Initiative Foundation

Mission Statement

To empower people throughout central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.

Impact and Programs

Accomplishments The Initiative Foundation awarded $1.9 million in grants, scholarships and fellowships to 448 organizations for all programs in aggregate and originated loans totaling $1.9 million during 2019. We launched a new program to work in four pilot communities to expand access to quality, affordable child care. Staff continued to assist the city of Becker and Sherburne County with preparations for the decommissioning of units at the largest coal-fired power plant in the Midwest. We continue to participate in the Philanthropic Preparedness, Resiliency, and Emergency Partnership collaboration that helps to build the capacity of community foundations to support hometowns in times of crisis. Additionally, we completed the final year of fieldwork associated with a $4 million grant from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to support innovative pilot projects that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Staff piloted three cohorts of our Financial Resiliency program and facilitated the selection of seven individuals from across the 41 counties to participate in the Initiators Fellowship program. We offered the Enterprise Academy program, providing business training, one-on-one technical assistance, and direct lending to lower-income entrepreneurs. We published two editions of IQ Magazine. In support of our vision to cultivate a lasting culture of generosity, staff provided training and other assistance to local community volunteers involved with the Foundation’s 127 partner/component funds.
Current Goals ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT: Foster growth of businesses by providing training, financing and technical assistance, with an emphasis on underserved communities and social enterprises. WORKFORCE AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Tap under-utilized pools of talent and support career exploration and skill development in high-demand fields. CHILDCARE AVAILABILITY: Catalyze innovation within the region and coordinate with partners in support of economically sustainable, quality child care. NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING: Provide training to anti-poverty organizations, other nonprofits and Initiative Foundation Partner Fund volunteers and board members to enhance their impact throughout our region. NONPROFIT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT INNOVATION: Use training, technical assistance and grant funding to support innovative early-stage projects which foster inclusive engagement and development of emerging leaders. WORKPLACE BEST PRACTICES: Model best practices through a holistic approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace wellbeing, organizational culture and other operational activities. ENDOWMENTS: Grow endowments and secure major gifts by cultivating donor relationships and making direct asks across multiple forms of media. LEGACY GIVING: Preserve and grow the region’s wealth by encouraging bequests and maintaining and initiating relationships with priority stakeholders across the region. INTEGRATED IMPACT: Multiply impact by seeking opportunities for coordination across Innovation Fund grantmaking, programming and Partner Funds, and connecting to external grantmakers.
Community or Constituency Served The cities, counties and two tribal nations within the 14 counties of central Minnesota including: Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Wright.
Geographic Area Served 14 counties of central Minnesota including: Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Wright.

Reports & Finances

If you have additional questions regarding a nonprofit's financials, visit their website, or call and ask to review their IRS Form 990, Annual Report, or Audit for a more complete picture of their financial story.
Major Program Expenses
Initiators Fellowship:
$293,535
Enterprise Academy:
$237,888
Thriving Communities/Early Childhood Initiative:
$270,417
Partner Funds:
$507,924
Nonprofit Organizational Development:
$201,690
Volunteers in Service to America:
$178,355
3 Year Average Expenses
Program Services
$4,568,416
74.2%
Management
$1,131,243
18.4%
Fundraising
$459,839
7.5%
Unrestricted Net Assets
End of Year:
Beginning of Year:
Difference:
2019
$41,583,518
$33,341,962
$8,241,556
2018
$33,341,962
$36,475,135
($3,133,173)
2017
$36,475,135
$32,690,026
$3,785,109

Notes from the Council

Organization Last Reviewed on 11/25/2020

This date is representative of when we completed our initial Accountability Wizard® nonprofit review, and provided the organization with their results. This review is good for three years from the date provided
Return to List of Reviewed Nonprofits

Connect

Address:
405 1st St SE
Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: 3206329255
Website: ifound.org

General Information

Alternative Name: Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation Affiliated Funds include: Black Oak Getty Community Foundation, Cambridge Area Community Foundation, Delano Community Foundation, Eden Valley Area Community Foundation, Greater Pequot Lakes Community Foundation, Greater Pine Area Endowment, Hackensack Lakes Area Community Foundation, Isle Area Community Foundation, Longville Area Community Foundation, Morrison County Area Foundation, Rum River Community Foundation, Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation, Three Rivers Community Foundation.
EIN: 36-3451562
Principal Staff: Matt Varilek
Number of Full-Time Equivalents (FTE): 23.5
Volunteer Opportunities: Yes
Number of Clients: 14,421 including distribution of IQ Magazine of 13,500
Ruling Year: 1986

Board

Board Chair: Traci Tapani
Number of Board Members: 15
Board Meetings with Quorum: 13
Average Member Attendance: 12.4

Get our latest and greatest monthly!

Subscribe

Charities Review Council

Our mission is building donor and nonprofit relationships for strong, vibrant and just communities. We envision healthy communities for all, benefiting from effective and trustworthy nonprofits that are supported by a well-informed public’s generosity.

Let’s Connect

1915 Highway 36 W Ste 133 • Roseville, Minnesota 55113-2709
Phone: (651) 224–7030 • E-mail: info@smartgivers.org

Privacy Policy (5/9/19) • Terms of Use (5/9/19)

MENU
Log In