Initiative Foundation: Innovation Fund Grant

From Initiative Foundation

The Initiative Foundation's mission is to empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity.

Type of Support

Overview

Innovation Fund grants are aimed at supporting start-up or capacity-building projects within the 14 counties of Central Minnesota. These grants primarily assist in developing a thriving local economy and vibrant communities through ongoing applications and a competitive quarterly awards process. Priority is given to proposals that:

  1. Offer general, program, or capacity-building support for nonprofits aiding historically disadvantaged populations, including initiatives for business planning, fund development, and training.
  2. Provide cost share for projects focused on behavioral change to combat racism and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  3. Advance strategies addressing workforce shortages.
  4. Support local and regional community and economic development entities with early-stage feasibility or pilot projects.
  5. Demonstrate local financial support.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
MN (Benton County, Cass County, Chisago County, Crow Wing County, Isanti County, Kanabec County, Mille Lacs County, Morrison County, Pine County, Sherburne County, Stearns County, Todd County, Wadena County, Wright County)
Organization Type
501(c)(3) nonprofits
School districts
Local units of government
Other
  • Serve communities in Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and Wright counties
  • Serve portions of the sovereign tribal nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe within these counties
  • Funding requests must be for use within the specified geography

Ineligibility

Individuals and businesses
Expenses incurred prior to grant award
Capital expenses (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles)
Programs/projects not benefiting residents in the 14-county service area
Replacement/substitution for government funding
Religious activities
Lobbying/campaigning activities
Development/purchase of school curriculum or athletic program support
Out-of-state travel
Healthcare, arts programming, and historic preservation focus areas
Individuals seeking grant funds
Grants aiming for ongoing annual support
up to 7.5k

Submission

Schedule
Step 1: Letter of Inquiry
Application deadlines
Nov 8
Feb 9, 2025
Step 2: Full proposal (check website)

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