Laserfiche WebLink
· Mission: To improve the quality of life for residents, families, and communities <br />in Central Minnesota thi'ough comprehensive and integrated c6mmunity <br />development. <br /> <br />Five Year Strategic Direction: To invest in well planned collaborative <br />community development end.eavors that improve the economic vitality and <br />overall health of communities while increasing the asset base of the Fund. <br /> <br />Serv.ice Area: The fourteen county area of: Benton, Cass, Chisago, CroTM Wing, <br />Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena - <br />and Wright which includes 160 communities. _ <br /> <br />Activities: <br />· <br /> <br />Gap lending to assist new and exp~nding businesses. <br />Grants to community and non-profit groups for community and economic <br />development 'actiVities. <br />~Leadershil5 training to build the capacity of communities to address change. <br />Public education regarding regional needs .and opportunities such as housing, <br />work force, planning, economic development, etc. <br />Fundraising programs to support the Fund, increase the level of philan,thropy <br />in Central Minnesota, and to educate residents about philanthropy. <br /> <br />History: The Initiative Fund was established in 1986 by The McKnight <br />Foundation to address the human and economic needs in Central Minnesota. It is <br />one of six Funds serving greater Minnesota. It is an independent, nonprofit <br />philanthropic organization .organi.,zed as a 501(c)(3). In the first ten years of <br />operation, the Initiative Fund: r <br />· Made 801 grants totaling nearly $8 million. ~ <br />· - Made 431 loans totalingS8 million. <br />· Leveraged $58 million in private'investment. <br />· Created or retained 2,800jobs. <br />· Trained 270 community leaders. <br /> <br />If you have questions about the Initiative Fund's programs, or would like to be <br />placed on the mailing list to receive our newsletter and fall program <br />announcements, contact: ' <br /> <br /> Centra.1 Minnesota Initiative Fund <br /> 70 SE First Avenue <br /> Little Falls, MN 56345 <br /> 320/.632-9255 (phone) 320/632-9258 (fax) <br /> <br /> <br />