraced by entire communities. To date, the initiative has developed 90 early childhood coalitions in 300 communities across Greater Minnesota. The Initiative Foundation supports 20 coalitions in Central Minnesota. Visit the grants page to learn how the Initiative Foundation could help you in your efforts to support healthy children, healthy families.  Promoting healthy social, emotional development Statewide surveys reveal that an alarming number of Greater Minnesota children struggle with mental health issues and a striking lack of access to professional help. These surveys paired with national studies prompted the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations to launch the Minnesota Thrive Initiative in 2007. The Minnesota Thrive Initiative goal is to build powerful community action teams that work to increase awareness, early intervention and prevention efforts among families, childcare providers and healthcare professionals. In Central Minnesota, the Greater St. Cloud Area Thrive Coalition is working to ensure that all families have access to the information and resources they need. For more information, visit the Thrive website.  

Awarding $1 Million Annually The Initiative Foundation awards about $1 million annually in grants to qualifying organizations in Central Minnesota. The Initiative Foundation makes grants for projects and programs that advance its mission to Empower People to Build Thriving Communities and a Vibrant Region across Central Minnesota. These funds are made available through the following opportunities: Partner Funds: The majority of the Foundation's grantmaking is funded by donor-advised or community-based Partner Funds. Each fund has specific priority areas and varying granting schedules. Program Grants:The Foundation sometimes receives grants from federal, state, or private funders to support specific programs. Current examples include state support for pilot projects which improve access to quality, affordable childcare, and assistance to energy facility host communities experiencing economic dislocation. Information on these types of opportunities is typically posted on our website.  Innovation Fund: Innovation Fund grants support start-up or capacity-building projects across the 14 counties of Central Minnesota. The Innovation Fund accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Quarterly awards are made through a competitive review process. Refer to the 2020 Innovation Fund Review Schedule for dates. Eligibility Grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local units of government that serve the people and communities in Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and/or Wright counties. Funding requests for use outside of this area will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funds. You can verify a project's eligibility by selecting the Grant Guidelines tab above. Once you’ve confirmed that your project fits within the guidelines, you can select the "Apply/Login" button below to to create an account, complete an eligibility quiz, submit an application, review your application history and submit grant reports.   Once you’ve confirmed that your project fits within the guidelines, you can select the "Apply/Login" button below to to create an account, complete an eligibility quiz, submit an application, review your application history and submit grant reports. APPLY/LOGIN   Questions?
The Initiative Foundation strives to treat applicants with courtesy and respect. Staff members are sensitive to varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourages open communication with applicants needing additional assistance.   For assistance please contact us: 
Email:    grants@ifound.org
Mail:      405 First Street SE, Little Falls, MN 56465
Phone: (320) 632-9255 or toll free (877) 632-9255 Staff support is typically available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.  Regardless of circumstances, the Initiative Foundation cannot provide grants to individuals or businesses. Current Grantees
The Financial Report Form is for organizations currently receiving a grant. Once completed, refer to the provided instructions for next steps.   Grant Guidelines: 2020 Innovation Fund Grant Opportunities The Initiative Foundation makes grants for projects and programs that advance its mission to Empower People to Build Thriving Communities and a Vibrant Region across Central Minnesota.  Eligibility

Grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local units of government that serve the people and communities in Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and/or Wright counties. Funding requests for use outside of this area will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funds.  Innovation Fund Grant Priorities Innovation Fund grants seldom exceed $7,500 and are generally 50 percent or less of the total program/project budget. We typically receive three to four times more applications than we can fund, so our process is highly competitive. Priority consideration is given to projects that have local financial support. Innovation Fund grants support new strategies, new ideas or creative ways to serve and reach those who were previously underserved. Think of Innovation Grants as venture capitalism for good ideas in community and economic development. These grants often support feasibility studies or planning endeavors and serve as early investments that help our partners increase capacity or enhance their efficiency. Because of our investment-minded approach, the Initiative Foundation seldom provides ongoing or general operational support so that we can dedicate the majority of our funds to support innovative projects. The Initiative Foundation also strives to allocate our grant resources around our entire region, so geographical diversity is a consideration in our review. Applicants are welcome to contact Don Hickman, Chris Fastner or Zach Tabatt to discuss proposal design and fit prior to submission of an application. Proposals which focus on at least one of the following areas are given priority consideration: Support for development of businesses and social enterprises through improved access to technical assistance, mentorship, succession planning, and education efforts. The foundation is especially interested in supporting minority business ownership and/or job creation in areas of concentrated poverty. Help for communities to address opportunities or barriers to business growth and creation or retention of quality jobs. Advancement of creative activities or strategies to address the workforce shortage in communities which lead to improved skills, access to employment opportunities or professional development in growing sectors. Innovative community planning, design and engagement strategies to help attract and retain skilled workers, young families, and/or underserved populations. Support for strategic planning, fund development, board training or other capacity building initiatives for nonprofits that advance economic security for vulnerable households and financially disadvantaged people. For questions or assistance in submitting your proposal, contact the Grants Assistant at (320) 631-2057 or by email grants@ifound.org.
Ineligible Expenses The following expenses are ineligible and will not be considered for Innovation funding: Grants or reimbursements to individuals and businesses Expenses incurred prior to the receipt of a grant award. Capital expenses (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles, etc.). Programs or projects that DO NOT directly benefit residents in the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service area.  Replacement of or substitution for government funding.  Religious activities. Lobbying or campaigning for a candidate, issue or referendum vote.  Development or purchase of school curriculum or support for school athletic programs.  Out of state travel. Arts, health-related and media production applications are discouraged unless they directly address at least one of the priorities listed on the previous page. Application Process Applications 
Qualified organizations interested in applying to the Initiative Foundation are required to complete an online application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and are reviewed quarterly The Foundation reserves the right to decline a request for any reason including a history of inappropriately spending or closing out previously awarded funds within the allotted time. If approved, applicants are notified by email and grants will be awarded. 2020 Innovation Fund Review Schedule Application Deadline: Notification of approval or denial:  Feb. 7 Feb. 29 May 1 May 31 Aug. 7 Aug. 31 Nov. 6 Nov. 30  Questions? The Initiative Foundation strives to treat applicants with courtesy and respect. Staff members are sensitive to varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourages open communication with applicants needing additional assistance.   For assistance please contact us: 
Email:    grants@ifound.org
Mail:      405 First Street SE, Little Falls, MN 56465
Phone: (320) 632-9255 or toll free (877) 632-9255 Staff support is typically available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.    

Once you’ve confirmed that your project fits within the guidelines, you can use the Initiative Foundation's online grant system to create an account, complete an eligibility quiz, submit applications, review your application history and submit grant reports. To use the system, click one of the buttons below: COMPLETE APPLICATION     ACCOUNT LOGIN Click Complete Application to create an account and submit your application. Click Account Login to return to an existing application, access application history or submit a grant report. Questions?
The Initiative Foundation strives to treat applicants with courtesy and respect. Staff members are sensitive to varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourages open communication with applicants needing additional assistance.   For assistance please contact us: 
Email:    grants@ifound.org
Mail:      405 First Street SE, Little Falls, MN 56465
Phone: (320) 632-9255 or toll free (877) 632-9255 Staff support is typically available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.  Current Grantees
The Financial Report Form is for organizations currently receiving a grant. Once completed, refer to the provided instructions for next steps.    

2019 Grant Highlights 4th Quarter 2019 Grant Highlights Anderson Center—2020 Leadership Grant Collaboration: $10,000 to provide scholarships for entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders who could benefit from Anderson Center management and leadership training.   Cuyuna Range Youth Center—Internship Program for Youth: $5,000 for youth internship program to develop workforce skills.  Central Minnesota Housing Partnership—Supportive Housing Development at Willow Grove: $5,000 to provide initial program support for managing the Willow Grove supportive housing project for individuals with mental health challenges and criminal histories. Minnesota Chamber Foundation—Minnesota: 2030 Sponsorship: $5,000 to provide support for the Jan. 8, 2020, chamber event, Minnesota 2030: Empowering Minnesota's Economy—A Preview of Groundbreaking Economic Research.  The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Business Committee—Leech Lake YouthBuild: $5,000 to support Leech Lake YouthBuild, which provides hands-on construction training and credentialing for disconnected youth with a goal of improving skills for employment and/or post-secondary enrollment skills.  Minnesota Council on Foundations—Annual Conference Sponsorship: $2,500 to provide support for the Feb. 13-14, 2020, annual conference in Minneapolis.  The National Loon Center Foundation—Northern Lakes Initiative, part of the National Loon Center: $5,000 to partner with University of Minnesota Extension Partnership program to hire a 2020 spring graduate student to recommend exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities for the Northern Lakes Initiative at the National Loon Center.  Family Pathways—Investing in Mission: Building Development Capacity: $7,500 for capacity-building for Family Pathways, a nonprofit focused on alleviating poverty.  The Yes Network—Advanced Youth Leadership and Work Readiness Skills Training: $5,000 to support development of advanced leadership training for youth to enhance leadership skills, expand team-building and work toward positive youth development goals while delivering community service in their own neighborhoods.  Sprout, LLC—Our Town 56345 Visioning Process: $5,000 to support a deep and inclusive community listening process to discern and articulate a community vision and road map to help Little Falls navigate the future.  LEAP, Inc.—Sisters with Sass: Project Take Care of You: $2,500 to support education regarding the role of personal hygiene in a professional workplace and improve access to hygiene supplies for students who have barriers.  Confidence Learning Center—Clear Vision with Confidence: $5,000 to provide a challenge match to surface new donors in support of the Feb. 13-14, 2020, Winter Special Olympics event.   Bridges of Hope—Program Integration of Resource and Service Delivery at Crow Wing County: $10,000 to build innovation and collaboration across local social service organizations.  Citizens League—Citizen Engagement: $1,000 for general operation of the Citizens’s League, a member-supported nonpartisan nonprofit organization that champions the role of all Minnesotans to govern for the common good.  This grant is made in recognition of the long service of Cal Clark as a trustee and committee leader of the Initiative Foundation.  Tri-County Action Program, Inc.—Free Volunteer Tax Preparation Program: $1,500 to support tax assistance to income-eligible or English-as-a-second-language residents of Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties.  Rural Renewable Energy Alliance—Strategic Planning: $7,500 to advance planning, strategy, board and organizational development.  Milestones—Child Care Strategies: $5,000 for Milestones to partner with the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation to engage area employers in surfacing innovative solutions to the acute shortage in quality, affordable child care, a major barrier to worker attraction and retention in Central Minnesota.    Anishinabe Legal Services, Inc.—Fund Development Assistance for Capital Campaign: $5,000 for organizational growth and training related to fund development to increase financial resiliency.  Sherburne County—Sherburne County Housing Study: $20,000 to support a comprehensive housing study and needs analysis to help decision-makers, takeholders and community members develop a meaningful sense of the housing market; an understanding of key housing issues; and identification of new strategies to address housing needs. The project is funded in part by the McKnight Foundation as part of its climate and energy program to diversify the county’s economy in advance of Xcel Energy’s planned coal plant decommisioning.  Boys & Girls Club of the Leech Lake Area—Board and Staff Retreat to Review the Financial Resiliency Training Concepts: $5,000 for organizational and board development training. Enterprise Minnesota, Inc.—Executive Human Resources Peer Council: $7,200 to support the Executive Human Resources Peer Council for Central Minnesota entrepreneurs.  3rd Quarter 2019 Grant Highlights Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc.—Untapped Workforce Series, Benefits to Hiring Specific Populations: $7,000 to offer an employer seminar series to highlight the benefits of hiring fair-chance workers. Each of these events will serve to educate employers and will be followed by hiring events.   Heritage Group North, Inc.—Feasibility Study for Abe and Lydia White Heritage Center: $1,500 to support a feasibility study to determine the economic viability of a heritage center on a historic farmstead which is located near Heritage Group North's Pine River Railway Depot in Pine River.   Blandin Foundation—Sponsorship Grant for Border to Border Broadband: $1,000 to support the annual Border to Border Broadband conference, hosted by the Blandin Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development.   Wellness in the Woods, Inc.—Nonprofit Needs Survey Winner: $1,000 to support the improvement of outcomes for those with mental illness. Wellness in the Woods, Inc., was chosen for this grant based on their participation in the Nonprofit Needs Survey conducted in July.   Minnesota Council of Nonprofits—2019 Membership Renewal Sponsorship: $1,100 to provide annual support to this statewide affinity group which provides resources, training and information to help nonprofits do their jobs better.   Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District—College and Career Exploration Expo: $2,000 to help Buffalo High School create a college and career exploration expo during  parent-teacher conferences. Area businesses and organizations had the opportunity to present displays and hands-on activities to promote local workforce development through community connections.   CommunityGiving—Jugaad Leadership and Mentoring Program: $10,000 to support leadership development and community engagement in Greater St. Cloud. The Jugaad Leadership and Cross Culture Mentoring Program is committed to ensuring the personal and professional excellence and success of emerging leaders through structured programs and activities that promote inclusion, equity and a positive retention in Central Minnesota.   Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc.—Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association Career and Technical Education Website Enhancement: $10,000 to support the development of the "K12 Connection” webpage to help educators, parents and students link with manufacturers for career development resources, tours, classroom visits, training tools and apprenticeship placement.   Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota—Technical Assistance for Communities: $7,000 to provide technical assistance and direct service to communities, businesses and schools for adapting practices and receiving certification as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The communities of Walker, Chisago Lakes, North Branch, Big Lake, St. Cloud and Little Falls will all benefit from this grant.   Staples Economic Development Authority—Historic Batcher Block Opera House Bond Preparation: $5,000 to complete an economic impact analysis from the University of Minnesota Extension, develop architectural drawings to show the vision to key decision-makers, build organizational capacity to lease the building, carry out the programming and business plan and assist with the fundraising plan for the total restoration project.   St. Cloud State University—Needs and Feasibility Analysis for a Co-Located School of Education and Campus Child Care Center: $5,000 to identify first steps to create a large, sustainable, high-quality child care center for St. Cloud State University and the community. St. Cloud State University will explore opportunities in bringing together public and private stakeholders to use St. Cloud State University as central site for early childhood workforce development.   New Pathways, Inc.—Sheltering Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness: $7,000 to deliver programming to move families out of homelessness in the Cambridge area.   True Friends—Recruiting and Training Exceptional Staff for Human Services Jobs: $5,000 to support new recruitment strategies to improve the ability to attract, hire, train and retain seasonal care staff for the True Friends Camp in Annandale. In addition, this grant will provide skills training which will improve the employment options in Central Minnesota’s support and direct care services field during the rest of the year.   Goodwill Industries, Inc.—St. Cloud Financial Services Training Program for Low-Income Adults: $5,000 to provide financial services work skills training to low-income adults in the St. Cloud area.   Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration—Service Enterprise and Change Management for Effective Leveraging of Volunteer Resources: $5,000 to improve volunteer recruitment, management and retention for nonprofits throughout the 14-county region.    Tusen Tack—Funding for Event Management Course for the Braham Event Center: $1,000 to build capacity for Braham Event Center staff and volunteers.   St. Cloud State University Foundation—Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast Sponsorship: $1,000 to support the Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast hosted by St. Cloud State University.   Sherburne County—Regional Land Use Planning Facilitator: $25,000 to support community input through the county's partnership with the Highway 25 Coalition. The Highway 25 Coalition was initiated in April 2016 with the purpose of developing a unified effort to establish a future vision for the Highway 25 corridor and surrounding area. The main goals are to improve safety, reduce congestion and improve freight mobility while encouraging economic development.   City of Becker—Economic Transition Work Plan: $55,000 to support a comprehensive plan process, including public input on the desired future of transportation, affordable housing, land use and other policies. In addition, Becker city staff anticipate the continued need to allocate considerable time and resources to support funding applications from state and federal agencies, including the Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure (TEDI) program, Federal Economic Development Administration and requests for state bonding to help the city prepare for the decommissioning of the Sherburne Coal Power Generation Facility.   Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation—Entrepreneurial Fund Launch and General Support: $10,000 to provide comprehensive services in support of entrepreneurs in the Brainerd Lakes area, including staff time to launch the program and promote a loan pool to our community, through promotional material and social media posts.   City of Osakis—Hotel Market Study: $2,500 to hire a consultant to evaluate market demand for additional hospitality capacity within Osakis.   City of Little Falls—Residential Broadband Implementation Study: $7,500 to support an engineering study to determine the cost of delivering broadband to residential neighborhoods of Little Falls. The next phases would be engaging the community to determine their desires for the service, as well as strategic partners that might offset the build costs, by bringing the network through neighborhoods.   Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Education Association—Destination Downtown and Business Association: $10,000 to support a third year of an innovative contest to fill empty storefronts and create public engagement in Downtown Brainerd, followed by the formation of a business association to advance revitalization efforts St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation—Presentation of "Intercultural Development Inventory" by Cultural Fluency Associates, LLP: $1,250 to support training and technical assistance associated with the use of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), an assessment tool which helps organizations benchmark their cultural agility and identify practices for welcoming participants from a wider range of experiences.     2nd Quarter 2019 Grant Highlights Greater Minnesota Worker Center—LaCruz Community Succession Planning Project: $7,000 for board training and leadership succession planning guidance as Jama Alimad, founder and present director, prepares to retire. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Financial and Housing Counseling Program: $2,500 to provide confidential and professional counseling on affordable housing and financial management for income-eligible households. Lakes & Pines Community Action Council, Inc.—Transportation Resources for You (TRY): $7,000 to support a volunteer transportation network to improve access to medical care, employment and other essential services. The funds will help recruit drivers, provide a mileage stipend and promote the service. Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota—Building Bridges to Success: $10,000 to support fund development and facility planning. Hands Across the World—Workforce Trainings for Immigrants and Refugees: $7,500 to support workforce training for 100 refugees and immigrants in the Greater St. Cloud area. The participants will have help as they develop the skills necessary to find employment and fill vacant workforce positions. Additionally, 25 of those 100 adults will also be supported as they experience our afterschool program, alongside their children. Terebinth Refuge—Strategic Planning and Capacity Building Project: $3,500 to support organizational development. The nonprofit provides emergency and transitional housing and wrap-around services to Central Minnesota women who have been sexually exploited and trafficked. Faith in Action in Sherburne County—Furniture 4 Families: $2,500 to support Faith in Action of Greater Sherburne County's mission of providing families with basic household needs by supporting delivery networks. Wright County Community Action, Inc.—Increasing Efficiencies in Grant and Fundraising Development: $5,000 to improve the fundraising ability of Wright County Community Action (WCCA) through the use of new technology and training.  WCCA plans to use the improved fundraising tactics to support its economic-security programs for vulnerable households. A Place for You—Staff Development: $3,500 to support strategic planning, fund development and board training for A Place For You. This transitional shelter serves as a safe place for those facing homelessness in the Greater Pine City area. Foundation for Essential Needs—Capacity Building to Increase Sustainability & Service for Central Minnesota Food Shelves: $5,000 to support strategic planning, fund development, board training and capacity building at food shelves in Crow Wing, Cass, Kanabec, Stearns and Morrison counties. Great River Family Promise—Development Support: $5,000 to support fund development for Elk River's Great River Family Promise, serving Sherburne and Wright counties. Milestones—Child Care Solutions: $10,000 to provide matching funds to help engage public and private sectors with current and potential child care providers to improve access to quality, affordable child care. Funds will be allocated based on analysis and local public input of the opportunities and barriers in the Greater St. Cloud area. This project includes guidance from First Children's Finance and funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. City of Little Falls—Child Care Solutions: $10,000 to provide a source of matching funds to help engage public and private sectors with current and potential child care providers to improve access to quality, affordable child care. Funds will be allocated based on analysis and local public input of the opportunities and barriers in Morrison County. This project includes guidance from First Children's Finance and funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Staples Economic Development Authority—Child Care Solutions: $10,000 to provide a source of matching funds to help engage public and private sectors with current and potential child care providers to improve access to quality, affordable child care. Funds will be allocated based on analysis and local public input of the opportunities and barriers to expand economically sustainable child care. This grant will support efforts throughout Todd County, and is supported with guidance from First Children's Finance, and funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Inc.—Central Minnesota Women's Business Alliance: $5,000 to support the newly established Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) office in Little Falls. This office serves Stearns, Benton, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Morrison, Todd and Crow Wing counties. Funds will be used to launch and stabilize the new office, bring matching federal dollars into our communities and provide necessary programming for women entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses. Sherburne County—Board & Staff Development: $4,000 to support strategic planning, board development and board leadership succession. Enterprise Minnesota, Inc.—2019 State of Manufacturing Event Sponsorship: $1,000 to support the 2019 State of Manufacturing briefing on June 13 at the Bison Event Center in Buffalo.  CommunityGiving—West Stearns County CEO Program Launch: $10,000 to launch an innovative youth entrepreneurship program called West Stearns County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) for high school juniors and seniors. This project is a partnership between community business investors and the school districts of Albany, Melrose and Sauk Centre. The goal is to assist youth in understanding the business and career opportunities in their own communities and build connections to business leaders as mentors. 1st Quarter 2019 Grant Highlights Dreams United/Sueños Unidos—Going Beyond Cinco De Mayo: $1,000 to engage young leaders of Long Prairie's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta to develop new programming or events to serve area families and children. The long-range goal is to foster event leadership succession planning. Open Doors For Youth—Community Engagement Retreat: $3,000 to support a facilitated, community engagement strategy session and implementation of the plan. Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota—Community Engagement and Needs Analysis: $1,500 to support a University of Minnesota Center for Urban and Regional Affairs doctoral student to survey St. Cloud Talahi Neighborhood residents to better understand the needs, services and opportunities they seek from the organization and its allies. Anderson Center—Scholarships for Organizations in Initiative Foundation Region: $10,000 to increase accessibility to high-quality training that supports new and expanding businesses in Greater Minnesota. United Way of Central Minnesota—Innocent Classroom Staff Development to Support Student Learning: $10,000 to support the Partner for Student Success project to improve adult and youth relationships, specifically for youth of color and underrepresented populations, by addressing implicit bias and low expectations through effective, data-driven professional development. St. Cloud Area School District—Exploring Potential Interests and Careers (EPIC) Event: $6,000 to support a regional career exploration event to bridge education and industry for high school students, contributing to the fulfillment of the economic and workforce needs of the area. Local Education & Activities Foundation—A Bankshot Basketball Project for Talahi: $2,000 to cover shipping costs for adaptive playground equipment for use at a Talahi public school in St. Cloud. Amherst H. Wilder Foundation—Minnesota Compass: $4,000 to maintain and enhance Minnesota Compass, a website that presents summary statistics and tracks/analyzes trends in areas that affect the quality of life in Greater Minnesota. CommunityGiving—Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI): $6,000 to support training and creditionals for three Create CommUNITY board members to become administrators of the IDI, an assessment used to benchmark individual and organizational cultural agility. Region Five Development Commission—Food Co-op Peer-to-Peer Audit: $1,500 to support a Humphrey Institute graduate student to conduct a peer-to-peer audit of six food cooperatives in Central Minnesota to identify and share best practices with respect to layout, inventory, marketing and other retail variables. The Yes Network—Building Youth Leadership and Work Readiness Skills Through Community Service: $5,000 to support development and piloting of a new interactive training program that will provide leadership and work readiness skills to youth who are experiencing multiple challenges. St. Cloud Rotary Foundation—Pathways 4 Youth Grow Program: $5,000 to support increasing capacity to help youth, ages 16-23, experiencing homelessness in Central Minnesota to grow and become contributing members of our community. CommunityGiving—Spirit of Hope Fund: $5,000 to provide funds to address a variety of emergency assistance needs of income-eligible families. Rural Renewable Energy Alliance—Community Solar for Community Action: $5,000 to support development of a community-owned solar array in Little Falls which will provide energy assistance to income-eligible veteran families and demonstrate a long-term approach to energy insecurity. Avivo—Central Minnesota Career Education Programs: $5,000 to support Skills for Success and Focus Forward trainings for immigrants and English-as-a-second-language learners. Terebinth Refuge—Women’s Employment Readiness Program: $5,000 to support this St. Cloud-based program which provides job skills training, educational opportunities and safe housing for women who have been victims of sex trafficking. Rise, Inc.—Re-Entry Employment Access Fund: $2,500 to support emergency financial support for documented one-time, employment-related needs of previously incarcerated individuals. Minnesota Council on Foundations—2019 Membership: $4,450 to support the Minnesota Council on Foundations and its work to promote responsible charitable giving, maintaining resources for grantmaking, creating and sharing information, and serving as a catalyst for philanthropy. Sourcewell—28th Annual Students of Character Celebration: $1,000 to provide sponsorship an event to award scholarships to outstanding students in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties. Advocates Against Domestic Abuse—Strategic Planning: $2,000 to support staff and board engagement in strategic visioning. Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Early Childhood Initiative Coordination Grant for THRIVE: $5,000 to support ongoing coordination of the THRIVE coalition for early childhood and to engage donors for the THRIVE endowment challenge campaign. Cambridge Isanti School District— Early Childhood Initiative Coordination Grant: $5,000 to support ongoing coordination of the Cambridge-Isanti Early Childhood Coalition and to engage donors in an endowment campaign. Lakes Area Senior Activity Center—Aging Community Outreach: $5,000 to support outreach efforts to income-eligible individuals and veterans to connect, participate in healthy activities and engage with their community. Wright County Regional Inspection Coalition—Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Strategies: $371,224 to add a Regional Inspection and Decontamination Site (RAIDS) solution for aquatic invasive species monitoring. Mandatory regional inspection provides much greater potential for the pilot lakes at a lower price point than multiple, single-landing inspection programs. City of Monticello—Transitioning an Energy Economy: $10,000 to support a partnership with the Coalition of Utility Cities (CUC) to document and examine the broader economic and social impacts of transitioning out of utility economy dependence, particularly if the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant is decommissioned. Sherburne County—Policy Analysis to Support Rail Spur Economic Development: $2,500 to explore the potential for public financial assistance in the development or expansion of planned rail-served industrial parks. Kanabec County—Workforce Housing Feasibility Study: $10,000 to partner with the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership to complete a feasibility study for the development of a large workforce housing project in Mora. Economic Development Partnership of Wright County—Workforce Planning 2019: $10,000 to explore utilizing the Wright Technical Center for incumbent worker training opportunities to help address the skilled labor shortage. St. Cloud State University—Helping Small Businesses Flourish Through Financial Literacy Education: $5,000 to support financial literacy training for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Central Minnesota. Chisago County Economic Development Authority—Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition Support: $1,000 to support the Border to Border Broadband program to assist communities in Central Minnesota secure broadband capacity and strengthen local economies. WACOSA—Community Collaborators Networking & Navigating Employment Connections & Talent (Project CoNNECT): $9,700 to support Project CoNNECT, an initiative to improve integrated, competitive employment for individuals with disabilities. Cass County Economic Development Corporation—Succession Planning and Technical Assistance, Multi-County Approach: $5,000 to help businesses and social enterprise ventures with succession planning, education and technical assistance. This project is in partnership with Todd County. Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation—Support for Workforce Development Initiatives: $25,000 to provide support for business development, talent development and stewardship of community initiatives. Todd County Development Corporation—Succession Planning and Technical Assistance: $5,000 to provide training and technical assistance to help businesses and social enterprise ventures with succession planning. This project is in partnership with Cass County.

  2019 Partner Fund Grant Highlights 4th Quarter 2019 Grant Highlights Delano Area Community Foundation Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture—Delano Old-Fashioned Christmas: $1,000 Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture—Used Books at The 221 Delano: $250 Delano School District—Delano High School Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day: $1,000 City of Delano—Hennepin County Lunch Bus: $2,000 Longville Area Community Foundation  City of Longville—City Park Support: $1,300   Jim & HK Stuart Memorial Grants: $1,300   Morrison County Area Foundation  Flyer Athletic Boosters—Community and Volunteer Engagement: $750   Holy Trinity Catholic School—Volunteer Recognition: $375   Mary of Lourdes School—Volunteer Recognition: $375   Morrison County United Way—Volunteer Recognition: $750   Staples Motley Area Community Foundation  Staples Area Women's Chorus—Her Voice Her Song Women's Choral Festival: $2,500   Staples Economic Development Authority—Historic Batcher Block Opera House (BBOH) Bond Preparation: $2,500   Kinship Partners, Inc.—Staples/Motley Area Lunch Buddy Program: $2,800   Staples Motley School District—College Exploration: $1,250   Staples Motley School District—Reality Store: $1,500  LEAP, Inc.—2020 Wellness Summit: $1,500 Black Oak Getty Community Foundation  Sauk Centre Sports Boosters—Sauk Centre Sports Boosters: $500   Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Junior Achievement - Sauk Centre: $1,000   CentraCare Health Foundation—Sauk Centre Community Garden Shed: $3,649   CommunityGiving—Sauk Centre Obstacle Course Challenge Park: $2,500   510 Art Lab— Security and Keyless Entry: $1,000   The Yes Network—Youth Leadership and Work Readiness Training: $4,700   Central Minnesota Builders Association Fund & Initiative  The following schools and school districts received grants as part of the Central Minnesota Builders Association Presidents Fund & Initiative and its Tools for Schools project.   Albany School District: $2,097   St. Cloud Area School District: $1,000   St. Cloud Area School District—McKinley ALC: $1,500   Becker High School: $1,250   Cathedral High School: $500   Foley School District: $1,000   Little Falls School District: $1,000   Melrose School District: $1,500   Rocori School District: $800   Sauk Rapids-Rice High School: $1,500   Swanville High School: $4,000   St. Cloud Area School District: $1,300    Upsala High School: $950   Innovative Schools Project Fund  Swanville Dollars for Scholars—ISP Matching Grant: $5,000   Gull Chain Preservation Endowment Fund  Gull Chain of Lakes Association—Amy L. Scott Family Foundation Grant: $1,000   Josh Richardson Family Fund  Elk River School District—Replacement and Updating Tools at Rogers High School: $10,000   Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation  The following grants will support the Sauk Rapids-Rice school district:    Book Club Curriculum: $250   Connections and Teambuilding: $500   Extensions for Higher-Level Mathematical Thinking: $650   Flexible Seating for Success: $500   Strengths to Promote Resilience: $500   Classroom Transformation Kits: $500   Enhancing the Parent Education Learning Environment: $500   Fur Trade Living History Lyceums: $765   Enhancement of Social Emotional Literacy for Social Emotional Learning: $1,000   Instruments for the Music Classroom: $1,000   Vocabulary Instruction Read-Aloud Books: $550   Dash Robot Coding Projects: $750   Minecraft EDU in Fifth-Grade Math: $500   Minnesota Pioneer Park Endowment Fund 
Minnesota Pioneer Park: $450   Manufacturing Fund of Central Minnesota  Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Inc.—Central Minnesota Women's Business Alliance: $2,500   Lake Region Christian School Education Foundation  Lake Region Christian School—Classroom Enhancements: $3,115   Braham Area Education Foundation  The following grants will support Braham-area schools:    Students and Podcasts: $130   Art Department—Document Camera: $531   Graphing Calculator Classroom Set: $1,490   Third-Grade Chromebooks: $1,500   CNC Programing Initiative—Plasma Cutting: $1,500   Cambridge Memorial Hospital Fund  Allina Associated Foundation—Grief Support Group: $2,500   Cambridge Area Pickleball Association (CAPA)—Community Partnership for Health and Wellness of Seniors: $10,000   Cambridge Community College Center Foundation—Health Sciences Scholarship Program: $25,000   Early Childhood Partnership for Isanti County: $5,000 Edeburn Family Fund  First United Methodist Church of the St. Cloud Region—General Operations: $5,400   Pillager Education Foundation  The following grants will support Pillager-area schools:    Sustainable Food Preservation Through Canning, Dehydrating, Freezing and Fermenting.: $480   Interdisciplinary Outdoor Photo Wetland Observation Equipment: $2,500   C-Pen Reader Pens for Fourth-Grade Co-Taught Classroom: $513   Headphones for Collaborative Work and Flipped Classroom: $950   Technology Needs to Start an AV CLUB: $1,776   Elementary Innovative Instructional Programming: $990   Sensory Bins: $350   Interdisciplinary Trail Loop, Observation Platforms, Dock & Canoe Launch Materials: $2,500   Chuck Christian Community Spirit Fund  Open Doors For Youth—Expand Connections Program: $1,200   Patrick and Jane Mitchell Family Fund  Africa Jam—Operating Support: $1,000   The Yes Network—Operating Support: $1,500   Bob and Marsha Bunger Endowment Fund  Milaca School District—Milaca High School Band: $750   Anderson Brothers Family Fund  Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota—Annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse: $500   Healing Opportunity Provided Equally (HOPE)—Domestic Violence Awareness Month: $500   YMCA of Brainerd—Y Partners Annual Campaign: $1,100   Hanowski Family Fund  Little Falls Sports Arena, Inc.—Blue Line Club: $750   Shawn Grittner Memorial Fund  Oasis Central Minnesota, Inc.—Operating Support: $500   Holy Family Church Belle Prairie—Holiday Gift Program: $1,500   Artesian Homes Family Fund  Pillager School District—Sponsor the Children's Willy Wonka Production: $2,080   Youthprise  Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program: $32,991  St. Cloud State Microlending Program Fund St. Cloud State University Foundation—Remaining Balance to Support the Small Business Development Center: $40,235.09 3rd Quarter 2019 Grant Highlights Three Rivers Community Foundation   Victory Riders, Inc.—Adopt a Horse and Rider Program: $2,000    Spectrum High School—Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) College Readiness System: $1,000    Youth Investment Foundation—Outreach to At-Risk Youth: $3,000    Sherburne County Area United Way—Serving People in Need: $1,000    True Friends—Enrichment Activities for People with Disabilities: $2,500    Sherburne History Center—Elk River History Buffs Monthly Program: $500    Open Doors For Youth—Providing a Welcoming Community Facility for Homeless Youth: $3,500    Boys & Girls Club of Elk River—Financial Literacy Program: $3,500    Elk River School District Early Childhood Family Education—Strengthening Family Ties: $3,000    Sherburne County Trail Association—Automated External Defibrillator for Sherburne County Trail Shed: $1,000    Great River Family Promise—Family Emergency Funds: $1,000    Thumbs Up High 5K & 10K Run, Walk, Bike and Blade Event: $2,000    Community Aid of Elk River—Kidz Kitz: $1,000    Faith in Action in Sherburne County—Elder Care: $1,000    Rivers of Hope—Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Services for Youth: $5,000    Christians Reaching Out In Social Service—Food Support Warehouse Expansion: $1,000    728 Cadets, Inc.—Marching Arts Program 2019-2020: $2,500    Running for Justice—Sex Trafficking “Awareness and Education is Power” Conference: $2,000    Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Elk River Senior Dining: $1,000    YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities—Elk River Youth Summer Child Care and School Release: $1,500    Guardian Angels Care Center—Living Spirit Tap, Toe and Fun: $1,000    Greater Pine Area Endowment   Pine City Area History Association—Replace Building Foundation of Rural School Museum: $5,000    Fostering Families, Inc.—Sweet Dreams: $1,500    Snake River Valley Conservation Club—Pine City Water Treatment Ponds Birding Platform and Trail: $1,500    Morrison County Area Foundation   Morrison County Food Shelf—Supershelf Food Funding: $1,500    Royalton School District—Care Closet: $750     Morrison County United Way—Imagination Library: $500    Oasis Central Minnesota, Inc.—Personal Care Items for Families and Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: $1,500    Little Falls School District—Distributed Education Clubs of America (DECA) Scholarships for Career Development Conferences: $750    City of Royalton—Royalton Dog Park: $1,000    Great River Arts Association—Redefining Great River Art's Classroom Spaces: $1,000    Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration—Youth Volunteer Impact Leadership Training: $1,000    Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls—Financial Aid for Families in Need or With Special Circumstances: $500    Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Morrison County Biz Town for 2019-2020: $1,000    Lifetrack Resources, Inc.—Deaf or Hard of Hearing Peer-to-Peer Support Programming: $500    Staples Motley Area Community Foundation   LEAP, Inc.—June Fest and Railroad Days 2019: $2,000    Faith Lutheran Church—Back to School Fair: $2,000    Julius and Tracy Kurpius Fund   Central Lakes College (Staples Campus)—Living Legacy Gardens Sign: $1,600    Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation  Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Operating Support: $5,000    Lake Region Christian School Education Foundation  Lake Region Christian School—Scholarships and Classroom Enhancements: $14,288   
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Fund   Tusen Tack—Strengthening Tusen Tack's Storage Capacity to Meet Growing Organizational Need: $5,000    Isanti County Commission on Aging—Providing Programs and Services to Senior Citizens of Isanti County: $5,000    New Pathways, Inc.—Path to Home Cambridge Site Program: $10,000    Braham Elementary Parent Organization—Playground for Community at the High School: $5,000    Lakes Area Medical Development Fund  City of Brainerd—Crow Wing County PulsePoint Project: $5,000    John and Bonnie Schlagel Endowment  Anoka Ramsey Community College Foundation—Scholarship in Memory of Evan Stein: $2,000    Animal Humane Society—Animal Care at Coon Rapids Site: $2,000    Cambridge Community College Center Foundation—2020 Scholardazzle Fundraiser: $1,500    Isanti County Humane Society—Animal Care: $2,000    Mayo Clinic—Alzheimer's Program: $2,000    Mayo Clinic—Cancer Program: $2,000    Tres Islas Orphanage Fund—Mexican Orphanages Animal Care: $2,500    Tres Islas Orphanage Fund—Mexican Orphanages Operating Support: $2,100    A Place for You—2019 Fundraising Banquet to Support Housing for Homeless Individuals: $2,000    Allina Associated Foundation—Reach Out & Read Program: $1,500    Family Pathways—Food Shelf Program: $2,000    Family Pathways—Refuge Network Shelter Domestic Abuse Program: $3,000    Minnesota Safe Ride—Sober Cab Program: $2,000    New Pathways, Inc.—Housing for Homeless Families: $3,000    Pine Technical & Community College Foundation—Scholarships: $2,000    University of Minnesota Foundation—Veterinary Medicine Scholarship: $2,000    Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars Foundation—Scholarships for Cambridge-Isanti Students: $2,000    Anderson Brothers Family Fund   Bridges of Hope—7th Annual Run For Hope Sponsorship: $1,000    Breath of Life Adult Day Service—General Operations: $1,000    Salvation Army—Operating Support: $2,000    This One's For Hop, Inc.—Smiles For Jake: $2,000    Second Harvest North Central Food Bank, Inc.—Kids-Packs-To-Go: $1,000    Kinship Partners, Inc.—Lunch Buddies: $500    Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, Inc.—General Operations: $1,000    Betty and Larry Nelson Family Fund  School Sisters of Notre Dame—Resource Development: $500    Minnesota State Veterans Art Monument Fund  Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $18,900    Youthprise  Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program: $26,964    2nd Quarter 2019 Grant Highlights Three Rivers Community Foundation The following grants will support the Elk River school district:   2019 Rogers High School Scholarship Program: $7,500 Scholarship Awards for Zimmerman High School: $3,000 Scholarship Awards for Ivan Sands Community High School: $1,000 Spectrum High School—Scholarship Award: $1,000 Rum River Community Foundation The following grants will support the Milaca school district:   Outdoor Classroom—Matching Grant: $500 Outdoor Classroom: $500 Special Olympics/F.I.R.E. Program Activities—Matching Grant: $500 Special Olympics/ F.I.R.E. Program Activities: $500 Summer Youth Musical Program—Matching Grant: $1,000 Summer Youth Musical Program: $500 "Give Me Five" Group Mentoring Program: $500 Milaca Area Chamber of Commerce—Milaca Fesitval Week—Matching Grant: $500 Milaca Area Chamber of Commerce—Milaca Festival Week: $500 Pease Christian Reformed Church—Operation Community Connect—Matching Grant: $500 Pease Christian Reformed Church—Operation Community Connect: $500 2019 Milaca RecFest Workshops—Matching Grant: $300 2019 Milaca RecFest Workshops: $500 Milaca Fine Arts Council—Music in the Park—Matching Grant: $500 Milaca Fine Arts Council—Music in the Park: $500 Greater Pine Area Endowment City of Pine City—Outdoor Rink Facility Improvement: $25,000 Staples Community Fund Wadena County—Free Rides for Summer Recreation & Activities: $750 Central Lakes College, Staples—Living Legacy Gardens: $1,600 Staples-Motley Beyond Poverty—Community Support Program: $1,000 City of Motley—Converse Park Pavilion: $2,000 City of Motley—Lighting for Skating Rink and Tennis Courts: $2,000 Staples Area Food Shelf—Annual Campaign: $2,000 Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School District—Innovative Schools Project: $2,500 Innovative Schools Project Fund Community Growth Fund, Inc.: $2,500 Bertha-Hewitt School District: $5,000 Sebeka School District: $2,500 Upsala Area School District: $5,000 Cass Lake-Bena School District: $2,500 Pioneer Elementary Parent Teacher Organization: $5,000 Dorn Family Fund Delano School District—2019 Dorn Family Scholarship Award: $750 LeBlanc Legacy Scholarship Saint Cloud State University Foundation—2019 Bert & Helen LeBlanc Legacy Scholarship: $1,000 Central Lakes College Foundation—Bert & Helen LeBlanc Legacy Scholarship: $500 Zimmerman Elementary School Scholarship Fund Elk River School District—Zimmerman Elementary School Scholarship Fund: $400 Staples Motley Knights of Columbus Staples-Motley Dollars for Scholars—2019 Staples Knights of Columbus Scholarship Award: $2,800 James Kurpius Family Fund Staples-Motley Dollars for Scholars: $500 Sauk Rapids Rice Education Foundation The following grants will support the Sauk Rapids-Rice school district:   Helping Fifth-Graders Stay Engaged—Not Worksheets: $500 Spanish Children's Book: $150 Junior Achievement USA—JA BizTown Experience: $1,000 STEAM Classroom Microscope Project: $576 Mythology, The Game: $500 Storytelling Kits for Kindergarden-to-First-Grade Special Education: $556 Minnesota Zoo Zoomobile: $875 Fine Motor Activities: $300 Storm Future Leaders: $800 Fine Motor Tubs: $300 Little Falls Education Foundation The following grants will support the Little Falls School District:   IXL, Personalized Learning to Meet Every Student's Individual Needs: $1,250 Flexible Seating for a Blended Language Arts/Science Class: $700 Flexible Seating for Everyone!: $700 Flexible Seating for Classroom Library: $700 James Michie Scholarship: $1,310 Heart Zone Monitor and Management System: $1,000 Patriot Foundation Pequot Lakes School District—EV Patriot Pride Words on Walls: $500 Bob & Pauline Johnson Fund Isle School District—Bob & Pauline Johnson Memorial Scholarship: $3,000 Pillager Education Foundation The following grants will support the Pillager School District:   Making Learning Come Alive: $1,495 Will You Read that “Tricky Word” for Me?: $250 Pinckney Fund The following grants will support the Little Falls School District:   Spotlight Jazz Camp: $625 Podium Award: $700 Playing It Forward—Eckroth Music: $2,107 Paula & Chad Becker Fund City of Browerville—Vital Sign Monitor Project: $3,000 Alternative Sources Energy Milaca Scholarship Foundation—Alternative Sources of Energy Scholarship: $4,050 Land & Waters Preservation Trust The following grants will support the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District:   Outreach and Engagement for Watershed: $5,900 Crosslakers—Runoff Abatement Project: $5,900 Beverly Pantzke Scholarship Fund Little Falls School District—2019 Beverly Pantzke Johnston Scholarship Award: $22,000 Anderson Brothers Family Fund Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers—Operating Support: $1,000 Little Falls Scholarship Fund Little Falls School District—2019 Little Falls Scholarship Fund Awards: $3,000 William & Ethel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship Royalton School District: $1,600 Betty Ford Menzel Scholarship Fund Crosby-Ironton School District: $2,200 Shawn Grittner Memorial Fund Saint Cloud Technical & Community College Foundation: $1,100 Minnesota Christian Writers Scholarship Fund Faith Lutheran Church—Minnesota Christian Writers Scholarship: $250.69 H. Eugene Menzel Scholarship Fund Aitkin Dollars for Scholars: $1,000 Artesian Homes Charitable Fund Lincoln Evangelical Free Church—Operational Support: $10,000 The Church on The Wise Road—Mission Funds: $1,000 Betty and Larry Nelson Family Fund Land Stewardship Project—Operating Support: $60 Friends of Unfpa, Inc.—Operating Support: $100 Kiva Microfunds—Operating Expense: $150 Friends of MWANGAZA—Operating Support: $100 Northwoods Humane Society—Operating Support: $100 Minnesota Public Radio—Operating Support: $150 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources—Operating Support: $50 School Sisters of Notre Dame—Operating Support: $100 Northern Waters Land Trust – Operational Reserve Fund Northern Waters Land Trust—General Operating Support: $30,000 Minnesota State Veterans Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $7,000 Youthprise Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program: $93,769.81 Stanback-Bittner Acquisition Fund Northern Waters Land Trust—Operating Support: $41,017.87 1st Quarter 2019 Grant Highlights Three Rivers Community Foundation Elk River School District—Scholarship Awards for Elk River High School: $7,500 Longville Area Community Foundation Memorial Park Endowment City of Longville—City Park Support: $1,300 Rum River Community Foundation City of Milaca—Trimble Park Statue: $3,000 Innovative Schools Project Fund Swanville Dollars for Scholars—Innovative Schools Project: $2,500 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 Menahga Education Foundation—Innovative Schools Project: $2,500 Browerville Public Schools—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 Brainerd School District—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 Little Falls School District—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 Verndale School District—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 Wadena-Deer Creek School District—Innovative Schools Program: $5,000 Powell Scholarship Fund Elk River School District—2019 Archie and Isabelle Powell Family Scholarships: $1,000 Sauk Rapids Rice Education Foundation The following grants will support the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District: Junior Achievement BizTown Field Trip: $1,000 Ninth-Grade Team Individual Passion Project: $500 Raised Tables for Improved Student Classroom Engagement and Movement: $1,000 Breakout EDU Kits for Mathematics Classes: $500 Storm Robotics FIRST Robotics Field Trip: $1,000 Drums Alive, Joins Dynamic Movements of Aerobic Dance with Pulsating Rhythms of the Drum: $600 Flexible Seating & Shared Reading: Improving Posture and Strengthening Reading: $700 Compass Student and Parent Engagement Opportunities: $1,000 Math Learning Stations and Activities: $677 Scholastic Choices Magazine and Online Classroom Subscription: $275 High-Interest Books to Motivate Readers: $500 Manufacturing Fund of Central Minnesota Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Inc.—Women's Business Alliance of Central Minnesota: $5,500 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Operating Support: $2,500 Crosby-Ironton School District—Clayton Lang Archery Grant: $1,800 Lake Region Christian School Education Foundation Lake Region Christian School—Elementary Computer Lab and High School Equipment: $1,832.36 Albany Area Education Foundation The following grants will support the Albany School District: Drumming 'Round the World: A Hands-on, Multicultural, Music Education: $1,000 Stop-Motion Camera Kits: $800 Community Service Project/STEM: $805 Dash and Dot Robotics: $996.84 Flexible Seating: $398 Bee-Bots in Kindergarten: $1,000 Braham Area Education Foundation The following grants will support the Braham Area School District: Chromebit Digital Signage for Both Schools: $629.93 Code.org Circuit Playground Express Kit: $350 Third Grade Classrooms: $600 Youth Summer Musical Theater: $1,000 Patriot Foundation The following grants will support the Pequot Lakes School District: Just Dancin' in the Gym: $1,750 Eagle View Nature Center Geocaching Project: $615 Junior Achievement Personal Finance Program for Consumer Math: $724 Bridges Manufacturing Workforce Development Fund Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Education Association—Scholarships: $3,000 Edeburn Family Fund Carleton College—Annual Gift: $2,500 First United Methodist Church of the St. Cloud Region—Debt Reduction Campaign: $3,333 Paula & Chad Becker Fund Saint John's University—Wrestling Program: $5,000 Browerville Public Schools—Wrestling Program: $5,000 Christ the King Church—Church and School Operations: $15,000 Crow Wing Environmental Protection Advised Fund Crow Wing Lakes and Rivers Alliance (LARA)—Operational Support: $3,400 Alternative Sources of Energy Fund Milaca School District—2019 Alternative Sources of Energy Scholarship Award: $1,350 Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund St. Cloud Area Family YMCA—Operational Support: $1,000 ROCORI Area Dollars for Scholars—Dollars for Scholars: $500 United Way of Central Minnesota—Operating Support: $1,000 Great River Educational Arts Theatre—Operating Support: $2,000 Africa Jam—Operating Support: $1,000 Andra Heart Foundation—Operating Support: $1,000 St. Cloud State University—Baseball Program: $2,000 River Park Community Foundation—Operating Support: $3,000 The Yes Network—Operating Support: $1,000 Abbott House Foundation—Programs: $1,000 CommunityGiving—Woman's Fund: $1,000 CommunityGiving—Good Samaritan Fund: $1,000 Central Minnesota Taskforce on Battered Women—Anna Marie's Alliance: $1,000 Rocori School District—Action Pack: $500 Mitchell, South Dakota, School District—Action Pack: $500 Mark Wood Foundation Little Falls School District—Support for Lincoln Elementary School: $5,400 Paws and Claws Animal Shelter Paws & Claws Animal Shelter—Operating & Marketing Support: $1,600 Lake Region Conservation Club Sullivan Lake First Responder—Operating Support: $375 Hillman Area First Response Team—Operating Support: $375 Minnesota Christian Writers Scholarship Fund Faith Lutheran Church—Minnesota Christian Writers Scholarship: $3,500 Artesian Homes Charitable Fund Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center—Annual Fundraising Banquet: $3,000 Veterans Art Monument Fund The following grants will support the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association: Veterans Art Monument: $8,080 Veterans Art Monument: $4,000 Veterans Art Monument: $700 Wadena Regional Wellness Center Fund City of Wadena—Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $30,000 Oakland Cemetery Fund Oakland Cemetery Association—Maintenance and Upkeep: $1,500  

Past Grant Award Highlights 4th Quarter 2018 Grant Highlights Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota—Career Development Program: $5,000 to support programs that help St. Cloud youth gain the necessary skills to seek and maintain employment, learn about the labor market and develop career goals. Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC)—Brainerd Growing Home Grant Winner: $1,000 for general operations to preserve and enhance the area’s economic base by expanding business, building community and growing jobs in Crow Wing County. Bridges of Hope—Self-Healing Communities Project: $5,000 to support active engagement by residents of two east Brainerd neighborhoods in the Self-Healing Communities Program. City of Riverton—Sanitary Sewer System Records Mapping: $2,500 to support engineering and analysis to inform wastewater infrastructure decisions and to support economic development. City of Sandstone—Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings: $1,500 for a Humphry Institute's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs student stipend to research potential partners, funding, design and the appropriate role of government in assisting with the rehabilitation of historic buildings. CommunityGiving—Women's Fund "Dancing with the Stars" Event: $1,000 to support the Women's Fund "Dancing with the Stars" event.  CommunityGiving—Jugaad Mentoring Program and Job Fair: $10,000 to engage new and emerging leaders of color interested in serving on community and nonprofit boards and provide personal and professional development opportunities. Cuyuna Range Youth Center—Job Skills Development and Employability Training: $5,000 to support activities that lead to improved job skills and access to employment opportunities for Crosby-area youth. Family Pathways—From Here to There, Strategic Planning Initiative: $4,000 to assess community needs,  develop a strategic plan and facilitate community input from residents of East Central Minnesota. Friends of Career Solutions—Pathways to Support Youth and Adults: $5,000 to assist clients referred by the Pathways for Youth organization and/or public schools. The goal is to help homeless youth gain skills and access opportunities to complete their diploma and gain sustainable employment. Funders Network for Smart Growth & Livable Communities—Sponsorship Grant: $1,000 to support the Initiative Foundation’s membership in the Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities.  Hands Across the World - We Team Up—Career Development Research Initiative: $10,000 to align employer needs with those of program clients with a goal of placing at least 20 New Americans or other underemployed workers into lasting employment opportunities in Greater St. Cloud. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Capacity-Building ISD 742 Pilot Project: $2,500 to support strategic planning and to expand the program to Westwood Elementary School, which has a high concentration of students in poverty. Kinship Partners, Inc.—2019 Strategic Planning Session and Post-Session Meetings: $4,000 to support a strategic direction refresh session with the board and to conduct follow-up meetings to review implementation and address barriers to success. Longville Area Community Foundation—Environment and Community Cleanup: $1,000 to support community and volunteer engagement in Community Cleanup event, hosted by the Longville Area Community Foundation. Pay It Forward Foundation—Volunteer Support for I.C.E. Fest: $2,000 to provide coordination and support for volunteers associated with this first-ever community engagement and fundraising event. Salem Lutheran Church—Job Creation Funding: $5,000 to support Salem WEST staff expansion in response to leadership succession and significant growth in requests for assistance. Staples Economic Development Authority—Legacy Trail Expansion Feasibility Study: $3,000 to conduct preliminary feasibility analysis of connecting the Soo Line Trail and the Paul Bunyan Trail to Pillager as a trail head location.  The Yes Network—St. Cloud Growing Home Grant Winner: $1,000 for general operations of this nonprofit, which is dedicated to creating vibrant, loving and prosperous neighborhoods by engaging with children, families and the communities in which they live. Tri-County Action Program, Inc.—Free Volunteer Tax Program: $1,000 to support recruitment and management of volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality, free tax program for income-eligible residents of the St. Cloud area. Tri-County Hospital, Inc.—Recognition of Wayne Wolden's Service to the Board of Trustees for the Initiative Foundation: $1,000 to support scholarships, grants and continued health education. This donation is made in recognition of the service of Wayne Wolden as a Trustee of the Initiative Foundation. YMCA of Brainerd—ChildWatch Play Structure Shipping: $2,000 to cover shipping costs for indoor playground equipment, accessible for physically disabled children. Brainerd Public Schools Foundation—Early Childhood Initiative Coalition Support: $5,000 to support coordination of early childhood coalition activities, including campaign for support of new endowment to sustain programs serving the Brainerd Lakes area. Cambridge-Isanti School District—Early Childhood School Readiness and Literary Outreach: $5,000 to give backpacks to healthcare providers to distribute to children who are not attending early childhood programming. The backpacks contain school readiness information and activities for 3- to 5-year-olds. Mille Lacs Health System—Onamia Early Childhood Initiative Coalition Support: $5,000 to provide coordination and project support for local activities that advance early childhood initiatives and help secure local investment for these efforts. Morrison County—PreK to Grade 3 Alignment: $5,000 to engage child care providers, the county early childhood coordinator and teachers to create shared understanding and tools to best prepare children in Morrison County for kindergarten. Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Thrive Sustainability Project: $10,000 to create a sustainability plan for ongoing work as Thrive continues to build a seamless system of services that support healthy social and emotional development of children ages birth to 5, with a particular emphasis on birth to age 3. First Children's Finance—Regional Child Care Technical Assistance: $30,000 to support regional staff to serve Central Minnesota in developing strategies to address the more than 17,000 slot shortage in quality, affordable child care. First Children's Finance provides technical assistance, business advice and professional development for child care providers, and can engage local units of government and employers to develop local plans to make sure that child care access is not a barrier to workforce engagement. East Central Regional Library—1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: $5,000 to support this new program for families and children ages birth to 5 in Chisago County, in collaboration with the Chisago Lakes Area Library, Chisago Lakes Community Education and other partners. Sherburne County—Minnesota Rail Service Improvement: $2,500 to retain a consultant to assist the county in developing a competitive grant application for the Rail Service Improvement Grant through the Minnnesota Department of Transportation Mercy program for $1 million in infrastructure assistance needed to create a rail spur in the Becker Industrial Park.  These investments are part of a strategic plan to diversify the economy in advance of anticipated job and tax-base loss associated with the planned decommissioning of Sherburne Coal Generation Station Units 1 and 2. Community Growth Fund, Inc.—Talent Advantage Series Workshops, Part 2: $2,500 to support a continuation of the Talent Advantage series of workshops and trainings for area employers to advance solutions to the current workforce shortage. The series includes specific practices related to helping incumbent workers increase skills and productivity, use of the Minnesota Chamber's Job Match program, and attracting, retaining and supporting the hidden talent pools, including New Americans, veterans, the disabled, seniors, ex-offenders and other sectors that are underrepresented in the current workforce. First American Financial Services—Wadena County Business Retention and Expansion Project: $6,000 to support the Business Retention and Expansion Project, a grassroots effort to understand and respond to the needs of the business community. This effort will be a collaboration between Staples, Verndale, Wadena, Sebeka and Menahga, while also seeking to serve the county’s smaller communities including Aldrich, Nimrod and Bluegrass.  Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures—Opportunity Zone Event in East Central Minnesota: $1,500 to support training for regional economic development professionals and elected officials on the potential benefits of securing investment in Opportunity Zones.   Small Business Development Center at Central Lakes College—Core Consulting: $10,000 to help small businesses and social enterprise ventures gain access to technical assistance, mentorship and succession planning to help strengthen the economies of some of the most rural and underserved parts of the region.  Sprout, LLC—Central Minnesota Meat Processing and Regional Branding Project: $5,000 to support a feasibility analysis of a Central Minnesota meat processing facility to serve more than 20 farmers. Partners include SCORE business experts, Community Development of Morrison County, Happy Dancing Turtle, Sprout Food Hub and Food Co-ops. 3rd Quarter 2018 Grant Highlights Inside Out Connections Coalition—Supporting Children and Families Impacted by Incarceration: $2,500 to supports children and families with an incarcerated parent by providing community resources to to enhance services to improve the social-emotional development and capacity for school success. Brainerd Community Action—Brainerd Lakes Area Newcomers Club: $3,000 to support efforts to attract and retain young families and skilled workers through creating a welcoming community.  This grant will serve as a challenge grant to area employers to help support the ongoing operations of the Newcomers Club hosted by the Community Action Council of Crow Wing County.  RiverWorks—Strategic Planning: $3,000 to facilitate a planning process to help the organization make informed decisions regarding future operations. Wellness in the Woods, Inc.—Strengthening Organizational Identity: $2,500 to help the organization build its brand, a key focus of the strategic plans developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's Financial Resiliency program. Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project—Strategic Planning: $1,000 to support a planning process that will help develop the board of directors and set direction for the near future. Rivers of Hope—Community Needs Assessment for Sherburne and Wright County Domestic Abuse Services: $2,500 to support a needs assessment that supports the organization in making informed and strategic decisions regarding future programming. Hands of Hope Resource Center—Strategic Planning: $3,000 to support an organizational planning session to determine ways to work effectively and efficiently in an ever-changing social landscape. Central Lakes College Foundation—Support for Innovation at Central Lakes College: $5,000 to support  small grants to staff and faculty members with innovative ideas for reducing or removing barriers to student success, increase student retention and better prepare students to meet workforce needs. Anishinabe Legal Services, Inc.—Strategic Planning and Organizational Development Activities: $2,500 for strategic planning and organizational development facilitation between staff and the board of directors with a goal of reviewing core values as they relate to the mission of providing civil legal services to income-eligible individuals on the Leech Lake Reservation. Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota—Making Brainerd, Baxter, North Branch and Chisago Lakes Communities Bicycle Friendly: $7,500 to support planning, community engagement and implementation of improved bike trails and routes in Brainerd, North Branch and Chisago Lakes. Boys & Girls Club of the Leech Lake Area—“We Are the Future—Nation Building” Program: $5,000 to support the "We are the Future—Nation Building" program that matches fifth-grade students with community mentors to develop social-emotional learning with the goal to increase high school graduation and college entry rates. LEAP, Inc.—Sisters with Sass (SWS): $2,200 to support the Sisters with Sass (SWS) program, which is a women’s mentoring program focused on empowering women through education, work and well-being. College Possible—Programming for Income-Eligible Students in Central Minnesota: $3,000 to support College Possible's Tech-Connected High School program that provides intensive coaching services to income-eligible students to increase college readiness and admission, addressing workforce shortages and educational disparities. CommunityGiving—Central Minnesota Community Foundation Annual Dinner Sponsorship: $1,000 in tribute to the contributions and accomplishments of Susan Lorenz, vital program officer who is retiring from the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. Central Minnesota Arts Board—Staff and Board Development: $2,500 to support recruitment and full participation by emerging and diverse leaders in the organization’s board of directors. Minnesota Council of Nonprofits—2018 Membership Renewal Sponsorship: $1,100 to provide annual support to this statewide affinity group which provides resources, training and information to help nonprofits work effectively.  Central Minnesota Housing Partnership—Strategic Planning: $4,000 to support development of a guiding plan to assist individuals and families with affordable housing over the next three years. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Business Committee—PCs for People: $5,000 to support the launch of this highly successful program to serve the Leech Lake Reservation. Staff will assist young adults to "scrub" hard drives of donated, used computers and refurbish them for use by income-eligible students and families, thus teaching valuable information-technology skills and improving access to the internet. Big Lake School District—Early Childhood Coalition: $7,000 to support families, child care providers and other educators with activities to foster literacy, school readiness and improved access to quality, affordable child care. City of Menahga—Thriving Communities Initiative: $5,000 to develop and implement training, marketing and necessary materials to make local projects led by a team of champions successful. Through their participation in the Thriving Communities Initiative (TCI), citizens of Menahga were able to identify opportunities to enhance their community. After seeking input from both public and private interests, several key priorities were identified: creating a tiny village to serve as a business incubator; conducting a business retention and expansion survey; and establising a community garden. East Central Regional Development Commission—Mille Lacs Lake Area Scenic Byway Start Up: $5,000 to support planning, public engagement and promotion of the Mille Lacs Lake Area Scenic Byway, a federally designated route recognized for its beauty, ecology and value to the tourism sector. Economic Development Authority of the City of St. Cloud—Economic Adjustment and Recovery Coordinator Project: $5,000 to assist with local matching funds toward an application to Federal Economic Development Administration (Federal EDA) for a $97,500 Economic Adjustment Assistance grant to help the city and surrounding region undertake economic recovery efforts from the permanent closure of the Electrolux home freezer manufacturing plant and dislocated workforce of 900 that is scheduled for end of year 2019.  2nd Quarter 2018 Grant Highlights Mille Lacs Health System—Cavity-Free Little Panthers, Phase III: $2,000 to support dental care programming for children birth to age five and to provide access to diagnostic and treatment services for children from income-eligible households.   CommunityGiving—Jugaad Leadership Program: $5,000 to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills and resources to be effective in leading change at the grassroots level.  Minnesota Council on Foundations—2018 Membership: $7,600 to support advocacy for and promotion of ethical and responsible charitable giving and to maintain resources for grantmaking, creating and sharing information for and about grantmakers.   Sherburne County—Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Skilled Employees: $4,000 to educate  regional employers on successful programs and resources to develop, attract and retain their skilled workforce.  City of Manhattan Beach—Community Planning: $1,000 to support public engagement in identifying a shared community vision, considering opportunities and barriers to action and specific steps to help the city adapt to changing tax base and demographics.  Central Minnesota Taskforce on Battered Women—Building Capacity by Increasing Staff Engagement: $2,750 to support staff training and development, using the book "Daring Greatly" and associated curricula. Project will encourage staff engagement, explore how to manage the stress associated with addressing domestic violence and otherwise develop strategies for advancing the organizational mission.  City of Nisswa—Gull Lake Trail: $2,500 for the preliminary engineering costs to establish a final trail route. The grant will also support public engagement meetings.  City of Melrose—Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan: $2,500 to support development of a bicycle and pedestrian network in Melrose to improve quality of life for its residents. This will be joint effort between the city of Melrose, the school district and CentraCare Health.  Freshwater Education District—Reading For the Future in Todd County: $1,500 to help young people discover the joy of reading and work to build a more literate community and nation, one child at a time. This project will target income-eligible households to improve English language skills.  Salem Lutheran Church—Director Transition Project: $4,000 to support planning for and implementation of a leadership transition plan for the organization. Employment Enterprises, Inc.—Training Culturally Diverse Unemployed Community Members as Direct Support Professionals: $5,000 to recruit and provide work skills training to members of the Little Falls-area immigrant community plus diversity training for staff to meet workforce needs in a tight labor market. United Way of Central Minnesota—Great River Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) Program: $10,000 to cultivate future entrepreneurs which will help develop the community's next generation of leaders. The project will initially work with 25 high school students from St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids-Rice, Sartell-St. Stephen and Cathedral high schools. The project will help teach business and leadership skills through exposure to 60-plus businesses, which will help develop mentorship and retain and cultivate local talent. Regents of the University of Minnesota—Workampers as a Resource to Address Regional Workforce Needs: $2,500 to explore opportunities and concerns associated with workampers, which are managed seasonal campgrounds utilized as a potential solution to affordable housing for hospitality workers in Cass and Crow Wing counties. Community Grassroots Solutions—Informational Sessions Connecting Programs: $5,000 to support to assist St. Cloud immigrant and refugee women and girls in securing and retaining employment. Sprout MN, LLC—Central Minnesota Meat Processing and Regional Branding Project: $1,500 to support a feasibility analysis for a mobile meat-processing facility based in Morrison County.  Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota—Open House and Capacity: $5,000 to support a strategic fund development plan to increase financial capacity to continue offering community programs that support income-eligible children and families in St. Cloud's Talahi neighborhood.  Someplace Safe—Financial Resources for Job Seeking, Job Training and Educational Opportunities: $2,000 to provide support for Wadena-area crime victims who are accessing resources to increase their employability. New Hampshire Charitable Foundation—Sponsorship Grant for Community Foundation Opportunity Network: $2,500 to sponsor coordination and logistical support for this national affinity group seeking to build social capital in underserved communities.  The group is inspired by Dr. Robert Putnam’s landmark 2015 book, “Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis,” which challenges notions about fairness, the future of American communities, the basis of income inequality and long-term economic and social sustainability. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Business Committee—Early Childhood Programs: $1,500 to support a student from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Regional and Urban Affairs to conduct a literature review of mental health, academic and social emotional benefits of exposure to natural spaces to support programming for young children. Blandin Foundation—Sponsorship Grant for Border to Border Broadband: Transforming Minnesota Conference: $1,000 to support the Border to Border Broadband: Transforming Minnesota Conference, which is hosted by the Blandin Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development. LION Community Enrichment Programs, Inc.—Stay Kool: $2,000 to provide leadership and "soft skills" training for young African American men in the Greater St. Cloud secondary educational systems. Alzheimer's Association Minnesota North Dakota Chapter—Board Recognition Grant for Ashish Vaidya: $1,000 to support services, information and advocacy to people with dementia, their families and health care providers. This grant is awarded in recognition of the service of Dr. Ashish Vaidya to the Initiative Foundation's Board of Trustees. Mille Lacs Health System—1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: $7,500 to support literacy by providing opportunities for children from birth to age 5 and their parents or caregivers to read together. In addition, a class for older preschoolers will help prepare them for kindergarten and enhance development in the areas of social-emotional development. City of Hackensack—Hackensack Game Changers: $5,000 to support community volunteers overseeing beautification, wayfinding and additional local leadership development as recent alumni of the Thriving Communities Initiative (TCI) training. Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Todd County—Save the School by Creating Affordable Senior Housing in Eagle Bend: $4,000 for a regional market survey for the redesign and repurpose of the vacant Eagle Bend High School. The intention of this project is to demonstrate the potential to successfully construct and operate a local senior housing complex. Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation—River to Rail Launch and General Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC) Support: $10,000 to support the River To Rail Initiative, which provides coordination for many community development projects within the Mississippi River and the Northern Pacific Center corridor. Cass County Economic Development Corporation—Membership: $1,500 to provide annual support for job creation and workforce development. GPS 45:93—Innovative Career Initiative: $10,000 to support identifying and implementing a career exploration program for secondary students that best fits workforce needs in Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties. Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Education Association—Destination Downtown Contest 2.0: $5,000 to support a second year of the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful Destination Downtown contest by filling one or more storefronts and restoring the positive buzz that is essential to revitalization.  Isanti County Broadband: $5,000 to build on the foundation laid by the Isanti County broadband feasibility study by formalizing organizational partnerships and refining technology and financial plans. 1st Quarter 2018 Grant Highlights Mille Lacs County—Cavity-Free Birth to Age 5 and Pregnant Mothers: $18,000 to increase education and awareness of early preventative dental health and provide access to dental services for our under-served population by contracting with Children's Dental Services to provide mobile dental clinics to four separate communities within Mille Lacs County. St. Cloud Rotary Foundation—Pathways 4 Youth, LLC, Youth Opportunity Center: $5,000 to contribute to startup costs for the Youth Opportunity Center (called “Pathways 4 Youth”) to help youth experiencing homelessness (ages 16-23) manage trauma in their lives, stabilize their environment and provide access to health and career skills services.  Christian Social Services, Inc.—Big Lake and Monticello Food Shelf Collaborative —Exploratory Phase: $2,500 to fund work with a facilitator to assist two food shelf boards and their executive directors as they explore collaborative opportunities to efficiently serve residents.  Canvas Health—Mental Health Telemedicine for the Region 7E Workforce: $5,000 to help the workforce of east central Minnesota with chemical and/or mental health issues preventing them from getting, maintaining or excelling in a job while learning about telemedicine options for improving their ability to work.  United Way of Central Minnesota—Sponsorship Grant for Times Media 5 Under 40 2018 Winners: $500 in general operating support as part of the Foundation's sponsorship of the St. Cloud Times/Times Media 5 Under 40 program, which honors St. Cloud-area emerging leaders.  NJPA—Sponsorship Grant for 2018 Student Recognition Banquet: $1,000 to provide sponsorship for event honoring scholarships for outstanding students in the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) service area of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties.  Friends of Career Solutions—Learn and Earn: $5,000 to provide training and apprenticeship opportunities to support young adults (ages 18-24) to complete their GED while also gaining applied workplace experience with a sponsoring St. Cloud-area employer.  Northland Foundation—Sponsorship Grant for Annual Conference: $500 to provide support for Minnesota Council on Foundations annual conference.  Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota—Emergency Childcare to Support Vulnerable Parents in Our Workforce: $5,000 to reduce the incidence of maltreatment of young children and provide relief to parents in crisis by offering emergency child care within a network of licensed child care providers.  Lakewood Health System—Project Regional Health and Wellness Center: $2,500 to support an analysis to assess whether the populations around Lakewood Health/Staples-Motley can financially sustain a regional health center.  Cass County Economic Development Corporation—Pine River Housing Study: $1,500 to support an evaluation of affordable housing in Pine River with a goal of creating access to quality, affording options as a strategy to attract and retain young, skilled workers.  Hilltop Regional Kitchen—Hilltop Regional Kitchen Community Outreach: $2,500 to support communications and community outreach to support a 10 percent increase in the number of home-delivered and/or bundled meals delivered to seniors and home-bound individuals in Todd and Morrison counties.  Community Giving—Sponsorship for 2018 Community Pillars Event: $4,000 to support costs associated with hosting the annual Greater St. Cloud Community Pillars Forum.  Winthrop Economic Development Authority—Sponsorship Grant for the Broadband Coalition Event: $500 to support a collaborative of nonprofits and locals units of government, convened by the Blandin Foundation, to support education and advocacy for broadband access in Greater Minnesota.  Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation—Sponsorship Grant for Annual Corporate Investment: $7,500 to renew annual commitment to this investor-supported organization of community leaders that are dedicated to enhance and expand economic opportunities in the St. Cloud area.  Gateway Institute for Research and Development—Technical Skills for Business Plan Writing: $4,000 to deliver computer basics training to help New American entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs build skills for successful business planning.  Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District—AIS Bait Bucket Water Refill: $3,000 to work with 20 bait shops and resorts to create incentives for anglers to use local bait water as a strategy to prevent the spread of invasive species.  This grant is supported in part by funding recommended by Minnesota's Outdoor Legacy Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.  Citizen's League—Piloting Civic Governance as an AIS Best Management Practice: $5,000 to support a collaboration with the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Alliance to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by providing coaching, work plan development and project coordination between state and local governments, local stakeholder groups (sportsmen, lake associations, property owners, tourism and/or fishing professionals) in Ramsey and Cass counties to model pathways for local engagement for maximum impact.  This project is funded by the Minnesota's Outdoor Legacy Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.  Vermilion Lake Association—Advanced Boat Access Traffic Analysis: $31,775 to significantly increase inspection efficiency and coverage by more accurately predicting arrivals and exits at each public access, each hour of the day, for the entire boating season. A flexible, fast-reaction scheduling methodology will be developed to complement ability to predict traffic.  This project is funded by the Minnesota's Outdoor Legacy Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.  Carver County Water Management Organization—Vegetation Control as AIS Prevention Measure: $2,000 to evaluate the use of aquatic vegetation control as a prevention measure to reduce the spread of zebra mussels via aquatic vegetation in Lake Waconia, Lake Minnewashta and two additional lakes. This project is funded by the Minnesota's Outdoor Legacy Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.  Itasca County Soil and Water Conservation District—A Multi-Region Resort Ambassador AIS Prevention Partnership: $210,000 to serve three regions—Cass County, Itasca County and the Lake Vermilion area—to align resorts in an aquatic invasive species inspection and prevention process. This project is funded by the Minnesota's Outdoor Legacy Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.   City of Big Lake—Gap Analysis Studies: $3,000 to determine if the city of Big Lake can support a nationally recognized hotel and associated reservation system. This grant will also partially fund an analysis of commercial/retail opportunities that could diversify the regional economy and outline key strategies for workforce development.  City of North Branch—North Branch Minnesota Design Team Initiative: $5,000 to support a Minnesota Design Team visit to the city of North Branch in an effort to identify key redevelopment opportunities and utilize current infrastructure.  Brainerd School District—Love and Logic Parenting Classes: $8,000 to support the expansion of Love and Logic Parenting Classes in the Essentia Health service area, designed to offer ideas for raising responsible and respectful children.  United Way of Central Minnesota—Early Learning Events & Materials: $12,000 To provide “Read, Talk, Play” toolkits to increase parent/caregiver understanding about the role they play in early literacy skills. To promote the value of reading, 200 books will be distruted to families of children birth to age 5 at an upcoming St. Cloud Rox baseball games. Rox players will read to children on the field prior to the game.  Wright County Community Action, Inc.—Improving Wright County Poverty Data through Needs Assessment: $5,000 to support Wright County Community Action's Community Assessment Project to better understand the community's strengths, common themes and overall health to ensure the needs of low-income residents are being addressed.  Central Minnesota Sustainability Project—Garden Leadership Program: $5,000 to support leadership and job skills development among immigrant women.  Region 5 Development Commission—Downtown Brainerd Revitalization: $5,000 for events, activities and marketing to support businesses and downtown vitality during the reconstruction scheduled along Brainerd's 6th Street (old Highway 371).  New Pathways, Inc.—"Path to Home" Fund Development Strategies in East Central and North Central Minnesota: $5,000 to support efforts to reach new donors who will contribute to provide emergency shelter and secure, stable housing for families experiencing homelessness.  Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation (BLAEDC)—Brainerd Growing Home Grant Winner: $1,000 for general operations to preserve and enhance the area’s economic base by expanding business, building community and growing jobs in Crow Wing County.    4th Quarter 2017 Grant Highlights College Possible—Programming for Low-Income Students in Central Minnesota: $5,000 to offer a variety of virtual and in-person support to help low-income high school students consider and gain college admission and then remain and succeed once there. Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Education Association—Board Recognition Grant for Bridges Career Academy: $1,000  to support career exploration and training in Central Minnesota. This gift is made in recognition of the service of Reggie Clow as a member of the Initiative Foundation Board of Trustees. Vasaloppet USA—Board Recognition Grant: $1,000 to support general operations at Minnesota's premier cross-county ski and event center, operating continuously since 1973. This gift is made in recognition of the service of Pat Gorham as a member of the Initiative Foundation Board of Trustees. Amherst H. Wilder Foundation—Minnesota Compass: $5,000 to provide annual support to Minnesota Compass (www.MnCompass.org), an accessible website that provides data and resources about topics that include early childhood, children and youth, economy, education, immigration, population demographics and workforce. Minnesota Compass can also provide detailed data profiles for rural geographies, including cities and towns of 1,000 or more residents, and will be expanding the data and tools available to Greater Minnesota residents in the coming year. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Sauk Rapids-Rice Workforce Readiness Initiative: $2,500 to expand the delivery of Junior Achievement activities into more  grade levels in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District to support career exploration. Baptist General Conference—Education and Career Advancement for Poverty  Reduction: $5,000 to support young adults in Pine and Kanabec counties through career exploration, academic mentoring and support from caring adults. Avivo—Central Minnesota Career Education Programs: $8,000 to support the Skills for Success program, serving adults, and Focus Forward after-school elective, serving high school students. Participants gain essential English, computer and business communication skills and employment services. Adults also receive employment support and job retention services. High school students receive career exploration and college entrance test preparation to increase their options after graduation. Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota—Board Recognition Grant: $1,000 to support the Boys and Girls Club, which provides programs and services to promote the development of youth by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. This gift is made in recognition of the service of Rita Sobania as a member of the Initiative Foundation Board of Trustees years and her contributions to various committees for more than 30 years.  Cuyuna Range Youth Center—Youth Development: $2,500 to support workforce development programming for Crosby-area youth. Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration—Enhancing the Skills of Volunteer Engagement Leaders: $2,500 to support the formation and development of a Central Minnesota district advisory council to support, guide and engage volunteer managers across the region. University of St. Thomas—Institute for Executive Director Leadership: $5,000 to support participation of local nonprofit leaders in a 10-month program that provides opportunities to increase leadership skills and enhance organizational capacity. Volunteers of America of Minnesota—Our HOME Supportive Housing: $5,000 to support transitional housing and supportive case management for eight or more families. These services will help stabilize family living situations and assist them in obtaining more permanent, affordable housing. WACOSA— True Friends: $2,500 to support a unique, customized training experience for staff, board and clients with a focus on enhancing leadership skills and equipping new leaders with concepts and techniques to incorporate into their work with clients. Terebinth Refuge—Fundraising Consultant and Marketinge: $4,000 to support development and implementation of a strategic fundraising plan to help Terebinth Refuge become self-sustaining. Tri-County Action Program, Inc.—Central Minnesota Free Tax Program: $5,000 to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program that provides free tax services to income-eligible families in the Saint Cloud area. Cornerstones Center, Inc.—College-Link: From Transition to Success: $4,000 to support the College Link program that provides coaching and college admission assistance to high school seniors to increase college enrollment among immigrant and refugee students. Faith in Action for Cass County— Planning for the Future: $5,000 to support program evaluation, review of community needs, and strategic planning to encourage managed growth and services that are mission-aligned and coordinated with other service providers and businesses. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Business Commitee—YouthBuild: $5,000 to support programming which helps disconnected youth ages 16-24 receive hands-on training in construction which leads to their National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) credentials. Students may also obtain high school diplomas or GEDs leading to employment and/or post-secondary education. Mille Lacs Health System—Partnership for Community Literacy: $2,000 to increase access to books and parental reading in homes of children residing on the Mille Lacs Reservation with the goal of increasing early literacy activities. Greater Twin Cities United Way—Early Funders Coalition Sponsorship: $1,000 to support Start Early Funders Coalition. Cambridge Isanti School District—Early Childhood School Readiness & Literacy Outreach: $5,000 to provide various early literacy and school readiness opportunities in the community that enhance parent engagement with children birth to five. This also supports training for area child care providers to build relationships and enhance knowledge relating to school readiness. Minnesota Fathers and Families Network—Healing the Home:  Child Poverty and the Role of Fathers: $1,000 to provide sponsorship to the annual Minnesota Fathers and Families Network Conference on Feb. 6-7 in Saint Cloud.  This year's theme is "promoting healthy father, child and family relationships through informed practice, public policy and systems change.” Morrison County—Educational Opportunities for 3-year-olds: $3,000 to provide information on school readiness to parents of 3-year-old children at well-child checkups in Morrison County. This is designed to increase parent and caregiver knowledge of the importance of preschool education and ultimately increase the number of young children prepared for school. Wadena County—Supporting and Enhancing Early Childhood Education in Wadena County: $7,540 to increase parent engagement by offering opportunities for families with young children to learn about the lifelong significance of early childhood care and education. The grant will also help engage child care and foster care providers as partners in early childhood education and offer a county-wide early literacy event to increase school readiness. Regents of the University of Minnesota—Tourism Lodging Workforce Study: $4,250 to support a qualitative analysis of the current and future workforce challenges facing the tourism sector in Cass and Crow Wing counties. The analysis will examine regional models and develop recommendations for a long-term strategy for staff recruitment and retention to maintain tourism as part of the region's economy. City of Little Falls—Promotional Workforce and Tourism Virtual Reality 360-Degree Video: $2,500 to develop, produce and market promotional videos using 360-degree cameras for virtual reality content. The videos will feature Little Falls attractions, employers and events, and is designed to attract and retain workforce to the community. City of Eden Valley—A Renewed Leadership Vision for Eden Valley: $1,000 to connect with past, present, and potential Eden Valley for Progress (E4P) members by hosting a "Get to Know Us" event.  The purpose is to help the city expand the local network of new and emerging civic leaders. City of Hackensack—Bringing the Heart of the Hackensack Community Together: $1,000 to host a community event incorporating a historical look at the city of Hackensack. The TCI team members will invite participants to discuss what they would like the next 20 years to look like in the community. During this event, information will be provided about the Thriving Community Initiative (TCI) team's goal to partner with grassroots leaders interested in engaging in community development. City of Milaca—Painting a New Vision for the Milaca Community: $1,000 to engage new and emerging leaders in conversations about the community. In addition, the Thriving Community Initiative (TCI) team will host a community painting evening event at the Milaca Arts Center to lift up a new vision for the community. City of Menahga—TCI Phase I Funding: $1,000 to gather feedback from community members about the city and invite new and emerging leaders to engage in the Foundation's Thriving Community Initiative (TCI) program. City of Saint Joseph—East Park Canoe Access/Picnic Area: $2,500 to engage residents in the redesign of a local canoe access at the East Park and picnic area. The National Loon Center Foundation, Crosslake—Business Planning for a National Loon Center: $5,000 to develop a sustainable business plan for the National Loon Center (NLC), a community-driven project that focuses on loons and their unique relationship with the region's freshwater ecosystem, fish and wildlife management, environmental stewardship, trails, tourism, recreation and education. A Place for You—Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's social enterprise training. Paws & Claws Animal Shelter—Financial Resiliency Through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's social enterprise training. Isanti County Historical Society—Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $2,600 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's social enterprise training. Pine Habilitation and Supported Employment, Inc.—Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $3,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's social enterprise training. Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc.—Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Round Six Program Participation: $5,000  to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's sixth round of social enterprise training. Flight Expo, Inc.—Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Round Six Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's sixth round of social enterprise training. Happy Dancing Turtle—Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Round Six Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's sixth round of social enterprise training. Tri-County Community Action, Inc. —Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Round Six Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's sixth round of social enterprise training. Big Lake Community Food Shelf, Inc. —Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Round Six Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's sixth round of social enterprise training. STEP—Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Round Six Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's sixth round of social enterprise training. Advocates Against Domestic Abuse—Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Foundation's social enterprise training. National Park Service Voyageurs National Park—Restoration of Wetlands Impaired by Invasive Cattails: $360,000 to support pilot prevention and control strategy for non-native invasive cattails in partnership with the Bois Forte and Fonde Du Lac Bands of Ojibwe, including mechanical and hand removal of the hybrid invasive cattails. Additionally, the use of enhanced muskrat populations as natural biocontrol for sustained management of restored wetlands needs to be evaluated. This project is funded through a grant from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, as recommended by the Minnesota Legislature. Koronis Lake Association—Starry Stonewort Management Project in Stearns County: $57,000 to support experimental management designed to control and contain the infestation of Starry Stonewort and prevent its spread to other lakes in Minnesota. This grant is supported by funds provided by the Outdoor Heritage Council as recommended by the Minnesota Legislature. Wildlife Forever—Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: $238,320 to support the deployment of CD3, a prototype of a self-contained, vandal-resistant cleaning station to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. This is in partnership with Wildlife Forever (a national nonprofit with offices and staff in Minnesota), Big Sandy Lake Association (Aitkin County), Three Rivers Park District and Hennepin County, and Forest Lake Watershed District (Chisago County), St. Louis County. Minnesota Sea Grant and the University of Minnesota AIS Research Center are educational partners that will assist Wildlife Forever in promoting awareness of station locations and proper use. Greater Lake Sylvia Association—Greater Lake Sylvia Association AIS Prevention Strategies: $80,000 to replace "at the ramp" monitoring for Aquatic Invasive Species with an innovative Regional Inspection and Decontamination Site (RAIDS). Mandatory regional inspection provides much greater potential for the pilot lakes at a lower price point than multiple single landing inspection programs. In addition, regional inspections are one-tenth the cost to operate than landing inspections. City of Becker—Preliminary Engineering Report for Industrial Park Transportation Improvements: $20,000 to support a preliminary engineering report for Becker Industrial Park transportation improvements. Sherburne County—Rail Impact Study: $40,000 to provide matching funds for a rail spur feasibility analysis that would support new or expanding businesses in the Becker Industrial Park. One goal of this project is to diversify the local economy to help offset the impact of a reduced workforce needed at the Sherburne County Energy Station ("Sherco") as Units 1 and 2 are decommissioned in the coming decade.  This grant is supported in part by special funding from The McKnight Foundation Climate and Energy program. Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation—Launch Unified Fund and General Support: $10,000 to support the launch of the BLAEDC Unified Fund by providing underwriting and back office support to help deploy previously stagnant low-interest lending funds. Cass County Economic Development Corporation—Walker Area Workforce Strategic Planning: $2,750 to support strategic planning for economic and workforce development in partnership with the Walker Area Chamber of Commerce and Brainerd-based Small Business Development Center. Benton Economic Partnership, Inc. —Economic Development Initiative: $10,000 to support Benton County-based businesses in creating or expanding internship and apprentice programs to help attract, retain and develop skilled workforce. Leech Lake Financial Services—Building Collaborative Partnerships for Entrepreneurial Development: $10,000 to foster business creation by delivering entrepreneurship training and support services to the greater Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe community. Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA)—Accelerating Minority Business Growth in Central Minnesota: $5,000 to deliver one-on-one technical assistance to accelerate the growth existing minority-owned businesses in Central Minnesota. Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation—Greater St. Cloud Regional Portal and JobSpot Enhancement: $10,000 to enhance the job opportunities and key employee recruitment capabilities of the GreaterStCloud.com and JobSpot online tools. Economic Development Authority of the City of St. Cloud—Somali Food Business Outreach Program: $5,400 to deliver culturally appropriate food-safety training and technical assistance to new immigrant food businesses in St. Cloud. 3rd Quarter 2017 Grant Highlights Braham Area Schools ISD #314—School Board: $1,550 to provide Minnesota School Boards Association professional development training for the District 314 school board. Arc of Minnesota—Job Training and Placement for Disabled Persons in St. Cloud: $5,000 to support an interagency alliance to provide self-directed tools and assistance to job seekers with significant disabilities and their families to help navigate known obstacles to competitive employment. Christian Social Services, Inc.—Monticello Help Center Capacity-Building and Expansion Plan: $2,500 to support contracted technical expertise and training necessary for service expansion efforts. Wright County Community Action, Inc.—Implementing Raising a Reader for At-Risk Children in Wright County:$4,000 to expand the "Raising a Reader" program, a research-based literacy program. The program is designed to increase school readiness and parent-to-child bonding by creating a culture of literacy in the home. Morrison County United Way—Imagination Library Program:$3,000 to support the distribution of Imagination Library books to children from birth to age 5. The goal of this project is to support school readiness by encouraging families to read with their young children. Stearns-Benton Employment & Training Council—CareerONE Coleman: $5,000 to prepare unemployed individuals who have “aged out” of high school with the skills needed to fill manufacturing positions. The program focuses on literacy skills leading to a diploma while enhancing work readiness and encouraging continued education. Cloverleaf Youth Partnership, dba Cyber Cafe—Computer Coding Class Training: $1,000 to support skills training for youth. Central Minnesota Housing Partnership—Affordable Housing Initiative: $4,000 to develop at least one housing project that meets growing workforce needs in the Staples area. The goal of affordable housing is to help stabilize low- to moderate-income families who work within the area or are moving to the area for jobs.
Main Street Family Services—Staff Training Support: $4,500 to increase the number of staff who can deliver and teach the "Circle of Security," an international training program rooted in secure attachment research. This program is designed to increase nurturing and safety in families and help parents learn new skills. Minnesota Council of Nonprofits—Sponsorship Grant for Membership Renewal: $1,100 membership renewal. Blandin Foundation—Sponsorship Grant for Border to Border Broadband Conference: $1,000 to sponsor the Blandin Foundation's Oct. 25-26 Border to Border Broadband Conference at Maddens on Gull Lake. The event will showcase a variety of approaches that rural communities have developed to expand broadband’s impact, leverage investments, and bridge the digital divide.   CommunityGiving—Jugaad Leadership Program: $5,000 to provide underrepresented community members with the knowledge, skills and resources to become effective leaders at the grassroots level.  Activities include a seven-month series of speakers who train participants to understand community issues, build relationships, become familiar with nonprofit boards and committees and network with others. Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization—Capacity Building for La Cruz Community Center: $7,500 to La Cruz Community Center to help new Americans integrate to the St. Cloud area by providing mentoring and tutoring for students, summer youth engagement events and English as a Second Language classes to parents.  Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Education Association—Bridges Career Institute for Region Five for High School Internship and Apprenticeship Models: $5,000 to identify high school juniors and seniors from Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, and Crosby-Ironton schools and match them for summer 2017 employment in manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare and information technology.  City of Little Falls—Little Falls Downtown Revitalization II: $3,000 to support civic engagement in the development of public art as a strategy to foster a revitalized downtown area. Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless—Stearns County RideShare Demonstration Project: $4,000 to support participating local agencies in providing RideShare services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This helps them access employment, education and other services necessary to improve their lives and enhance self-reliance. Productive Alternatives, Inc. (PAI)—Removing Barriers, Because Work Matters: $4,000 to provide a challenge match to support the transportation of adults with disabilities to and from work, job interviews and skills training. Many businesses that have had difficulty retaining a skilled workforce have discovered that adults with disabilities often have a strong interest in productive employment. Salem Lutheran Church —Salem WEST Social Enterprise Improvements: $2,500 to provide technology improvements for the Deerwood-based social enterprise which generates support for the organization's social services. Goodwill Industries, Inc.—St. Cloud Area Financial Services Training Program: $4,000 to support an eight-week program that provides individuals with experience in the financial service, call center and customer service fields. The program offers additional support to help participants obtain employment upon program completion. Essentia Health Foundation—Reach Out & Read Brainerd Lakes Area: $2,750 to increase engagement of parents and children in early literacy. Through this program, medical providers can provide information to parents about the importance of reading to children and provide free children’s books at their well-child exams.  ServeMinnesota—Family Child Care Reading Corps: $5,000 to deliver the Reading Corps model in licensed family child care settings. This program is designed to increase kindergarten readiness skills and family engagement while increasing the capacity of child care provider to to sustain high-quality learning environments. Jack's Basket—Donation in Honor of Jordan Witt: $500 to support families as they welcome babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Big Lake School District—Big Lake Area Early Childhood Coalition: $7,000 to increase literacy-rich opportunities for families with young children, especially those living in poverty, by offering story times in various Big Lake parks. The grant will also help increase training and collaboration opportunities for early childhood professionals to support children in their school readiness skills.  Pine River-Backus School District—Fostering Partnerships: $6,500 to provide community events and Love and Logic parenting classes, which are tailored towards families with young children. This program works to increase parent engagement and kindergarten readiness skills in young children. City of Little Falls—Trunk Highway 27 Memorial Bridge Railroad Crossing: $2,500 to support a feasibility study of the railway crossing on Trunk Highway 27, which has hurt business growth on the western side of Little Falls. This study will analyze the alternatives to minimize this barrier. City of Pequot Lakes—Pequot Lakes Thriving Communities Initiative (TCI): $5,000 to support projects resulting from the city's participation in the Thriving Communities Initiative (TCI) program, including: creation of a trademarked community brand, design of a new skateboard park, coordination of a community website to assist visitors and residents, and revisions to the city's current comprehensive plan to include elements from the TCI Initiative. City of Avon—Avon Strategic Plan: $1,000 to support a strategic planning process to bring together public and private sectors in the creation of a roadmap to diversify and strengthen the local economy. Areas of focus will include workforce development and attraction, economic competitiveness, community resources and assets.  Fairview Township—Gull Lake Trail: Phase 3-1, Fairview Township: $2,500 to support the township's planning efforts to connect existing trails in East Gull Lake with a future trail in Lake Shore.  Wildlife Forever—Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: $17,1550 to Wildlife Forever, a national nonprofit with offices and staff in Minnesota, which will partner with CD3, LLC, to deploy a prototype of a self-contained, vandal-resistant cleaning station to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. Partners include: Big Sandy Lake Association (Aitkin County), Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County, Forest Lake Watershed District (Chisago County), St. Louis County, Minnesota Sea Grant, and the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. National Park Service Voyageurs National Park—Restoration of Wetlands Impaired by Invasive Cattails: $31,000 to support pilot prevention and control strategy for non-native invasive cattails, including mechanical and hand removal of the hybrid invasive cattails. This is in partnership with the Bois Forte and Fonde Du Lac Bands of Ojibwe, and is funded through a grant from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, as recommended by the Minnesota Legislature. Greater Saint Cloud Development Corporation—Annual Corporate Investment: $7,500 to renew our annual commitment to this member-supported organization of community leaders that are dedicated to enhancing and expanding the economic opportunities of the St. Cloud region. Central Lakes College Small Business Development Center (SBDC)—Small Business Growth and Success Initiative: $10,000 to support consulting services which provide assistance in business plan development, loan application preparation, financial projection analysis, market feasibility assessments, and other guidance to help local businesses grow. 2nd Quarter 2017 Grant Highlights Princeton School District - Early Childhood Preventive Dental Services: $1,500 to support early childhood dental screenings to improve kindergarten readiness and promote positive health and developmental outcomes. Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota - Career Development Program: $5,000 to provide a range of services to help club members explore career opportunities and develop skills essential for workforce success. Kimball Area School District - Robotics Program: $2,000 to support participation of adult chaperones in the Kimball Robotics Club participation in national competition. Great River Family Promise - Board and Staff Development: $1,500 to support staff and board training to maximize service delivery while positioning the organization for greater sustainability in Elk River. Wright County Community Action, Inc. - Staff Development: $2,500 to support staff development initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive culture and increase staff retention and engagement while improving customer service. Sherburne County Area United Way - Issue-Focused Training: $5000 to support a planning process to align with United Way’s worldwide issue-focused standards. Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota - St. Cloud Neighborhood Development: $5,000 to improve efficiency and effectiveness through board and staff development in the areas of fund development, volunteer coordination and data management to better serve disadvantaged youth in the greater St. Cloud area. The Yes Network – I Have a Dream: $5,000 to support the “I Have a Dream” program that provides intensive support to 35 elementary students and their families to improve long-term physical and mental health outcomes. Foundation for Essential Needs - Central Minnesota Food Shelves: $5,000 to support the expansion of FFEN's capacity-building work to help Central Minnesota food shelves provide more and better services while positioning themselves for greater sustainability in Cass, Crow Wing, Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties. Minnesota Planned Giving Council - Sustainability for Central MN Nonprofits Through Planned Giving: $2,500 for under-served nonprofit professionals in Central Minnesota to learn about and engage in planned-giving discussions to increase their financial sustainability. City of Wahkon - Veterans Park Feasibility Study: $2,500 to complete a project analysis that includes preliminary drawings, cost estimates and solutions to restore natural shoreline vegetation at the new park location. Enterprise Minnesota, Inc. - The 2017 State of Manufacturing: $1,500 to support the May 2017 State of Manufacturing briefing and tour of the Integrated Science and Engineering Laboratory Facility (ISELF) at St. Cloud State University. Saint Cloud Area School District - Play Area for Pre-School Children: $2,000 to provide a Dramatic Play Area at Talahi School to serve 3- and 4-year-olds. The play area is designed to offer hands-on learning opportunities such as planting a seed, nurturing it and harvesting the vegetables. St. Cloud State University - Opening Doors and Building Bridges: $10,000 to address the social and emotional needs of young children in the greater St. Cloud area through collaborations with organizations that serve immigrant and refugee populations. Funding will support two co-learning events that bring together immigrant and refugee families and early childhood professionals along with community training about healthy social and emotional development. Crow Wing County United Way, Inc. - Imagination Library: $4,000 to support the distribution of Imagination Library books to children birth to 5 years old to support school readiness and to encourage families to read with their young children. Licensed Family Child Care Association of Morrison County - Home-Based Preschool Literacy Project: $3,000 to provide early literacy kits to families with young children to increase at-home reading. Chisago County EDA - Chisago County Affordable Housing Study: $2,500 to develop a feasibility study and action plan to create the type of housing and financing needed to attract and retain skilled workers, provide an affordable option and keep seniors close to home. City of Melrose - Housing Study: $3,250 to support a city housing study—one of the more significant barriers to attracting and retaining workers and young families following a September 2016 downtown fire that destroyed an entire city block. Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. - Financial Resiliency Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in Round Six of the Initiative Foundation’s Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Happy Dancing Turtle - Financial Resiliency Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in Round Six of the Initiative Foundation’s Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. STEP - Financial Resiliency Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in Round Six of the Initiative Foundation’s Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Tri-County Community Action, Inc. - Financial Resiliency Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in Round Six of the Initiative Foundation’s Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Flight Expo, Inc. - Financial Resiliency Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in Round Six of the Initiative Foundation’s Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Big Lake Community Food Shelf, Inc. - Financial Resiliency Program Participation: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in Round Six of the Initiative Foundation’s Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District - Rapid Response to Aquatic Invasive Species: $10,400 to employ a new treatment protocol to maintain herbicide concentration at the level required to kill Eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic invasive species. This project is funded with grant support from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Wildlife Forever - Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: $126,400 to Wildlife Forever to deploy with its partners a self-contained, vandal-resistant cleaning station prototype to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This project is funded with grant support from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. National Park Service Voyageurs National Park - Restoration of Wetlands Impaired by Invasive Cattails: $120,000 to support prevention and control strategies for non-native invasive cattails in partnership with the Bois Forte and Fonde Du Lac Bands of Ojibwe. This project is funded with grant support from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District - Enhanced Skills Development for AIS Program: $28,000 to provide aquatic invasive species training in conflict resolution, techniques to de-escalate confrontations, and basic precepts in lake science and ecology. This project is funded with grant support from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Isanti County - High-Speed Internet Feasibility Study: $5,000 to conduct a county-wide high-speed internet access feasibility study. Cass County Economic Development Corporation - Annual Support: $1,500 to build the capacity of the Cass County Economic Development Corporation to build businesses and create jobs. 1st Quarter 2017 Grant Highlights Mille Lacs County - Mille Lacs County Cavity Free Birth-5 and Pregnant Mothers: $17,500 to support education and access to preventative dental health to children under the age of five. Children's Dental Services, Inc. - Dental Care and Education for Central Minnesota Children: $5,000 to maintain essential and accessible dental treatment for 300 of Central Minnesota's most vulnerable children.  Volunteers of America of Minnesota - Our HOME Supportive Housing in South Mille Lacs Lake Area: $5,000 to support 24-hour supportive housing that provides necessary services to help up to eight families develop more stable living situations. Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers - Support Services for Brainerd Lakes Area Seniors: $5,000 to support services that allow seniors to age in place and avoid unnecessary or premature nursing home and assisted living placement. New Pathways, Inc. - Operating Support: $500 to support transitional housing services for Central Minnesota families experiencing homelessness. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud - Operating Support: $500 to support its Central Minnesota foster grandparent program. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest - Operating Support: $500 to support Junior Achievement's work in the Greater St. Cloud Area. National Joint Powers Alliance - Sponsorship for 2017 Student Recognition Event: $1,000 to provide sponsorship for this event honoring scholarships for outstanding students in the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) service area of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties. Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation - On the Grow Portal and JobSpot Enhancement: $7,500 to support improvements to GreaterStCloudJobSpot.com, a regional job portal to help retain and attract skilled workers to the region. Rural Renewable Energy Alliance - Community Trust-Owned Solar Benefiting Income-eligible Minnesotans: $1,500 to help build a solar energy business model that serves Minnesota's poorest residents. RESOURCE - Skills for Success: $5,000 to support the Skills for Success program that aims to build skills that enhance job and educational opportunities for new Americans in the St. Cloud area. Tri-County Action Program, Inc. - Central Minnesota Free Tax Preparation: $5,000 to support the coordination of Tri-Cap's VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program that provides free-tax return preparation and e-filing services to income-qualified individuals in Central Minnesota. Community Giving - Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation Spirit of Hope Fund: $5,000 to establish a challenge match for community donations to provide essential services for families in need. Community Giving - Staffing for Create CommUNITY and Jugaad Leadership Program: $10,000 to support recruitment and training of up to 20 emerging leaders from communities of color in the Greater St. Cloud Area. Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation - St Cloud Rotary Richard C Wilson Community Outpost: $2,500 to support Greater St Cloud Public Safety Foundation in development of a southside COP House (Community Oriented Policing) to increase community-police engagement and reduce crime.   Nonprofits Assistance Fund - Capacity-building Training for Central Minnesota Nonprofits: $8,000 to provide nonprofits across the Initiative Foundation service area access to a variety of financial and management training opportunities. Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota - St. Cloud Circle of Parents: $4,000 To provide parenting resources and a free weekly support group for parents who may be in danger of abusing or neglecting their children. Stearns-Benton Employment & Training Council - Peer Career Counseling: $5,000 to recruit and train diverse college students to serve as peer mentors for high school students engaged in career exploration. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota - Emergency Childcare to Improve Self-Sufficiency and Employment Opportunities: $4,000 To reduce the maltreatment of young children and provide relief to parents in crisis by offering emergency childcare within a network of licensed child care providers in the community. GiveMN - General Operating Support: $1,000 to help cover administrative costs associated with hosting the www.GiveMN.org website which serves as an online giving portal for many nonprofits throughout Minnesota. St. Cloud State University - SCSU Winter Institute K-12 Teaching Workshop: $2,000 to market and deliver the Winter Institute Economic Education event to Central Minnesota K-12 educators. Minnesota Council on Foundations – Minnesota Food Funders Network Contribution: $1,000 to provide administrative support for an affinity group of funding partners interesting in helping support family-owned farms, sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems. Happy Dancing Turtle - Eureka! TEDx Gull Lake 2017: $2,500 to deliver a regional TEDx event to increase community engagement, highlight technology, advance workforce opportunities and inspire community partnerships. Tusen Tack - Sustainable Governance of Tusen Tack/Braham Community Event Center: $2,500 to assist Tusen Tack's Board in making an orderly transition to a sustainable business operations model for the Braham Event Center. City of St. Cloud - St. Cloud Parks and Recreation Master Planning: $2,500 to support public input and engagement in updating the St. Cloud parks master plan. BestPrep - Minnesota Business Venture for Central Minnesota: $3,000 to deliver the Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) leadership and business skills development program program for high school students. Milestones - Inside Out Connections Coalition; Supporting Children/Families Impacted by Incarceration: $5,000 to plan a regional training about children of incarcerated parents to increase awareness, provide resources and develop and maintain a network of support for families and returning citizens. Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity - Brainerd Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity “ReStore” Job Transition Training: $5,000 to support a job training program for Minnesota Teen Challenge graduates that provides employment and a local reference to help them find long-term work. Salem Lutheran Church - Salem WEST Fire Response Planning: $5,000 to support strategic planning assistance to help Salem WEST rebuild and reorganize following a March fire at its Deerwood facility. Milestones - Caring for a Lifetime Learning Event: $2,500 toward an annual educational event attended by more than 300 self-employed child-care providers, small business owners and childcare centers. Cambridge-Isanti School District - Cambridge-Isanti Early Childhood Coalition: $5,000 to support school readiness skills by providing early learning check-out materials such as books, toys and games). Mille Lacs Health System - 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten in Onamia Area: $7,500 to increase access to literacy materials through the "1,000 Books before Kindergarten" program. Freshwater Education District - Reading For the Future in Todd County: $3,460 to support the Reading for the Future (RFF) project that will disburse books to 500 children ages birth to age 5 at least three time per year. Princeton School District - Princeton Early Childhood Coalition: $7,000 to collaborate with local agencies and businesses to enhance literacy, increase father involvement and foster teen-parent involvement. United Way of Central Minnesota - Early Learning Access, Materials & Events in Greater St. Cloud: $12,000 to improve parent and caregiver involvment by providing toolkits designed to foster literacy. Pine City School District - Early Childhood Standards and the Dragon Wagon: $5,000 toward training initiatives about the Minnesota Department of Education’s early childhood standards and to help fund the Dragon Wagon (mobile preschool) kindergarden readiness and literacy efforts. Brainerd School District - Brainerd Lakes Area Early Childhood Coalition: $10,000 to provide trainings on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and for continued support of the school district’s cradle-to-career efforts. City of Fifty Lakes - The Landing: $2,895 toward an economic development project to encourage small businesses and entrepreneurs to explore operating in a shared location with shared advertising and other services. A Place for You - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through the Initiative Foundation's next-stage social enterprise training. Isanti County Historical Society - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through the Initiative Foundation's next-stage social enterprise training. United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through the Initiative Foundation’s next-stage social enterprise training. Advocates Against Domestic Abuse - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through the Initiative Foundation's next-stage social enterprise training. Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through the Initiative Foundation’s next-stage social enterprise training. Employment Enterprises, Inc. - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through the Initiative Foundation's next-stage social enterprise training. Pine Habilitation and Supported Employment, Inc. - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise 2.0: $5,000 to advance goals developed through the Initiative Foundation's next-stage social enterprise training. Wildlife Forever - Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: $80,000 to assist Wildlife Forever in the deployment of a self-contained, vandal-resistant cleaning station to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.  National Park Service Voyageurs National Park - Restoration of Wetlands Impaired by Invasive Cattails: $60,000 to support a pilot prevention and control strategy for non-native invasive cattails. Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc. - Workforce Training for Disabled Adults: $5,000 to provide a work-transition support for individuals in Todd, Wadena, Morrison Cass and Crow Wing counties who experience employment challenges due to disabilities. City of Wyoming - Community Economic Strategic Plan: $2,500 to develop a strategic economic development plan for the city of Wyoming. Kanabec County EDA - Kanabec County EDA Satellite SBDC Office Formation and Mora Industrial Park Shovel-Ready Certification: $4,500 to assist the Kanabec County Economic Development Authority in the establishment of a Small Business Development Center office and to obtain shovel-ready certification for the Mora Industrial Park. Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation - Micro-finance Feasibility Study for Greater St. Cloud: $2,000 to explore the creation of a peer-to-peer micro-lending program to support new Americans and other entrepreneurs in the Greater St. Cloud Area. Northern Technology Initiative dba GPS 45:93 - Strengthening Economic Development in Region 7E: $8,200 to facilitate a new round of Economic Gardening (helping existing businesses move to the next stage) and to support pilot-project training for an economic development board member. 4th Quarter 2016 Highlights Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe - Early Education Oral Health Improvement Project: $6,640 for  early education programming to provide fluoride varnishing treatments to young children. City of Pine City - Hotel Market Feasibility Study: $2,500 to complete a professional hotel market study in support of a regional or national chain hotel in the Pine City area.  St. Cloud Area School District - Experience Books for Blind/Visually Impaired Children: $2,500 for supplies to help blind/visually-impaired children learn to read by creating storybooks from their own life experiences. Central Minnesota Taskforce on Battered Women - Children Exposed to Violence Initiative: $4,000 to support children who suffer from physical, developmental and psychological effects as a result of exposure to trauma and violence. City of Cambridge - Engaging Business Owners for Downtown Revitalization: $5,000 to evaluate, prioritize and implement Minnesota Design Team recommendations following its April 2016 visit to Cambridge. Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center - Youth Workforce Development in Brainerd, Sauk Rapids-Rice, St. Joseph and Elk River: $2,500 to support the expansion of the Youth Energy Summit program, an effort to develop S.T.E.M. skills, critical thinking and entrepreneurial strategies to help students develop projects that conserve or generate (renewable) energy. Dreams United/Sueños Unidos - Celebrating the Diversity of Long Prairie Residents: $2,500 to support the 10th annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in Long Prairie--a cultural festival that features diverse cuisine and host local vendors and musicians. Kanabec-Pine Community Health - Flood Recovery Project: $5,000 to help drive donations to the Kanabec County Flood Relief Fund, a program that assists vulnerable individuals and households with needs related to July 2016 flooding. Community Aid of Elk River (CAER) - Car CAER Vehicle Repair: $3,500 to support a vehicle repair program to support income-eligible families in the Elk River area. Goodwill Industries, Inc. - St. Cloud Area Youth Workforce Development: $4,000 to provide classroom and on-the-job training to economically disadvantaged youth. City of Melrose - Area Fire Relief Fund: $5,000 for disaster relief to individuals and businesses affected by a September fire in downtown Melrose that destroyed a number of historic buildings that housed businesses and apartments. Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Strengthening Central Minnesota's Nonprofits: $1,100 to provide annual support to the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, an organization that provides resources, training and information to help nonprofits operate efficiently and reach their goals. Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation - Talent and Innovation Summit: $5,000 to provide sponsorship for the 2016 Innovation Summit, an event highlighting innovative events and activities happening in and around the Greater St. Cloud area. Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe - Leech Lake Area YouthBuild Program: $5,000 to support program costs associated with Leech Lake Area YouthBuild construction training program. All Parks Alliance for Change - Support for Affordable Housing: $3,000 to train and educate policy makers and residents of manufactured home parks to ensure that these communities are recognized and preserved as an affordable housing option in Minnesota.  Hands Across the World - Take Ten Program - Crucial Conversations in Greater St. Cloud: $4,000 to fund proactive conversations with students that are aimed at preventing bullying and reducing racial tensions in schools. Second Harvest North Central Food Bank, Inc. - Kids-Packs-to-Go Backpack Program: $2,500 to provide approximately 15,795 nutritious food packs to children who are at risk of going hungry during long weekends and school vacations.  City of Wahkon - Feasibility Study for Veterans Park: $2,500 to complete a professional analysis of the city's Veterans Park project, including: preliminary drawings, cost estimates and solutions for restoring the area's natural vegetation. Someplace Safe - Wadena Advocacy Program Support: $2,500 to provide individuals and families victimized by crime and abuse with support services such as temporary housing, food and clothing. Eden Valley Area Library - Strategic Planning: $1,200 to support a community-driven strategic planning process to improve library services. Wellness in the Woods, Inc. - Central Minnesota Peer Respite Program: $4,000 to support a pilot program to train and employ 10-12 Central Minnesota peer recovery specialists to support and advise individuals experiencing mental health crises. City of Crosslake - Design Team Implementation Project: $2,500 to implement prioritized community development projects recommended by the Minnesota Design Team. Open Doors For Youth - Elk River Area Connections Program: $4,000 to help homeless youth and link them to educational, employment, health and housing support services. Hands Across the World - Support for New Americans in Greater St. Cloud: $1,000 to support programs which help new Americans learn English, explore educational opportunities, gain job skills and integrate into the Greater St. Cloud community. This award is made to honor the service of Linda Eich DesJardins as a member of the Initiative Foundation Board of Trustees, including her role as past board chair (2007-2016). Central Lakes College Foundation - Scholarship for Native American Students: $1,000 to provide scholarship support to advance the education of a Native American student enrolled at Central Lakes College. This gift is made in recognition of the service of John J. Babcock as a member of the Initiative Foundation Board of Trustees (2014-2016).  Staples Motley Beyond Poverty - Circle of Support Project: $3,000 in general operating support for the "Not on My Block" methamphetamine forum and community connection day. Community Grassroots Solutions - Informational Sessions Connecting Programs/Services to the Community: $5,000 to support informational sessions in St. Cloud that build the capacity of Somali women who are interested in full- or part-time employment. Brainerd Housing & Redevelopment Authority - Brainerd Riverfront Business Plan: $5,000 to support the development of recreational access and amenities along the Brainerd riverfront. Little Falls School District - Weekend Food Backpack Program: $2,500 to provide nutritious food packs to about 50 children who are at risk of hunger during long weekends and school vacations.  City of Montrose - Economic and Community Development Planning: $2,000 to update Montrose's comprehensive development plan by gathering community input on quality of life and economic development opportunities. Big Lake Community Food Shelf, Inc. - Big Lake Community Food Shelf Space Expansion Project: $2,500 to support the planned relocation of the Big Lake community food shelf to a larger and more efficient space. University of St. Thomas - Institute for Executive Director Leadership: $5,000 to underwrite scholarships for Central Minnesota nonprofit leaders to attend the St. Thomas Institute for Executive Leadership. Staples Economic Development Authority - Staples Comprehensive Plan: $2,500 to facilitate community discussions centered on the creation of a new city development plan. Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Education Association - Brainerd Downtown Business Competition: $5,000 to aid in the revitalization of downtown Brainerd through the creation of a business competition. Service Corps of Retired Executives (Central Minnesota Chapter) - Central Minnesota Score Education & Outreach Project: $3,000 to develop comprehensive marketing, social media and training seminars for Central Minnesota small businesses. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud - Transitional Housing: $5,000 to support the efforts of Domus, a program which supports women and children as they transition from chemical dependency treatment centers, mental health care facilities, domestic abuse shelters and homeless shelters.  Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud - Strengthening Families in Mille Lacs County: $5,000 to support cross-cultural community engagement and education while supporting paths to individual, family and community resilience. Isanti County - Isanti County Trail and Bikeway Master Plan: $5,000 to retain a consultant and collect community input on a master plan to develop an interconnected trail system. Minnesota Council on Foundations - Annual Support: $5,850 to provide annual support to the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a statewide affinity group which provides resources, training and information to help nonprofits excel. Morrison County - Literacy Kits for Families: $3,000 to provide early literacy kits to families with young children to encourage reading and increase parental engagement. Wright County Community Action, Inc. - Raising a Reader Program: $5,000 to develop a research-based literacy program designed to increase school readiness and parent-child bonding opportunities by creating a culture of literacy in the home.   Greater Twin Cities United Way - Start Early Funders Coalition Supportive Funding - 2017: $1,000 to provide annual support to this 26-member philanthropic coalition that provides funding, research, program development, public policy and grant-making to support and improve early childhood efforts in Minnesota. Wadena County - Early Childhood Coalition: $7,345 for families with young children to learn about the lifelong significance of early childhood care, education and consistent parental engagement. Pre-K through Grade 3 Alignment Efforts: St. Cloud Milestones: $7,500 to plan and coordinate family engagement events that will bring together professionals and families to discuss opportunities, challenges and strategies for implementing stronger family engagement. Monticello School District: $2,500 to coordinate a birth to age 8 system to educate families about the importance of teaching children early through reading, language experiences and exposure to various opportunities. Pierz School District: $3,150 to support a collaborative teacher effort to decrease the need for special education services and shrink the achievement gap by improving mathematical skills and increasing reading abilities. Pine City School District: $1,500 for school personnel and community partners to attend the Pre-K- through Grade 3 Leadership Institute to improve school readiness and align educational policies and practices. Cambridge Isanti School District:  $2,500 to increase parent engagement by purchasing and distributing learning materials that support literacy and healthy social emotional development.   Rocori School District: $2,500 to support the efforts of the First School On-Line program, a module-based program that increases the capacity of educators to align literacy techniques and engagement across grade levels. Wadena-Deer Creek School District: $2,500 for attendance at curriculum alignment sessions designed to facilitate a smooth transition for children from pre-kindergarten to kindergarten. City of Milaca - Preparing for Natural Disasters: $2,000 to develop a plan and coordinate disaster response professionals, nonprofits, service clubs and faith communities to provide immediate and long-term relief in the event of fire, flood, tornado or other disaster. Financial Resiliency Through Social Enterprise 2.0 Participants:  Helping Hands Outreach: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's next-stage social enterprise training. Paws & Claws Animal Shelter: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's next-stage social enterprise training. Rural Renewable Energy Alliance: $5,000 to advance goals developed through participation in the Initiative Foundation's next-stage social enterprise training. Central Lakes College Foundation - Small Business Technical Assistance Support: $10,000 to provide trained consultants who will offer one-on-one sessions to help guide small business owners in business planning, financial projections, marketing consultation and other technical assistance. Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corp (BLAEDC) - Workforce Attraction Website Update: $10,000 help the Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation redesign its website and use live-feed data and social media marketing to better meet the mission of attracting workforce and new business to their region. Economic Development Partnership of Wright County - Wright County Commercial Broker Event: $2,500 to build awareness of business startup and expansion opportunities in their region. 3rd Quarter 2016 Grant Highlights Princeton School District - Early Childhood Preventative Dental Services: $3,000 to provide dental education and fluoride varnishing at all Princeton Early Childhood screening events family nights and the early childhood fair. Mille Lacs Health System - Cavity Free Little Panthers in Onamia: $8,500 to provide an oral health screening in conjunction with the early childhood screenings, including fluoride varnish.  Mille Lacs County - Mille Lacs County Public Health Cavity Free Birth to Five: $10,000 to improve access to preventative dental health care using fluoride varnish at school and other screenings provided by Mille Lacs County Public Health nurses. Isle School District - Dental Awareness in Isle Early Childhood: $1,500 to purchase fluoride varnish and retain a dental provider to provide treatment up to four times in the school year to enrolled children ages 0-5.  College-Link - New American Students Connect to Higher Education in Greater St. Cloud: $5,000 to support high school students interested in obtaining a college or university degree. This work includes practical assistance with test preparation, admission application(s), financial aid, etc.  St. Cloud State University Foundation - Memorial for Dr. Earl Potter: $1,000 in remembrance of exceptional service to the Initiative Foundation in his capacity as a trustee (2007-2016), to the university and to our region. Southwest Initiative Foundation - Sponsorship of Minnesota Council of Foundations: $416 to support the Jan. 19-20, 2017, annual conference, "Philanthropy in Action," at the Radison Blu in Minneapolis.   Funders Network for Smart Growth & Livable Communities: $5,000 to sponsor the 2017 National Conference in St. Paul. This sponsorship is a combined contribution from each of the six Initiative Foundations which serve all of Greater Minnesota. New Hampshire Charitable Foundation - Community Foundation's Opportunity Network: $2,500 to sponsor coordination and logistical support for this national affinity group seeking to build social capital in under-served communities.   United Way of Central Minnesota - Better Together - Feeding Greater St. Cloud: $5,000 to support engagement across communities, neighborhoods and cultures while preparing meals for food shelves, charities and community groups that serve individuals experiencing food insecurity throughout Central Minnesota. Central Minnesota Jobs & Training - Community Economic Development Strategy for Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright Counties: $7,000 to retain professional expertise and engage the public in updating the U.S. Economic Development Authority reviewed five-year plan.   Amherst Wilder Foundation - Minnesota Compass Support: $4,000 to maintain and enhance Minnesota Compass (www.mncompass.org), a website which presents summary statistics, and tracks and analyzes trends in areas that affect the quality of life in Greater Minnesota.   Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation - Sponsorship of Manufacturing Tour of Greater St. Cloud: $2,000 to support coordination and promotion of the Oct. 8 St. Cloud Area Tour of Manufacturing events and activities. Big Lake School District - Big Lake Early Childhood Coalition: $7,000 to increase literacy-rich opportunities for families with young children, especially those living in poverty. Morrison County United Way - Dolly Parton Imagination Library: $4,000 to support the distribution of Imagination Library books to children from birth to 5 years old; intended to support school readiness by encouraging families to read with their young children. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota - Emergency Child Care - Benton and Stearns: $4,000 to provide 300 income-eligible children a safe and temporary place to go when their parent/caregiver is dealing with a crisis. Foley School District - PreK-Grade 3 Alignment: $2,350 to align Parent Aware-approved preschool cirriculum with current Kindergarten through Grade 3 programs.  Pine River-Backus School District - PreK-Grade 3 Alignment: $1,300 to increase quality and continuity of education within the PreK-3rd Grade time frame, designed to support staff in forming relationships and collaborations that will help children develop the skills needed to succeed in school. Pine City School District - PreK-Grade 3 Alignment: $2,350 to increase coordination and collaboration between professionals in both the private and public sectors of Pre-K to Grade 3 education and care, designed to align educational standards, literacy plans and professional development opportunities. Brainerd School District - PreK-Grade 3 Alignment: $2,350 to provide training to preschool and child care providers on a Parent Aware-approved early childhood assessment tool to asses school readiness. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe - PreK-Grade 3 Alignment: $2,350 to support planning and implementation of the PreK-Grade 3 collaboration between Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Isle and Onamia School Districts and Nay Ah Shing School. City of Sandstone - Thriving Communities Implementation Project: $10,000 to carry out projects developed though the Thriving Communities Initiative program, including: expanding Arts in the Park; school and community youth events and training; an analysis of a historic downtown building; and a wayfinding project to better identify community amenities for residents and visitors. City of Fifty Lakes - GoNorth Thriving Communities Initiative: $10,000 to support goals developed through the GoNorth Thriving Communities Initiative process that includes Emily, Fifty Lakes, and three adjacent townships. LEAP, Inc. - Staples Thriving Communities Implementation: $10,000 for the following projects: housing; encouraging entrepreneurship; small business expansion and formation;  improving community amenities; and creating a skilled workforce. City of Staples - Disaster Preparedness Project: $4,000 to plan and install backup generation capacity for the emergency response center as part of the long-term recovery team project. Sherburne County - Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: $7,000 to update the 2013 Region 7W Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) so that the four-county region can maintain eligibility for grant funds from the Federal Department of Commerce while maintaining a common economic development strategy that will benefit all participants in the process. Gateway Institute for Research and Development - Business Planning for Somali Entrepreneurs in St. Cloud: $5,000 to provide an introduction to key skills and resources for New Americans interested in starting or expanding businesses.  BestPrep - Entrepreneurial Training for Youth in Greater St. Cloud: $3,000 to provide scholarships to a residential summer entrepreneurship program hosted at St. Cloud State University and Saint John's University for Central Minnesota high school students. City of Sartell - Update Development Plan for Heavy Development Zone: $7,000 to support public input and professional land-use guidance for heavy industrial-zoned land within the city.   Stearns-Benton Employment & Training Council - Immigrant-Workforce Connections for Greater St. Cloud: $5,000 to support training for employers interested in hiring new Americans plus assistance for immigrants seeking employment opportunities.  Northern Technology Initiative dba GPS 45:93 - Economic Development Strategic Plan for East Central Minnesota: $2,500 to retain an economic development consultant for the development of a strategic plan that identifies opportunities to create and/or retain quality jobs align GPS 45:93 resources with the structure needed to achieve measurable progress.  2nd Quarter 2016 Grant Highlights New Pathways, Inc. - Shelter and Support Services in Central Minnesota: $5,000 to provide shelter and support services to homeless children and families in Central Minnesota. Boys & Girls Club of the Leech Lake Area - Cass Lake Boys & Girls Club Career Launch Program: $5,000 to support the Career Launch program that provides essential tools and skills to better prepare youth to obtain future employment. The Yes Network - St. Cloud Yes Network: $4,000 to support the 'Future Search' facilitated communal dialogue in five St. Cloud low-income neighborhoods, aimed at empowering residents to collectively work to achieve shared goals to improve their communities. MInnesota Council on Foundations - Minnesota Food Funders Network: $1,000 to provide administrative support for a group of funding partners interesting in helping support family-owned farms, sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems. International Mountain Bicycling Association - Trail Development in Cuyuna Range: $5,000 to develop new trails in the Cuyuna Recreational Area to support area youth and economic development. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota - Youth Mentoring in St. Cloud Area: $5,000 to provide mentoring opportunities between youth and adults in Central Minnesota with a special focus on youth residing in low-income, single-parent homes. Cuyuna Range Youth Center - Youth Development in Crosby: $5,000 to deliver an after school program which provides activities and a safe space for area youth. Cornerstones Center, Inc. - Capacity-Building: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Kinship Partners, Inc. - Pathways to Mentoring: $5,000 to support school-based youth mentoring programs and follow-up community-based mentoring in Crosby, Pequot Lakes, Staples/Motley and Pillager schools in 2016. Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans - Greater St. Cloud Veterans and Families: $2,500 to provide direct assistance to at least 225 veterans and their families. College Possible - College Access and Support for Income-Eligible Students: $5,000 to support programming to help eligible high school students prepare and apply for college and persist through to graduation once they are accepted. Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, Inc. - Brainerd Lakes Area: $5,000 to support training in crisis intervention work skills for Center and partner organization staff. Rural Renewable Energy Alliance - Leech Lake Reservation Workforce Training: $5,000 to help two tribal members obtain their "Registered Unlicensed Electrician" certification so they can assist in the installation of solar panels at the Leech Lake Tribal College. The Legislative Citizens' Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has awarded $490,000 to support the capital expenses associated with this project. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest - Growing Entrepreneurs in Stearns County: $5,000 to expand programing into five new schools: Albany, Avon, Sartell, St. Joseph and Sauk Rapids. Funds will be used to support operations, enhance networks and build new partnerships with local community leaders. Saint Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation - High School Mentors: $4,000 to support 80-hour internships for students of color to gain workforce experience and explore career opportunities.  Higher Ground Church - Greater St. Cloud Summer Learning Program for Vulnerable Children: $1,500 to explore community engagement, the arts and higher education through a healthy, safe and interactive learning environment while providing quality care and educational programming. Community Giving - Grassroots Leadership Program Support: $5,000 to deliver a series of civic leadership and engagement workshops that support people of color living and/or working in the St. Cloud area. Green Card Voices - Stories from the New American Community in Greater St. Cloud: $5,000 through the creation of a series of videos featuring local immigrants and/or refugees to enhance cultural awareness and create more welcoming communities. Chisago County EDA - ABC Competition Project: $4,000 to support the coordination and evaluation of the next phase of the National ABC Community Development Process for the cities of Taylors Falls, Shafer, Center City, LIndstrom and Chisago Lakes.  Employment Enterprises, Inc. - Morrison County Glass Recycling Program Improvements: $4,000 to help streamline a glass recycling program to increase efficiency, effectiveness and safety and to provide jobs for adults with disabilities. Arc Midstate - Advancing Skills & Leadership in Person-Centered Planning: $3,500 to support Arc's efforts to become a 'go-to' training resource for organizations developing person-centered approaches to service delivery for people with disabilities. City of Big Lake - Housing and Comprehensive Plan Update: $4,000 to retain a consultant, conduct research and solicit public input for a housing feasibility study and action plan and subsequently update the city's Comprehensive Plan to support affordable and workforce housing. Hackensack Senior Citizens Center, Inc. - Strategic Planning and Community Engagement: $2,500 to support engagement of service recipients and the broader community to update the center's strategic plan and business model. Saint Cloud State University - SCRUBS Camp for Health Care Careers: $5,000 to support a collaboration with St. Cloud Technical and Community College and area high schools to provide students an opportunity to explore career options.   Second Harvest Heartland - CentraCare Food Support for Greater St. Cloud: $4,000 to connect income-eligible St. Cloud-area patients living with diabetes and/or heart disease to healthy food as a means to reduce hunger, increase health and reduce care costs. Leech Lake Financial Services - Business Assistance/Financial Literacy Intern: $4,000 to provide general operating support to retain a finance/business summer intern to assist with origination and underwriting of business and consumer loans and to support clients via the Credit Building Loan Program designed to help residents gain greater access to conventional banking services. City of Saint Cloud - Development of River Walk Master Plan: $5,000 to secure consulting, planning and engineering services to develop a physical design and to support construction for enhanced public access along the Mississippi River, connecting downtown St. Cloud, Hester Park and the Lake Wobegon Trail. Pine River-Backus School District - Structural Analysis for Solar Schools Project: $2,000 for structural and equipment analysis needed to assess and configure a solar panel project proposed for the school.   Quality Innovations & Resources Corporation - Parenting the Love and Logic Way: $2,500 to provide and market "Parenting the Love and Logic Way" classes to offer healthy, natural-consequence teaching opportunities. Pine City School District - Pine City Area Early Childhood Coalition Strategic Planning: $1,500 to develop an updated strategic plan and subsequent action plan that will represent the needs of children birth to age 5 in Pine City. Essentia Health Foundation - Reach Out and Read - Brainerd Lakes Area: $2,750 to increase engagement of parents and children in early literacy through interactions with health care providers through Reach Out and Read—a program that trains and supports medical staff who provide books to children and offer parents advice about the importance of reading to their children. Pine River-Backus School District - Pine River-Backus Early Childhood Coalition: $8,500 To develop an updated strategic plan that will represent the needs of children birth to age 5 in the Pine River-Backus area. The grant will support Love and Logic parenting classes; community events for families with young children; and increase parent engagement and planning to align the PreK-Grade 3 system to enhance kindergarten readiness and reading levels by the third grade. Saint Cloud State University - Thrive Early Childhood Coalition: $10,000 to address the social and emotional needs of young children by building strong collaborations with organizations that serve immigrant and refugee populations; coordinating co-learning events with immigrant/refugee families and early childhood professionals; and to survey the community and update/reformat a resource directory for parents with young children. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe - PreK-Grade 3 Alignment: $2,350 to support ongoing planning and implementation of the PreK-Grade 3 strategy work in collaboration with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Isle and Onamia school districts and Nay Ah Shing School. Saint Cloud Neighborhood Coalition - Creating Welcoming and Viable Neighborhoods: $20,000 to work with up to 10 core neighborhoods to do neighborhood cleanups; build connections between homeowners and renters; and work with the city to host neighborhood gatherings to address positive crime prevention and ordinance enforcement.   Camp Vanasek, Inc. - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Program Participation: $7,500 To conduct a business planning process and advance goals developed during participation in the Initiative Foundation's Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Koronis Lake Association - Starry Stonewort Management Project in Stearns County: $50,000 to support experimental management designed to control and contain a Starry Stonewort infestation of Koronis Lake. This grant is supported by funds provided by the Outdoor Heritage Council as recommended by the Minnesota Legislature. 1st Quarter 2016 Grant Highlights Central Lakes College Foundation - Diversity in the Dental Workforce in Central Minnesota: $45,000 to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of students working towards dental careers in Central Minnesota. Learn more ... St. Cloud Technical and Community College - Diversity in the Dental Workforce in Central Minnesota: $45,000 to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of students working towards dental careers in Central Minnesota. Learn more ... Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project - Crow Wing County Safer Saner Schools Project: $4,000 to grow the Safer Saner Schools project that uses restorative practices to address negative behaviors and increase student engagement and success. Cloverleaf Youth Partnership dba Cyber Cafe - Wadena Area Youth Programming: $2,500 to support art and computer coding classes for area teens to promote positive, constructive out-of-school activities. Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota - St. Cloud Area Youth Employment Program: $5,000 to deliver Career Launch program, designed to empower youth in gaining skills in order to obtain future employment. University of St. Thomas - Nonprofit Leadership Development in Central Minnesota: $5,000 to provide scholarships for up to five participants from Central Minnesota to attend nonprofit leadership training. Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers - Services for Seniors: $5,000 to support services that enable seniors and adults with disabilities to remain living in homes of their choosing. A Place for You - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Saint Cloud State University - Development of Cyber Security Education Partnership: $5,000 to support the creation of a statewide cyber security initiative to educate and train qualified professionals from higher education, industry and government. Family Pathways - Backpack Food Program for Isle Elementary: $3,500 to provide supplemental food packs to about 50 children who are at risk of hunger during weekends and school breaks to improve school performance and reduce behavioral and health issue related to insufficient nutrition. Bridges of Hope - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest - Connecting Youth to Morrison County Leaders: $3,500 to support local educators whose mission is to prepare students to be successful adults. The program will reach 750 Morrison County students during the 2015-2016 school year. Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota - Leadership Opportunities for St. Cloud Talahi Families: $5,000 to provide supportive services, enhance economic stability and cultivate leadership opportunities for up to 75 program participants/families. Chisago County Economic Development Authority - Renewable Energy Options: $5,000 to support energy audits, technical assistance and financing options to provide access to energy conservation and solar power options for nonprofit, private and public sector partners. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation - Economic Recovery from Madelia Fire: $2,000 to support community and economic recovery efforts from the fire which devastated the commercial district of Madelia in early February. Wadena-Deer Creek School District - FIRST Robotics: $1,000 to provide a challenge grant to help secure private sector sponsors for the district's robotics team. Community Giving - Conversation on Race: $5,000 to bring together diverse members of the Greater St. Cloud community to discuss issues of racism and encourage a united call to action to create a welcoming community. Helping Hands Outreach, Holdingford - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Unity Family Healthcare - Community Health Needs Assessment: $1,000 to support a community survey and stakeholder interviews with residents of Morrison, Todd and Wadena Counties to explore healthcare needs and opportunities. Faith In Action for Cass County - Capacity Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better seve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Great River Family Promise - Capacity Building Support for Elk River Nonprofit: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, Inc., Brainerd - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Paradise Community Theatre Association, Inc., Mora - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. CentraCare Health Foundation - Greatest Needs Fund: $500 in recognition and honor of the 5 Under 40 program and its 2015 award winners. Seven County Senior Federation, Mora - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so that they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Tusen Tack, Braham - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts so they may better serve their community and fulfill their charitable purpose. Big Lake Backpack Buddies - Backpack Food Program for Youth: $2,500 to provide supplemental food packs for more than 200 students who are at risk of hunger during weekends and school breaks to improve school performance and reduce behavioral and health issue related to insufficient nutrition. Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Greater Minnesota Nonprofit Summit in St. Cloud: $1,500 to bring together Central Minnesota nonprofits on May 5 at River's Edge Convention Center to provide training and resources. Child Care Choices, Inc. - Caring for a Lifetime Learning Event: $1,000 to support a one-day educational event for more than 300 self-employed family childcare providers, small business owners and childcare centers. Princeton School District - Princeton Area Early Childhood Coalition: $7,000 to expand family outreach, increase learning opportunities and to organize a Princeton Early Childhood Fair. Wadena County - Wadena County Early Childhood Coalition: $1,585 to support an updated strategic plan to support the needs of child from birth to age 5 in Wadena County. Big Lake School District - Big Lake Area Early Childhood Coalition: $2,200 for a community strategic planning process designed to begin a new early childhood coalition in the Big Lake area with a goal of benefitting young children and their families. Freshwater Education District - Reading for the Future: $3,000 to support a Staples-area literacy project that will distribute books three times a year to 500 children from birth to age 5. Brainerd School District - Brainerd Lakes Area Early Childhood Coalition: $15,000 to continue "Cradle to Career" work to address the social-emotional needs of children, birth to age 5. Goals include Adverse Childhood Experiences training; merging Inside-Out Connections and Early Childhood Coalition initiatives; expanding a pre-kindergarten assessment tool to other community early learning providers; and offering Love and Logic parenting classes. Staples Economic Development Authority - Housing Study: $3,250 to complete an assessment of new and rehabilitated housing opportunities. Rockville Area Sportsmans Club - Public Service Recognition Project: $1,000 to recognize past and current community members who served in the military or emergency services and to foster a culture of public service. Rush City - Thriving Communities Initiative Implementation: $10,000 to enhance a Shop Local campaign; promote events through technology; increase community educational offerings; and raise funds for a community LED sign to enhance communication with citizens. Little Falls - Thriving Communities Initiative: $10,000 to carry out community projects identified through the Little Falls Town 101 Thriving Communities Initiative process. Projects include making the industrial park shovel ready; tourism marketing; implementing an initiative to retain and attract downtown businesses; supporting a youth/business mentorship program; and using city park space to grow local foods. Birthline, Inc. - Online Learning Beta Testing Grant: $1,000 to support nonprofit capacity-building efforts and beta testing of ifoundtraining.org, an online learning tool of the Initiative Foundation. Community Grassroots Solutions - Online Learning Beta Testing Grant: $1,000 to support nonprofit capacity-building efforts and beta testing of ifoundtraining.org, an online learning tool of the Initiative Foundation. Helping Hands Outreach - Online Learning Beta Testing Grant: $1,000 to support nonprofit capacity-building efforts and beta testing of ifoundtraining.org, an online learning tool of the Initiative Foundation. Oasis Central Minnesota, Inc. - Online Learning Beta Testing Grant: $1,000 to support nonprofit capacity-building efforts and beta testing of ifoundtraining.org, an online learning tool of the Initiative Foundation. Open Doors for Youth - Online Learning Beta Testing Grant: $1,000 to support nonprofit capacity building efforts and beta testing of ifoundtraining.org, an online learning tool of the Initiative Foundation. Opportunity Matters, Inc. - Online Learning Beta Testing Grant: $1,000 to support nonprofit capacity building efforts and beta testing of ifoundtraining.org, an online learning tool of the Initiative Foundation. Salem Lutheran Church - Online Learning Beta Testing Grant: $1,000 to support nonprofit capacity-building efforts and beta testing of ifoundtraining.org, an online learning tool of the Initiative Foundation. A Place for You - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Program Participation: $7,500 for the development of a business plan to advance goals developed during participation in the Initiative Foundation's Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Bridges of Hope - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Program Participation: $7,500 for the development of a business plan to advance goals developed during participation in the Initiative Foundation's Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, St. Cloud - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Clearwater-Clear Lake Food Shelf - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Todd County Developmental Achievement Center, Inc. - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Brainerd Restoration - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Central Minnesota Jobs & Training, Monticello - Capacity-Building: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Children's Day Montessori, Inc. - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Community Grassroots Solutions - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Salem Lutheran Church - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Isanti County Historical Society - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Program Participation: $7,500 for the development of a business plan to advance goals established during participation in the Initiative Foundation's Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Morrison County Animal Humane Society - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Program Participation: $7,500 for the development of a business plan to advance goals established during participation in the Initiative Foundation's Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. Oasis Central Minnesota, Inc. - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Program Participation: $7,500 for the development of a business plan to advance goals establshed during participation in the Initiative Foundation's Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program. RiverWorks - Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise Program Participation: $7,500 To conduct a thorough business planning process and advance goals developed during participation in the TOP Financial Resiliency through Social Enterprise program, Brainerd Baxter Youth Center - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Kinship of Morrison County - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Rivers of Hope - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Eradicating Achievement Gap & Learning Empowerment, Inc. - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Central Minnesota Taskforce on Battered Women - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Community Aid of Elk River (CAER) - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Great River Arts Association - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Let's Go Fishing - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Paul Bunyan Arboretum - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Pearl Crisis Center - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. PORT of Crow Wing County, Inc. - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Ski Gull, Inc. - Capacity-Building Support: $4,000 to support capacity-building efforts to better serve the community and fulfill the organization's charitable purpose. Crow Wing County - Wakeboarder Outreach Campaign: $67,588 to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) through a media campaign that targets younger recreationalists. Learn more ... Kandiyohi County - Centralized Inspection and Decontamination Station: $48,000 to support a centralized site where boaters can book an appointment to have their watercraft inspected for aquatic invasive species. Learn more ... Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District - Enhanced Skills Development for Aquatic Invasive Species Program: $17,769 to train aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspectors in conflict resolution, techniques to de-escalate confrontations and basic precepts in lake science and ecology. Learn more ... Wildlife Forever - Multimedia Access and Signage Project: $37,760 to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) by the use of geo-fencing (pushing messages to smart phones within a defined geographic area) to share best practices, locations of decontamination or inspection services and other resources. Learn more ... Anderson Center - Scholarships for Executive Training: $10,000 to increase accessibility to training that supports new and expanding businesses. Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation - Downtown Business Improvement District: $7,000 to explore the creation of a business improvement district and to assess the structure, function and efficiencies of the St. Cloud Downtown Council and Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation. Central Lakes College Foundation - Growth Curve Specialist Certification: $1,000 to learn about tools that improve profits, performance and productivity that will help companies develop leadership skills, identify root causes of critical issues and execute on growth initiatives. Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation - Support for Regional Economic Development: $7,500 to renew annual commitment to this investor-supported organization of community leaders dedicated to enhancing and expanding St. Cloud area economic opportunities.

Past Partner Fund Grant Award Highlights 4th Quarter 2018 Grant Highlights Delano Area Community Foundation City of Delano—Hennepin County Lunch Bus: $985 Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture—Christmas Concert Benefiting Music and Performing Arts in Delano: $985 Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture—Delano Old-Fashioned Christmas: $985 Delano School District—Delano GFWC 2019 Concerts in the Park: $985 Love, Inc. Heartland—Fresh Start Program: $985 Longville Area Community Foundation Longville Area Community Foundation—Operating and Grantmaking Support: $6,150 LAWCF Memorial Park Endowment Longville Area Community Foundation—Scott & Jane Stuart Memorial Park Fund: $900 Greater Pine Area Endowment City of Pine City—Cross Lake Preserve Park: $5,000 City of Pine City—Senior Housing Demand Study: $2,900 University of Minnesota Foundation—Pine City Community Garden Improvement Project: $1,952 Morrison County Area Foundation Holy Trinity Catholic School—Volunteer Recognition: $750 Morrison County United Way—Volunteer Recognition: $750 Staples Motley Area Community Foundation Acorn Hill EAAT, Inc.—Pilot Program 2.0 Stay and Grow: $1,000 City of Motley—Lights and Music for Ice Skating Rink and City Hall: $2,000 Evergreen Hill Cemetery Assoication—Information Center: $2,500 LEAP, Inc.—Barn Quilts of Central Minnesota Brochure & Trail Map: $1,312 Staples Area Women's Chorus—2019 Her Voice Her Song Choral Festival: $2,000 Black Oak Getty Community Foundation Community Legacies Foundation, Inc.—Tree Memorial: $500 Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Sauk Centre Junior Achievement: $1,000 Sauk Centre School District—Kids Ice Fishing Day: $1,000 Minnesota Pioneer Park Fund Minnesota Pioneer Park : $450 Cuyuna Lakes Education Fund Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Operating Support: $5,000 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Operating Support: $5,200 Lake Region Christian Education Fund Lake Region Christian School—General Grant: $13,099 Braham Area Education Foundation The following grants will support the Braham Area School District: Flexible Seating for Special Education: $250 Band Lessons with MacPhail College of Music: $900 Doc Cam: $250 Two Mini iPads with Protective Coverings: $450 Cambridge Memorial Hospital Fund Allina Associated Foundation—Reach Out & Read Program: $4,000 Cambridge Community College Center Foundation—Healthcare Scholarship Program: $25,000 Family Pathways—Healthy Food Access for Children: $5,000 Isanti County Commission on Aging—Lunches for Seniors in Isanti County: $5,000 Isanti County Historical Society—Operating Support: $500 New Pathways, Inc.—Path to Home Cambridge Site Program: $10,000 Pine Technical & Community College Foundation—Healthcare Scholarship Program: $5,000 Tusen Tack—Building Organizational Capacity: $5,000 Lakes Area Medical Development Association Bridges of Hope—Self-Healing Communities Project: $5,000 Pillager Education Foundation The following grants will support the Pillager School District: Classroom Soundfield Systems Increase Student Engagement, Focus, and Behaviors: $963.50 Pillager Education Fund: $5,016.35 Pinckney Fund Little Falls School District—INSPIRE Little Falls Elementary School Instrumental Program: $1,500 Gaalswyk Family Fund Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center—Operational Support: $750 Ostara Initiative—Minnesota Prison Doula Program: $750 Mitchell Family Fund Cathedral High School—Building Support: $2,000 The Yes Network—Operating Support: $1,000 United Way of Central Minnesota—Imagination Library: $600 Anderson Brothers Family Fund Bridges of Hope—Operational Support: $1,500 Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota—Radioathon to End Child Abuse: $500 Second Harvest North Central Food Bank, Inc.—Operating Support: $1,000 Ski Gull, Inc.—2018 Operating Support: $1,000 YMCA of Brainerd—Operating Support: $1,500 Paws & Claws Animal Shelter Paws & Claws Animal Shelter—Operating & Marketing Support: $1,550 Hanowski Family Fund Little Falls Sports Arena, Inc.—Blue Line Club: $700 Shawn Grittner Memorial Fund Holy Family Church Belle Prairie—Holiday Gift Program: $1,000 Northern Waters Land and Trust Northern Waters Land and Trust—Operational Support: $30,000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $1,100 Veterans Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $2,400 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $8,900 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program: $1,1287.21 Youthprise Grant Northern Waters Land and Trust—Operating Support: $7,486 3rd Quarter 2018 Grant Highlights Three Rivers Community Foundation  728 Cadets Marching Arts Program 2018-2019: $3,500   Elk River School District—Serving and Feeding Students in Poverty: $5,000   Faith in Action in Sherburne County—Furniture 4 Families: $2,000   Boys & Girls Club of Elk River—Money Matters Financial Literacy: $3,500   Elk River School District Early Childhood Family Education—Strengthening Family Ties: $3,000   Rivers of Hope—School Based Teen and Family Violence Prevention and Intervention Education: $5,000   Thumbs Up High 5K—5th Annual 5K & 10K: $2,000   Spectrum High School—Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) College Readiness System: $1,000   The Reel Hope Project—Video Expansion Project: $3,000   True Friends—Enrichment Activities for People with Disabilities: $2,500   Open Doors For Youth—Connections Youth Program: $3,500   Youth Investment Foundation—Outreach to At-Risk Youth: $5,000   Three Rivers Montessori—Charter School: $1,000   Morrison County Area Foundation  Morrison County United Way—Imagination Library: $1,000   Pierz School District—Innovative Classroom Furniture: $1,000   Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Junior Achievement of Morrison County BizTown for 2018-2019: $1,000   Horizon Health, Inc.—Healthy Living Project for Children of InHarmony Daycare: $1,000   Little Falls School District—DECA Scholarships for Career Development Conferences: $750   Hands of Hope Resource Center—Violence Prevention Program: $500   Little Falls School District—Pathway to Nursing Assistant Registry: $1,500   Little Falls School District—Personalized Learning for Students in the Middle School Classroom: $1,000   Oasis Central Minnesota, Inc.—Emergency Housing: $1,000   Little Falls School District—Flyer Auto Detailing Business for Transition Classes: $250   Holy Trinity Catholic School—Virtual Reality for STEM Education: $1,500   Julius Kurpius Family Fund Central Lakes College Foundation—Living Legacy Gardens: $1,800  Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Operating Support: $5,000   Family Farm Fund  Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota—Soil Health Project for Small Vegetable Growers and Indigenous Communities: $2,500  Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund River Park Community Foundation—Building a Community Splash Pad: $3,000 John & Bonnie Schlagel Endowment Fund   A Place for You—2018 Fundraising Banquet: $2,000   Animal Humane Society—Animal Care at Coon Rapids Location: $2,000   Anoka Ramsey Community College Foundation—Scholarship in Memory of Evan Stein: $2,000   Cambridge Community College Center Foundation—Cambridge Scholardazzle Fundraiser 2018: $1,500   Isanti County Humane Society—General Operating Support: $2,000   Mayo Clinic—Cancer Program Support: $2,000   Mayo Clinic—Alzheimer's Program Donation: $2,000   Tres Islas Orphanage Fund—Animal Care for Mexican Orphanages: $2,500   Tres Islas Orphanage Fund—General Operation Support for Mexican Orphanages: $1,500   University of Minnesota Foundation—Veterinary Medicine Scholarship: $2,000   Allina Associated Foundation—Reach Out & Read Program: $1,500   Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars Foundation—2018 Scholarships: $2,000   Family Pathways—Food Shelf Program: $2,000   Family Pathways—Refugee Network Shelter: $3,000   Minnesota Safe Ride—Sober Cab Program in Kanabec & Pine Counties: $2,000   New Pathways, Inc.—Housing for Homeless Families: $3,000   Pine Technical and Community College—2018 Scholarships: $2,000   Bob & Marsha Bunger Endowment Fund  Forest Hill Cemetery Association—General Operating Support: $650  Anderson Brothers Family Fund Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers—Operating Support: $2,000   Crow Wing County United Way, Inc.—Operation Sandwich: $1,000  Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation General Operating Support: $30,000  Veterans Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $6,900   Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $1,000   Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $19,900  Sauk Rapids-Rice School / Youthprise Grant Compass Program: $44,053.66  Innovative Schools Fund International Association of Lions, Browerville: $7,500   Royalton School District: $5,723.50 2nd Quarter 2018 Grant Highlights Three Rivers Community Foundation Sherburne County Area United Way—True Color Fashion Show: $1,500  
Greater Pine Area Endowment  Pine City School District—Dragon Technology Summit: $250   Pine Center for the Arts, Inc.—Building Repairs & Improvements: $4,500   Pine City Tennis Foundation—Junior Tennis Program 2018: $1,400   Pine County Thunderin’ Toms—Pine City Youth Trap Shooting Team: $1,750 Staples Motley Area Community Foundation  City of Staples—Boulevard Banners: $1,000 Central Lakes College (Staples Campus)—Agricultural & Energy Center's Field Day: $1,000   Wadena County—Rides for Staples Summer Recreation Program: $750   Staples Motley Area Arts Council—Prairie Fire Childrens' Theatre’s Oz: $1,000   Staples Area Food Shelf—Operating Support: $1,000   Staples All Veterans and Community Park Association—Safe Passageway to the Veterans Park: $2,000   LEAP, Inc.—Christmas Celebration: $1,500   LEAP, Inc.—Community Event Support: $2,000   Old Wadena Society—Rendezvous & Folklife Festival: $1,250   Central Minnesota Boys Choir—Sioux Falls, S.D., Tour 2018: $750   Faith Lutheran Church—Back to School Fair: $1,000   City of Motley—City Parks Project: $1,995   City of Motley—Converse Park Project: $2,000   CMBA Tools for Schools Presidents Fund  Foley School District—Tools for High School Tech Classroom: $945   North Junior High School, St. Cloud—Tools For Schools: $2,700   Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation  The following grants will support the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District:  Pasco Lab Equipment Wireless Temperature Sensors: $1,000   Minecraft Education Edition: $500   Making Shared Reading Visible With Young Learners: $650   Distillation Flasks for Intro to Chemistry Students: $600   Building Future Storm Leaders: $1,000   Fur Trade Living History Lyceums: $500   Classroom Sets of Modern Books: $500   Spanish Book Sharing: $250 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation  Operating Support: $4,000   The 482 Education Foundation Little Falls  The following grants will support the Little Falls School District:  Waders for Water Analysis: $710   Ukuleles: $1,000   Flexible Fidget Seating: $1,200   Enhanced Thinking Through Social, Emotional Learning: $1,500   High Efficiency Welders: $1,500   Flyer Back Pack: $1,500   Flexible Seating for a Blended Language Arts/Science class: $1,200   Flexible Learning Space: $1,200   Teacher Mindfulness Course: $1,500   Rooted in Reading Books: $1,201.65   DSLR Cameras: $1,000   Pathway to Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry: $1,500   Pillager Education Foundation  The following grants will support the Pillager School District:  Literacy Footprint Project: $1,200   Literacy Footprint Project: $4,300   The Pinckney Family Fund  Little Falls School District—Spotlight Jazz Award: $1,785   Fish Trap Lake Association Fund  Fish Trap Lake Property Owners Association—Aquatic Invasic Species Signage at Public Landing: $2,176.33  Land & Waters Presidents Trust Fund  Trout Lake Camps—Extend Shoreline Buffer: $2,000   The Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund  Great River Educational Arts Theatre—General Operating Support: $2,000   United Way of Central Minnesota—Operating Support: $1,000   Africa Jam—General Operating Support: $1,000   Andra Heart Foundation—General Operating Support: $1,000   St. Cloud State University Foundation—Baseball Program: $1,000   Cold Spring Area Youth Sports Association—Field of Dreams Project: $2,000   Anderson Brothers Family Fund  Brainerd Community Action—Support for the Burlington House: $3,000  Veterans Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $2,000  Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $2,900   Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $5,400   Sauk Rapids-Rice / Youthrpise Grant Fund  Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program: $27,419.91   Innovative Schools Project Fund  Bertha-Hewitt School District: $7,500   Wadena-Deer Creek School District: $7,500   Verndale School District: $7,500   Brainerd Public Schools Foundation: $7,500   Pioneer Elementary Parent Teacher Organization: $7,500   Oakland Cemetery Project Fund  Maintenance and Upkeep: $1,500  1st Quarter 2018 Grant Highlights Rum River Community Foundation City of Milaca—Milaca's Annual Bluegrass Festival: $300 Milaca School District—Give Me Five Youth Mentoring Program: $350 Zion Lutheran Church—Youth Canopy Tent: $250 City of Milaca—Rec Park Playground Improvements: $400 Milaca School District—Milaca Community Special Olympics: $350 Pease Christian Reformed Church—Operation Community Connect: $700 Trinity Lutheran Church of Milaca—Milaca Wolves Snack Pack Program: $1,000 Milaca Area Pantry—March Awareness Campaign: $350 Central Minnesota Builders Association Tools for Schools President’s Fund St. Cloud Area School District—Tools for Schools: $2,221.98 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Tools for Schools: $11,500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Tools for Schools: $9,750 Sartell—St. Stephen School District—Tools for Schools: $2,000 Josh Richardson Family Fund Elk River School District—Welcome Center: $9,850 Manufacturing Fund of Central Minnesota Region 5 Development Commission—Technical Assistance Project: $5,000 Enterprise Minnesota, Inc.—Melrose Metals Project: $5,000 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Crosby-Ironton Public Schools Foundation, dba Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Operating Support: $4,000 Albany Area Education Fund The following grants will support the Albany School District:  Buddy Reading Program: $350 STEAM for Fourth Graders: $390 MakerSpace Project for Avon Elementary: $500 Interactive Notebooks for Fourth-Graders: $99 Octoball Court at Avon Elementary: $500 STEM for First-Graders: $376 Educational Robots for School Readiness: $285 Pinckney Fund Little Falls School District—Supporting Young Musicians: $2,180 Paula & Chad Becker Fund Browerville Public Schools—Athletic Department Equipment: $5,000 Alternative Sources of Energy Fund Milaca School District—Science Enrichment for Milaca High School: $1,350 Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund ROCORI Area Dollars for Scholars—Scholarships: $500 St. Cloud Area Family YMCA—Capital Campaign: $1,000 Mark Wood Foundation Little Falls School District—Mentorship Program: $5,400 Lake Region Conservation Fund Hillman Area First Response Team—Operating Support: $500 Sullivan Lake First Responder—Operating Support: $500 Minnesota Christian Writers Scholarship Fund Faith Lutheran Church—Writer's Scholarship: $1,000 Veterans Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $12,600 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $4,300 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $1,400 SRR ISD47/Youthprise Grant Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program: $28,652.50 Wadena Regional Wellness Center Fund City of Wadena—Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $3,546 City of Wadena—Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $29,649 NJPA Innovative Schools Fund Wadena-Deer Creek School District—Innovative Classroom Grant Project: $5,000 4th Quarter 2017 Grant Highlights Three Rivers Community Foundation Elk River School District—Evening of the Arts: $2,000 Land of Lakes Choirboys of Minnesota, Inc. —Elk River Area Concert Series: $1,000 Main Street Family Services—Staff Training Support: $1,650 True Friends—Elk River Area Financial Assistance: $1,750 Youth Investment Foundation—Timber Bay in Elk River: $3,500 Elk River School District—Early Childhood Family Education to Strengthen Family Ties: $2,200 Thumbs Up High 5K—5K Event Sponsor: $2,000 Friends of the Mississippi River—Elk River Community Stewardship Project: $1,100 The Reel Hope Project—Adoption Video Project: $4,000 Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Healthy Eating for Seniors in Elk River Area: $2,000 728 Cadets, Inc. —Elk River Area Marching Arts Scholarships: $2,000 Rivers of Hope—Violence Intervention & Prevention Program for Elk River Area Youth: $4,000 Sherburne County Area United Way—Community Connect Event: $1,300 Great River Family Promise—Elk River Area Aftercare Services: $3,000 Sherburne History Center—Elk River History Programs: $1,000 Spectrum High School—College Readiness Program in Elk River: $2,500 Open Doors For Youth—Elk River Area Youth Resource Center: $2,500  Delano Area Community Foundation  City of Delano—Fresh Produce at Delano Senior Center: $1,000 Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture—Arts & Cultural Community Event: $1,000 Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture—Community Fundraising Concert: $500 Ridgeview Foundation—Reach Out and Read Program: $800 City of Delano—Aquatic Wheelchair Project: $800  Longville Area Community Foundation Longville Area Community Foundation—Operating and Grantmaking Support: $5,850 Rum River Community Foundation Pine County Agriculture Society—Pine County Fair Economic Impact Study: $1,000 Greater Pine Area Endowment  Legal Aid Service of Northeast Minnesota—Housing Counseling & Training in Pine City: $2,500 Pine City School District—Truancy Prevention Project: $2,750 Pregnancy Resource Center of Pine City—Networking Group for Moms: $2,011 Pine City Athletic Association—Jerseys for Youth Hockey: $,2500  Morrison County Area Foundation  Flyer Athletic Boosters—Community and Volunteer Engagement: $1,000 Morrison County United Way—Volunteer and Community Involvement: $750 Little Falls School District—Flyer Pride Back Pack Program: $750 Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Community and Volunteer Engagement: $750 Northern Pines Mental Health Center—Beyond the Yellow Ribbon: $500  Staples Motley Area Community Foundation  LEAP, Inc.—Hooked on Fishing Program for 4th-Graders: $2,000 Lakewood Health System—Regional Health and Wellness Center Feasibility Study: $2,000 Staples Area Women's Chorus—Her Voice, Her Song Choral Festival: $2,000 Staples Motley School District—Creating College Access Project: $1,500 Staples Motley School District—Staples Area Family Center Improvement Project: $2,000  Josh Richardson Family Fund  Elk River School District—Welcome Center Project: $9,550 Kurpius Family Fund Central Lakes College Foundation—Living Legacy Garden: $1,250 Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation  Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Project-Based Learning for Math Students: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Living History Lyceum for 6th-Graders: $320 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Sensory Room Update for Rice Elementary: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Finding Buried History at Rice Elementary: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Career Exploration for Middle School: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Project Based Learning for Math Students: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Communication & Team-Building Activities for High School: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Artist in Residence for Adult Diploma Students: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Interactive Technology for Physical Education: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—American Government Focus Project for High School: $350 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Interactive Techonology for 2nd-Graders: $200 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Alternative Seating for Alternative Learning: $250 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Flexible Seating in Compass: Alternative Learning Program: $300 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Students Will Focus When They Can Get Their Wiggles Out: $160 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Learning Systems for Kindergartners: $200 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Music Enhancements to Physical Education: $300 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Behavior & Sensory Regulation Tools: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Cooking Skills for Elementary Students: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Downhill Skiing for 5th-Graders: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Individual Passion Project for 9th-Graders: $420  Minnesota Pioneer Park Fund Minnesota Pioneer Park—General Support: $900 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—General Operating Support: $5,000 Lake Region Christion Education Fund Lake Region Christian School—Annual Event Support: $780 Lakes Area Medical Development Association Fund Essentia Health Foundation—Take Heart Program: $4,500 Edeburn Family Fund First United Methodist Church of the St. Cloud Region—Capital Campaign Support: $3,334 Pinckney Fund Little Falls School District—Project Bandaid: $1,000 Paula & Chad Becker Fund CentraCare Health Foundation—Regional Community Well-Being Center: $5,000 Gaalswyk Family Fund Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center—General Operating Support: $700 Youth Investment Foundation—Timber Bay Camp: $700 Mitchell Family Fund United Way of Central Minnesota—Operating Support: $1,000 St. Cloud State University Foundation—SCSU Baseball Program: $1,000 Great River Educational Arts Theatre—General Support: $1,000 Cold Spring Area Youth Sports Association—Field of Dreams: $2,000 Africa Jam—Program Support: $1,000 Andra Heart Foundation—General Support: $1,000 John & Bonnie Schlagel Endowment Animal Humane Society—Animal Care at Coon Rapids Location: $1,000 Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars Foundation—Scholarships: $2,500 Family Pathways Refuge Network Shelter—Domestic Abuse Program: $3,500 Family Pathways—Food Shelf Program: $2,500 University of Minnesota Foundation—Veterinary Medicine Scholarship: $2,000 Tres Islas Orphanage Fund—General Operations and Animal Care: $2,800 Anoka Ramsey Community College Foundation—Scholarship in Memory of Evan Stein: $1,000 Cambridge Community College Center Foundation—2018 Cambridge Scholardazzle Sponsor: $1,000 Isanti County Humane Society—Animal Care: $1,000 Mayo Clinic—Alzheimer's Program Donation: $2,000 Minnesota Safe Ride—Sober Cab Program in Kanabec and Pine Counties: $3,000 New Pathways, Inc.—Housing for Homeless Families: $3,800 Pine Technical & Community College—Scholarships: $2,500 Anderson Brothers Family Fund Brainerd Rotary Foundation—Pillager STRIVE Youth Mentoring Program: $1,000 Brainerd Baxter Youth Center—Brainerd Baxter Youth Center: $500 Salvation Army—Brainerd: $700 Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota—Radiothon to End Child Abuse: $500 Hanowski Family Fund Little Falls Sports Arena, Inc.—Blue Line Club: $900 Shawn Grittner Memorial Fund Holy Family Church Belle Prairie—Holiday Gift Program: $1,050 Veterans Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veteran's Art Monument: $2,000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $2,800 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $4,200 SRR ISD47 / Youthprise Grant Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Operation Support: $9,096 Melrose Area Relief Fund City of Melrose—Close out Melrose Area Relief Fund: $13,687 Wadena Regional Wellness Center Fund City of Wadena—Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $7,883 NJPA Innovative Schools Foundation Crosby-Ironton School District—Operating Support: $250 Brainerd School District—Operating Support: $750 Upsala Area School District —Operating Support: $250 Oakland Cemetery Fund Oakland Cemetery Association—Oakland Cemetery Maintenance and Upkeep: $1,500   3rd Quarter 2017 Grant Highlights Longville Area Community Foundation Endowment City of Longville—City Park Support: $1,891.15 Morrison County Area Foundation Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota—St. Francis Music Center: $500 Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—2017-2018 Classroom Support: $200 Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Financial Literacy for Morrison County Students: $800 Royalton School District—Royalton Greenhouse Project: $1,000 Great River Arts Association—Community Arts Education and Visual Arts Exhibition: $500 Morrison County United Way—Imagination Library: $1,500 Oasis Central Minnesota, Inc.—Emergency Housing Support: $2,000 Pierz School District—Collaborative Learning Enviornment: $1,000 Horizon Health, Inc.— In Harmony Child Care: $1,000 Swanville School District—Automotive Career Exploration Project: $1,750 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation—Grants and Operations: $3,000 Little Falls Education Foundation  Little Falls School District—Reading Comprehension Resources for Students: $1,500 Lake Region Christian Education Lake Region Christian School —Scholarship and Classroom Enhancements: $11,398 Family Farm Fund Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota—Salsa Festival: $2,500 Central MN CEO Fund National Joint Powers Alliance—Operating Support: $4,950.53 Anderson Brothers Family Fund Crow Wing County United Way, Inc.—Imagination Library: $1,000 Crow Wing County United Way, Inc.—Operation Sandwich: $1,000 Brainerd Family YMCA—Operating Support: $1,500 Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest—Operating Support: $3,000  Minnesota Christian Writers Scholarship Fund Faith Lutheran Church—Minnesota Christian Writers Scholarship: $1,000 Veterans Art Monument Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association —Veterans Art Monument: $2,600 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $11,700 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association—Veterans Art Monument: $1,600 ISD 47 / Youthprise Grant Sauk Rapids-Rice School District—Compass Program Support: $45,654.67 NJPA Innovative Schools Foundation Upsala Area School District—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 Verndale School District—Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 2nd Quarter 2017 Grant Highlights Three Rivers Community Foundation Sherburne County Area United Way - iEmpower Youth Program: $1,500 Jim & HK Stuart Memorial Fund  Longville Area Community Foundation - Jim & HK Stuart Memorial Grants: $1,486.36 Greater Pine Area Endowment Immaculate Conception Church - Preschool Expansion Project: $5,000 Pine Technical and Community College - Mobile Welding Lab: $5,000 A Place for You - Maintenance for Homeless Shelter in Pine City: $2,500 Pine County Agriculture Society - Pine County Fair Economic Impact Study: $1,000 Pine County - Economic Gardening Project: $3,000 Pine City School District - Mobile Vision Screening Equipment: $1,500 Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation  Central Lakes College Foundation - Living Legacy Gardens Marketing Campaign: $2,000 City of Staples - National Night Out: $920 City of Staples - Civic Pride Promotion: $1,500 City of Staples - Bike Trail Stations: $1,000 Staples Area Men's Choir - Real Men Sing Choral Festivals: $2,000 LEAP, Inc. - Community Movies Initiative: $2,000 LEAP, Inc. - Community Event Promotion: $2,000 LEAP, Inc. - Staples Area Community Calendar: $2,000 Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center - Interactive Media Education: $1,000 Faith Lutheran Church - Staples-Motley Back-to-School Fair: $2,000 Julius & Tracy Kurpius Fund Central Lakes College Foundation - Living Legacy Gardens: $2,845 Central Lakes College Foundation - Living Legacy Gardens: $1,500 Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation  Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Experiential Technology Project: $200 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Rollerblades for Pleasantview Elementary: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Alternative Seating for Kindergartners: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Educational Robots for School Readiness: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Behavior & Sensory Regulation Tools: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Osmo Learning Systems for First-Graders: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Demonstration Tools for High School Psychology: $310 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Classroom Technology Accessories for Fourth-Graders: $490 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - World History Through Food Project: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Community & School Engagement: $2,000 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Cycling Equipment for Special Education: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Premier Choral Composition: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - State Capitol Field Trip: $500 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation - Grants & Operations: $3,000 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation - Operating Support: $1,000 Little Falls Education Foundation Little Falls School District - Stools for Success: $863.10 Little Falls School District - Summer School Personalized Learning: $1,500 Little Falls School District - Individual Work Station Upgrade: $1,500 Little Falls School District - Micro-Loan Student Project: $1,500 Little Falls School District - Balsa Wood Bridge Engineering Project: $1,500 Little Falls School District - Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom: $1,500 Little Falls School District - MakerSpace Project for High School Media Center: $1,500 Little Falls School District - Special Education Reading Intervention Program: $920 Little Falls School District - Industrial Technology Equipment Upgrade: $1,500 Pillager Education Foundation  Pillager School District - Spanish Classroom Support: $500 Playing it Forward Little Falls School District - Pinkney Summer Jazz Camp Scholarship: $1,000 Little Falls School District - Project Band-Aid: $1,000 Great River Arts Association - Cadence Music Award: $2,000 Chad and Paula Becker Fund Browerville Public Schools - Ag Shop Upgrades: $4,205.91 The Thrive Fund Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health - Faculty Symposium Website: $3,000 Central Minnesota CEO Fund National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $3,857.40 National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $4,978.27 National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $5,980.62 National Joint Powers Alliance - Operating Support: $3,942.59 National Joint Powers Alliance - Operating Support: $4,299.16  Land and Waters  Whitefish Area Property Owners Association - Water Quality Expanded Testing and Research: $7,200 Schlagel Endowment Anoka Ramsey Community College Foundation - Evan Stein Scholarship: $1,000 University of Minnesota Foundation - Veterinary Medicine Scholarship: $1,000 Animal Humane Society: $1,000 East Central Regional Development Commission - Towards Zero Death Program: $1,000 Isanti County Humane Society - Operating Support: $1,000 Mayo Clinic - Cancer programs: $2,000 Veterans Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $7,600 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $1,600 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $4,900 Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD47 Youthprise Grant  Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Compass Program Support: $32,139.46  Melrose Area Relief Fund  Diocese of St. Cloud - Melrose Area Relief Support: $2,500 James & Elizabeth Illies - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $7,500 James & Elizabeth Illies - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $7,500 James & Elizabeth Illies - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $2,500 Diocese of St. Cloud - Family Support: $4,728 Diocese of St. Cloud - Case Management: $3,750 City of Melrose - Housing Study: $3,250 James & Elizabeth Illies - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $2,500 Wadena Regional Wellness Center Fund City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $2,561 City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $2,660 City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $690 NJPA Innovative Schools Fund Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School District - Operating Support: $5,000 Pine River-Backus Elementary Parent Teacher Organization - Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 Brainerd Public Schools Foundation - Innovative Schools: $5,000 Pioneer Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) - Fundraising: $5,000 Wadena-Deer Creek School District - Innovative Schools: $5,000 1st Quarter 2017 Grant Highlights Alternative Sources of Energy Fund Milaca School District - Science Enrichment for Milaca High School: $1,375 Anderson Brothers Family Fund Lutheran Social Service - Camp Knutson: $2,500 Central MN CEO Fund National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $3,857 National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $3,876 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation - Operating and Classroom Grant Support: $4,000 Edeburn Family Fund United Way of Central Minnesota - Operating Support: $1,000 St. Cloud Area Family YMCA - Aquatic & Community Center Project: $1,000 Carleton College - Annual Fund: $2,000 Hanowski Family Fund Little Falls Sports Arena, Inc. - Blue Line Club: $975 Lake Region Christian School Education Foundation Lake Region Christian School - Grants & Operations Support: $2,710 Lake Region Conservation Club Hillman Area First Response Team - Operating Support: $500 Sullivan Lake First Responder - Operating Support: $500 Mark Wood Foundation Little Falls School District - Mentorship Program: $5,450 Melrose Area Relief Fund Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud - Melrose Area Relief Support: $6,380 NJPA Innovative Schools Foundation Staples Motley School District - Innovative Schools Project: $5,000 Paws & Claws Animal Shelter Paws & Claws Animal Shelter - Operating & Marketing Support: $1,550 Pillager Education Foundation Pillager School District - Scholastic News for Fourth Graders: $498 Pillager School District - HoverCam Ultra 8 Document Camera: $449 Pillager School District - Ipad Mini for students: $450 Playing it Forward: The Kenneth & Evelyn Pinckney Young Musicians’ Fund Little Falls School District - Elementary and Middle School Band: $2,225 Rum River Community Foundation City of Milaca - Annual Community Music Festival: $500 Milaca High School Hall of Fame - Construct Additional Display Cases for Hall of Fame Inductees: $250 Milaca School District – Milaca High School Scotland Performance: $1,000 Milaca School District - Give Me Five Group Mentoring Program: $250 Pease Christian Reformed Church - Mille Lacs County Operation Community Connect: $1,000 Milaca School District - Community Education Program Support: $500 Milaca School District - Community Education Program Support: $500 Veteran’s Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $11,000 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $1,500 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $2,200 Wadena Regional Wellness Center Fund City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $3,542 City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $54,270 Youthprise Grant (SRR) Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Compass Program Support: $34,658   4th Quarter 2016 Highlights Three Rivers Community Foundation Elk River School District - Early Childhood Family Education - Strengthening Family Ties: $2,500 Elk River School District - Evening of the Arts: $3,800 Friends of the Mississippi River - Elk River Community Stewardship Project: $3,000 Sherburne County Area United Way - Project Homeless Connect Event: $2,200 Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud - Healthy Eating Workshop in Elk River Area: $2,500 728 Cadets, Inc. - Elk River Area Marching Band Scholarships: $3,000 Community Aid of Elk River (CAER) - Food Outreach Programs: $5,000 True Friends - Elk River Area Financial Assistance: $3,000 Abba Corporation dba Abba Pregnancy Resource Center - Earn While You Learn Program Expansion for Elk River: $2,000 Open Doors For Youth - Food Support for Homeless Youth in Elk River: $3,000 Spectrum High School - College Readiness Program in Elk River: $3,000 Thumbs Up High 5K - 5K Run Event Sponsor: $1,000 Delano Area Community Fund Delano School District - Advertising for Delano Area Council for Arts & Culture event: $500 City of Delano - Fire Department Safety Training Project: $1,000 Economic Development Partnership of Wright County - 2017 Wright County Commercial Broker Event: $1,000 City of Delano - Fresh Produce at Delano Senior Center: $1,000 Delano School District - Delano Community Education RISE program: $1,000 Mindful Generations, Inc. - Delano Labyrinth Project: $6,520 Greater Pine Endowment City of Pine City - Hotel Market Feasibility Study: $2,500 Pine Dragons Parent Teacher Organization - Pine City Youth Hockey Rink 
Improvement Project: $2,750 Pine City Civic Center Association - Arena Sign Upgrade: $5,000 A Place for You - Buildng Community With a Bicycle for You: $3,053 Pine Emergency Medical Services, Inc. - Freeway Approved Vehicle: $5,000 Morrison County Area Foundation Rotary International Little Falls - Operating Support: $375 Habitat for Humanity of Morrison County - Operating Support: $375 Flyer Athletic Boosters - Operating Support: $350 Holy Trinity Catholic School - Operating Support: $450 Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest - Operating Support: $750 Winter Wonderland Figure Skating Club, Inc. - Operating Support: $750 Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation Kinship Partners, Inc. - Implementing Multiple Pathways to Mentoring: $1,000 Staples Motley School District - Reality Store: $1,540 Staples Economic Development Authority - Destination Staples - Branding/Marketing the Community: $2,000 Central Minnesota Boys Choir - Central Minnesota Boys Choir Voyageur Tour: $2,000 Staples Motley School District - F.I.T. (Follow it Through) Activity Days: $5,000 Lakewood Health System Foundation - Operating Support: $700 Josh Richardson Family Fund Elk River School District - Star Lab: $5,650 City of Big Lake - Police Canine Unit: $1,000 Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation The following grants benefit the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District: Educational Activities Scholarships: $1,000 Educational Activities Scholarships: $1,025 Bacteria Survey Project for Middle Schoolers: $200 Alternative Seating for Third Graders: $500 Supplemental Reading for High School Spanish: $500 Musical Instruments for Pleasantview Elementary: $500 Spanish Project for High School Students: $500 3D Printer for Rice Elementary: $500 OSMO Learning Systems: $500 Alternative Seating for 5th Graders: $500 Comprehension and Critical Thinking Skills Program: $275 Minnesota Pioneer Park Endowment Fund Minnesota Pioneer Park - Operating Support: $900 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Crosby-Ironton Public Schools Foundation - Operating & Classroom Grants Support: $3,000 Crosby-Ironton Public Schools Foundation- Operating & Classroom Grants Support: $2,000 Gallswyk Family Fund Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center - Operating Support: $700 Youth Investment Foundation - Operating Support: $700 CWEPA Fund East Twin Lake Association - Reforest Paul Bunyan State Trail: $3,000 Family Farm Fund Regents of the University of Minnesota - Central Minnesota Food Access Summit (CMFAS): $2,500 Central Minnesota CEO Fund National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program: $633 National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $6,935 Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund Esperance Education Institute - Operating Support: $1,000 Saint Cloud State University Foundation - SCSU Baseball Program: $1,500 John & Bonnie Schlagel Endowment Animal Humane Society - Operating Support for Coon Rapids Location: $1,000 Anoka Ramsey Community College Foundation - Evan Stein Scholarship: $1,000 Allina Associated Foundation - Reach Out & Read Program: $1,800 A Place for You - Housing for Homeless Individuals: $2,000 Cambridge Community College Center Foundation - 2017 Cambridge Scholardazzle Sponsor: $1,000 Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars Foundation - Scholarships: $2,000 Isanti County Humane Society - Operating Support: $1,000 Family Pathways - Food Shelf Program: $2,000 Family Pathways - Refuge Network Shelter: $3,000 Mayo Clinic - Cancer Programs: $2,000 Minnesota Safe Ride - Sober Cab Program: $2,000 New Pathways, Inc. - Housing for Homeless Families: $3,000 Pine Technical College Foundation - Scholarships: $2,000 Tres Islas Orphanage Fund - General Operations - Mexican Orphanage: $2,500 University of Minnesota Foundation - Veterinary Medicine Scholarship: $2,000 Anderson Brothers Family Fund Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, Inc. - Holiday Support for Sheltered Families: $600 Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota - Radiothon to End Child Abuse: $500 Brainerd Family YMCA - Operating Support: $1,000 Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen - Operating Support: $500 Brainerd Baxter Youth Center - Operating Support: $600 The Church on The Wise Road - Jamaican Missions Team: $500 Shawn Grittner Memorial Scholarship Fund Holy Family Church Belle Prairie - Holiday Gift Program for Morrison County: $1,000 Holy Trinity Catholic School - Tuition Support for Pierz Students: $1,000 Veteran's Art Monument Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $7,100 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $3,700 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Monument: $400 Youthprise Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Compass Program Support: $10,131 Melrose Area Relief Fund Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud - Melrose Area Relief Support: $9,571 Unique Boutique - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $2,500 James & Elizabeth Illies - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $2,500 Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud - Melrose Area Relief Support: $2,050 Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud - Melrose Area Relief Support: $11,279 Lisa's on Main - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $2,500 Rum River Community Foundation City of Milaca - Band Shell Restoration Project: $15,872 Wadena Regional Wellness Center Fund City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $11,311 City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $14,895 National Joint Powers Alliance Innovative Schools Fund Bertha-Hewitt School District - Innovation Schools Project: $5,000 Browerville Public Schools - Innovation Schools Project: $5,000 3rd Quarter 2016 Grant Highlights Rum River Community Foundation Milaca Fine Arts Council - Art Gallery Expansion: $500 Greater Pine Area Endowment Pine County Agriculture Society - Horse Arena Project: $4,000 Morrison County Area Foundation Employment Enterprises, Inc - Work Program for Little Falls Special Education Students: $1,500 Paramount Arts Resource Trust, Inc - Teen Arts Program for Morrison County: $2,000 Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota - Music Program Scholarships for Income-Eligible Students: $1,000 Flyer Athletic Boosters - Playground Equipment for Little Falls Park: $2,000 Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest - Financial Literacy for Morrison County Students: $1,500 Morrison County United Way - Imagination Library: $2,000 Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation Faith Lutheran Church - Staples-Motley Back-to-School Fair: $2,000 Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Fund Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Oak Savanna Learning Center: $25,000 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Crosby-Ironton Public Schools Foundation dba Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation - Operating & Classroom Grants Support: $2,100 Lake Region Christian School Education Foundation Lake Region Christian School - Grants & Operating Support: $500 Quiet Oaks Hospice House Family Fund Quiet Oaks Hospice House - Red Leaf Sponsorship: $800 Central MN CEO Fund National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $2,002 National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $737 National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program: $156 Fish Trap Lake Endowment Fund Fish Trap Lake Property Owners Association - Lake Water Quality Study: $1,100 Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund Africa Jam - Program Support: $1,000 Community Giving - Women's Fund: $500 Community Giving - Good Samaritan Fund: $500 Great River Educational Arts Theatre (GREAT) - Capital Campaign: $1,000 The Yes Network - Operating Support: $1,000 Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation - South Dakota Salutes: $1,000 Anderson Brothers Family Fund Rotary International Brainerd - Pillager STRIVE Youth Mentoring Program: $1,000 Lakes Area Music Festival - Opearting Support: $1,500 Community Care-N-Share Cafe - Community Meals: $500 Veteran’s Art Monument Fund MN State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Project: $1,400 MN State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Monument: $2,400 MN State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veterans Art Monument: $11,200 Melrose Area Relief Fund Balu Renovations, Inc. - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 Commercial Exchange Corporation - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 James & Elizabeth Illies - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 Lisa's on Main - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 McDonald Realty, Inc. - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 New Munich Mutual Insurance Company - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 Ridgewater College - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 Wealthcare, Inc. - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 Tienda Mexicana La Mas Barata La Morenita - Economic Relief for Businesses Impaired by Melrose Fire: $3,900 Rum River Community Foundation Bandshell Project City of Milaca - Band Shell Restoration Project: $16,000 Oakland Cemetery Fund Oakland Cemetery Association - Operating Support: $2,000 2nd Quarter 2016 Grant Highlights Longville Area Community Foundation Longville Area Community Foundation - Operating and Grantmaking Support: $4,800 Greater Pine Area Endowment Pine City Area History Association - Technology Upgrade for Public Library: $1,200 Pine County - Business Mapping Project: $1,500 Pine City School District - Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Commemoration: $2,000 Pine Community Food Shelf - Refrigeration Equipment: $5,000 Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation Staples Area Men's Chorus - Regional 'Big Sing' Choral Festival: $2,000 Staples Motley School District - Alternative Seating Options for Connections School: $736 Wadena County - Transportation for Summer Youth Programs in Staples and Motley: $2,000 LEAP, Inc. - Staples Motley Volleyball League Equipment: $1,325 Lakewood Health System - Staples Reach Out & Read Program: $2,100 LEAP, Inc. - Motley June Fest: $1,000 LEAP, Inc. - Thriving Communities Initiative for Staples: $2,000 Staples Economic Development Authority - Staples Community Pride Initiative: $2,000 Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Living History Lyceum for 6th Graders: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Special Education Tools: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Educational Robots for Kindergartners at Rice Elementary: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Kinetic Machines for Early Childhood Center: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Children's Newspaper for 3rd Graders: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Science & Social Studies Resources for 1st Graders: $500 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - High School Art Project for Promise Neighborhood: $400 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Spanish Project for High School Students: $275 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Alternative Seating Options for Second Graders: $375 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Classroom Technology Accessories for 4th Graders: $950 Sauk Rapids-Rice School District - Fine Arts & Operating Support: $1,500 The 482 Education Foundation Little Falls School District - Weekend Food Backpack Program: $1,500 Pillager Education Foundation Pillager School District - Spanish Class Support: $500 Playing it Forward: The Kenneth & Evelyn Pinckney Young Musicians’ Fund Little Falls School District - Band Instrument Repair Project: $1,000 Central Minnesota CEO Fund National Joint Powers Alliance - CEO Program Support: $417 Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund United Way of Central Minnesota - Operating Support: $1,000 Palace City Pedalers Tour De Corn, Inc. - Operating Support: $500 Rocori School District - Field of Dreams Project: $2,000 ROCORI Area Dollars for Scholars - Dollars for Scholars: $500 Andra Heart Foundation - Operating Support: $1,000 Schlagel Endowment Animal Humane Society - Operating Support for Coon Rapids Location: $1,000 Anoka Ramsey Community College Foundation - Evan Stein Scholarship: $1,000 East Central Regional Development Commission - Towards Zero Death Program: $1,000 Isanti County Humane Society - Operating Support: $1,000 Mayo Clinic - Support for Cancer Programs: $2,300 University of Minnesota Foundation - Veterinary Medicine Scholarship: $1,000 Anderson Brothers Family Fund Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity - Matching Grant for Women Build Fundraising Breakfast: $5,000 Veteran’s Art Project Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Project: $5,600 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Project: $1,500 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Project: $1,000 Wadena Regional Wellness City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $3,379 City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $3,132 1st Quarter 2016 Grant Highlights The following organizations were awarded funding from the Foundation's Turn Key Partner Funds during January, February and March 2016: Three Rivers Community Foundation Sherburne County Area United Way - True Color Fashion Show Sponsorship: $1,500 Greater Pine Area Endowment National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc. dba Pine County Thunderin Toms - Pine City Youth Trap Shooting Team: $3,500 Pine City - Pine City Beach Park Improvements: $2,000 Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation Crosby-Ironton Public Schools Foundation dba Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation - Classroom Grants: $1,600 Edeburn Family Fund Pine Cone Central Park Association - Pine Cone Central Park Expansion: $1,667 Saint Cloud Area Family YMCA - Capital Campaign: $1,000 Carleton College - Annual Fund: $2,000 First United Methodist Church of the St. Cloud Region - Education Wing: $5,000 Playing it Forward: The Kenneth & Evelyn Pinckney Young Musicians’ Fund Great River Arts Association - Cadence Music Award: $500 Family Farm Fund Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota - Strategic Planning for Central Minnesota: $1,000 Central Minnesota CEO Fund National Joint Powers Alliance - Operating Support: $393 Conservancy Fund of Big Fish Lake Association Fund Big Fish Lake Association - Operating Support: $2,500 Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund Saint Cloud Area Family YMCA - Captial Campaign: $1,000 Bob & Marsha Bunger Endowment Fund Milaca Area Historical Society - Operating Support: $100 Milaca Friends of the Library - Operating Support: $100 Milaca Scholarship Foundation - Student Scholarship: $500 Quiet Oaks Hospice House - Operating Support: $200 Mark Wood Foundation Little Falls School District - Mentorship Program: $5,500 Lake Region Conservation Club Fund Hillman Area First Response Team - Operating Support: $500 Sullivan Lake First Responder - Operating Support: $500 Veteran’s Art Project Fund Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Project: $5,200 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Project: $2,900 Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association - Veteran's Art Project: $4,000 Wadena Regional Wellness City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $31,013 City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $40,984 City of Wadena - Wadena Regional Wellness Center: $44,994  

The Initiative Foundation is proud to host a variety of Partner Funds for families, businesses, nonprofit organizations and volunteer-led groups. Our Partner Fund program allows local leaders to champion local causes while we provide the 501(c)(3) public charity infrastructure necessary for donor gifts to receive the highest possible charitable tax deduction. From community foundations to educational funds to special project and field-of-interest funds, the Initiative Foundation and its Partner Funds are working together to ensure strong and vibrant communities throughout Central Minnesota. For more information on starting a Partner Fund, contact Community Philanthropy Manager Kate Bjorge.  For more information on applying for a Partner Fund grant, contact Program Associate Kerie Thoma.   GIVE TODAY! Partner Funds With Open Grant Rounds Name of Fund Fund Priorities 2020
Grant Rounds Albany Area Education Foundation The mission of the Albany Area Education Foundation is to enhance student learning opportunities in the Albany area by gathering private support and community engagement, providing faculty with resources needed to develop unique, next level educational experiences in and beyond our classrooms. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Jan.1 -  Jan. 31 Becker Education Foundation The mission of the Becker Education Foundation is to cultivate the educational experience of all students within the Becker School District and connect alumni, community, families and businesses. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Sept. 7 - Sept. 21 Braham Area Education Foundation The mission of the Braham Area Educaton Foundatino is to provide Independent School District #314 with enhanced educational opportunities and resources, support academic excellence, and encourage student achievement. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Dec. 15 - Jan. 31 and Aug. 1 - Sept. 15  Black Oak Getty Community Foundation The mission of the Black Oak Getty Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life of all citizens in the Black Oak Getty Wind Farm Area Communities, by awarding charitable grants that promote community development, encourage responsible stewardship of our resources, and foster educational growth. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Open All Year (Review Nov. 30) Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation The mission of the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation is to support health, wellness and related activities in Isanti County and surrounding areas. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Open All Year (Review Aug. 1 - Sept. 15) Delano Area Community Foundation The mission of the Delano Area Community Foundation is to support the general advancement of communities, economy and philanthropy within the geographic area comprised by Delano School District 879. Donors can support this fund through gifts of cash, stock, real estate or other assets. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Sept. 15 to Oct. 30  Greater Pine Area Endowment The mission of the Greater Pine Area Endowment is to provide permanent support to develop community resources to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families in the Pine City area. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Open All Year (Review Sept. 30) Greater Pequot Lakes Community Foundation The mission of the Greater Pequot Lakes Community Foundation is to foster creative apporaches to projects initiatives that support our community vision. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.   To be determined Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation The mission of the Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Hackensack lakes area through grants to schools, local units of government and nonprofit organizations. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  To be determined  Lakes Area Medical Development Association Fund The mission of the Lakes Area Medical Development Fund is to support projects that promote the health and wellness of the Brainerd Lakes Area. Open All Year (Review July 15 - Sept. 1)  Land and Waters Preservation Trust The mission of the Land and Waters Preservation Trust is to support efforts that preserve or improve the water quality and ecosystem of the Pine River Watershed, which includes the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. To donate to the trust, click here. March 15 - April 30 Little Falls Education Foundation The mission of the Little Falls Education Foundation is to enrich the educational experience of students through the establishment of resource partnerships with community members, alumni, families, businesses and organizations. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Jan. 16 - Feb. 29 Morrison County Area Foundation The mission of the Morrison County Area Foundation is to support nonprofit organizations, school districts or local units of government serving those living and/or working within Morrison County. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  May 1 - June 15 Patriot Foundation This mission of the Patriot Foundation is to support the Pequot Lakes school district through student scholarships and classroom enhancements. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Oct. 1 - Nov. 30  Pillager Education Foundation  The mission of the Pillager Education Foundation is to support innovative approaches and enhance student excellence in academics, arts, athletics and activities within the Pillager Independent School District #116. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Nov. 2 - Nov. 19 Royalton Education Foundation The Royalton Education Foundation supports student well-being, education and activities in the geographical area served by the Royalton School District. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Jan. 15 - Feb. 28 Rum River Community Foundation The mission of the Rum River Community Foundation is to provide opportunities through proposals that improve parks, outdoor assets, recreational events and activities for residents and visitors. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Jan. 23 - Feb. 20 Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation The mission of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Education Foundation is to support education and activities in the geographic area served by the Sauk Rapids-Rice Independent School District #47. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Feb. 5 - March 18 and Sept. 9 - Oct. 14  Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation The mission of the Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation is to develop and strengthen community resources and to enhance the quality of life of individuals, families and organizations in the Staples-Motley area. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  Open All Year (Review April 15 and Oct. 15) Three Rivers Community Foundation The mission of the Three Rivers Community Foundation is to strengthen communities in the Independent School District 728 area by developing, investing and distributing funds and encouraging leadership. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  May 1 - July 15  Women's Leadership Fund The mission of the Women's Leadership Fund's mission is to accelerate the number, effectiveness and impact of women in organizational leadership roles. To donate to the foundation, click here. To learn more or apply for grants, click here.  To be determined

News and Events: UPDATE: DEED Emergency Loan Program March 24, 2020 The Initiative Foundation serving the 14 counties of Central Minnesota is one of nearly two dozen statewide organizations to acc…
Continue reading COVID-19 Update: Loan Payment Deferrals Offered March 20, 2020 As the rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, we wanted to take a moment to update you on some of the actions we're ta…
Continue reading Help Those Hardest Hit By Coronavirus March 19, 2020 The Initiative Foundation is activating its Central Minnesota Emergency Relief and Recovery Fund to meet critical needs in the r…
Continue reading COVID-19 Update: Staff Moves to Remote Work March 16, 2020 Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Initiative Foundation staff will be practicing social distancing by working remotely until further …
Continue reading Three Join Initiative Foundation Board of Trustees January 3, 2020 Hoggarth, Nelson and Weber vow to contribute to the vitality of Central Minnesota.
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