5. EDSR 08-09-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Initiative FOUNDATION www.ifound.org Ms. Catherine Mehelich Economic Development Authority 13065 Orono Pkwy NW Elk River, MN 55330-5600 RE: 2011 Budget Request for Initiative Foundation Support of $5,000. Dear Ms. Mehelich, June 25, 2010 The past two years will be "writ large" in our hearts and minds for generations to come. As we continue to navigate in the wake of an economic storm; it is gratifying to see signs of recovery. With the help and support of many central Minnesota friends, the Initiative Foundation has provided technical assistance to struggling businesses, focused our discretionary grant-making on helping displaced workers and families in crisis, and worked hard to continue providing loans and support to get the economy back on track. Sadly, like many of you, we were forced to accomplish this while freezing salaries for a second consecutive year, reducing staff levels, setting aside important and long-planned projects, and furloughing hours for a number of our employees. But as ever ... we are still here and still fighting for central Minnesota's home towns! As we continue working together to build strong communities with vibrant local economies, please be mindful of the Initiative Foundation's impact on you and your constituents (details are enclosed): • Our business financing programs have helped to secure 380 quality jobs in Sherburne County. • Leadership programs and grants have encouraged citizen engagement, provided a safety net for important nonprofit organizations, and helped preserve the region's precious natural resources. • Early childhood and youth leadership efforts helped prepare central Minnesota's future workforce. • Donors in Sherburne County have received a 449% return on their Initiative Foundation investments, in the form of grants and economic development loans. We've been serving the City of Elk River and all of Sherburne County for nearlytwenty-five years with a mission that demands nothing more-and nothing less-than healthy, sustainable communities. Will you help us continue this important work? Please note especially that your gift will leverage an immediate dollar for-dollar match from The McKnight Foundation! We respectfully ask that you consider our request for $5,000 from the City of Elk River in 2011. Thank you for your consideration! i~cerelyn ,d, ~~ urt Hanson Vice President for Donor Services cc: Lee Hanson, Chair, Initiative Foundation Board of Trustees Kathy Gaalswyk, President Enclosures 405 First St. SF Little Fa(Is; MN 56345 320.632.9255 Equaf Opportunity Lender, Provider and Employer