The Initiative Foundation’s Thriving Communities Initiative is a pilot program aimed at empowering smaller communities across Central Minnesota. The foundation seeks to support up to five communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer. The goal is to help these communities build local leadership, strengthen connections, and create actionable plans that enhance community vibrancy and belonging.
Selected communities will form a local planning team made up of three to five individuals from diverse backgrounds and sectors. They will attend a two-day, in-person workshop on August 21-22, which will focus on inclusive facilitation, planning, and leadership. Additionally, participants will attend up to three virtual mini-workshops for continued training and support.
Each community will also design and implement a local community engagement process with help from a regional expert. To ensure ongoing progress, communities will work with an accountability coach. The program also includes up to three virtual cohort gatherings where participants can share insights, reflect, and improve together.
As part of the initiative, participating communities will receive planning and implementation grants. Each will receive $2,500 to support workshop and engagement session costs, such as food, stipends, childcare, translation, and transportation. Another $2,500 will be allocated to implement local projects and ideas developed through the process.
For more information, visit Initiative Foundation.
