The Initiative Foundation makes grants through its Innovation Fund for projects and programs that advance their mission to empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.
Donor Name: Initiative Foundation
State: Minnesota
Counties: Benton County (MN), Cass County (MN), Chisago County (MN), Crow Wing County (MN), Isanti County (MN), Kanabec County (MN), Mille Lacs County (MN), Morrison County (MN), Pine County (MN), Sherburne County (MN), Stearns County (MN), Todd County (MN), Wadena County (MN), Wright County (MN)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 02/07/2022
Size of the Grant: $5,000
Details:
Innovation Fund grants primarily support start-up or capacity-building projects across the 14 counties of Central Minnesota.
Funding Information
Innovation Fund grants seldom exceed $5,000.
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, and the sovereign tribal nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe.
- Funding requests for use outside of this geography will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funds.
- Innovation Fund grants seldom exceed $5,000.
- They typically receive many times more applications than they can fund, so their process is highly competitive. Priority consideration is given to projects that have local financial support. The Initiative Foundation also strives to allocate their grant resources around their entire region, so geographical diversity is a consideration in their review. Applicants are encouraged to contact one of their program officers—Don Hickman, Chris Fastner or Zach Tabatt—to discuss proposal design and fit prior to submitting an application.
Proposals that focus on at least one of the following areas will be given priority consideration:
- General operating support for nonprofits addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cost share for projects intended to create behavioral change associated with combating racism, and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Advancement of strategies to address workforce shortages and/or re-training by those displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Support for nonprofits engaged in business planning, fund development, training or other capacity building initiatives that advance economic security for those they serve.
- Support for local and regional community and economic development entities advancing early-stage feasibility or pilot projects.
For more information, visit 2022 Innovation Fund.
