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
County: Selected Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/06/2023
Size of the Grant: $5,000
Details:
Proposals that focus on at least one of the following areas will be given priority consideration:
- General, program or capacity-building support for nonprofits addressing the urgent needs of historically disadvantaged populations. This includes support for business planning, fund development, training or other capacity-building initiatives.
- 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.
- Support for local and regional community and economic development entities advancing early-stage feasibility or pilot projects.
Innovation Fund grants primarily support start-up or capacity-building projects across the 14 counties of Central Minnesota.
Eligibility Criteria
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. Grants are not intended to provide ongoing annual support. 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.
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.
For more information, visit Innovation Fund.