The Initiative Foundation offers Economic Development and Workforce Grants designed to support projects that stimulate economic growth and workforce expansion in Central Minnesota. These grants are targeted toward local units of government, Tribal governments, and nonprofit economic development organizations that have 501(c)(3) status. The foundation prioritizes funding for early-stage or pilot initiatives and new strategies that promote workforce housing, attract and retain regional workers, and enhance entrepreneurial or business development activities.

Grant applications are evaluated based on alignment with key strategic objectives. Funded projects may involve developing sector-specific apprenticeships, internships, or mentoring programs; creating workforce housing solutions; incentivizing business growth that offers sustainable wages; encouraging entrepreneurship; or conducting feasibility studies and preliminary assessments for new business models. However, the foundation does not fund general marketing campaigns, community promotions, or single-organization marketing/recruitment projects, nor does it cover routine operating expenses like onboarding or HR-related training.

The maximum grant award available through this program is $10,000. Organizations are restricted to one grant per calendar year to ensure equitable distribution of resources. The next application deadlines for 2025 are May 9 and November 14, providing two cycles for applicants to submit their proposals.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to communicate openly with Initiative Foundation staff, who are available to support applicants throughout the process. Grant-related questions can be directed to the general email at grants@ifound.org or specific contacts listed below. Staff support is available Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Friday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

Key grantmaking contacts include Jessy Beto, Grantmaking Administrator (jbeto@ifound.org, 320-631-2057), Nicole Clements, Nonprofit Development Program Officer (nclements@ifound.org, 320-631-2048), and Amy Trombley, Vice President for Community (atrombley@ifound.org, 320-631-2043). The Initiative Foundation’s main office is located at 405 First St. S.E., Little Falls, MN 56345, with a secondary location at 501 West St. Germain St., Suite 101, St. Cloud, MN 56301.