Laserfiche WebLink
• June 23, 2004 <br /> INITIATIVE <br /> FOUNDATION <br /> Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor <br /> City of Elk River <br /> 13065 Orono Pkwy <br /> Elk River, MN 55330-5600 <br /> RE: 2005 Budget Request for Initiative Foundation Support of$5000. <br /> Dear Mayor Klinzing and Members of the Elk River City Council, <br /> Since 1986 the Initiative Foundation has been focused on nothing more . . . and nothing less . . . <br /> than the health, vitality and sustainability of communities within the 14-county area we serve. <br /> Initially begun as a means for the McKnight Foundation to extend its influence outside the metro <br /> area, the Minnesota Initiative Foundations (MIF) model is today nationally recognized for its <br /> citizen-centered approach to community development. We recognize the significant strengths <br /> and assets that already exist here in Central Minnesota and build upon them with three broad <br /> areas of support: <br /> • Partnering Programs that increase the capacity of local citizens to create a shared vision <br /> 40 and then make it a reality <br /> • Economic Development in the form of gap financing and loan guarantees for the purpose <br /> of creating and/or retaining living wage jobs <br /> • Grant Making for projects that will enhance community life by positively impacting any <br /> of our key focus areas: Children, Youth and Families; Environmental Stewardship; <br /> Technology Utilization; Embracing Diversity; Economic Stability; Capacity of Non- <br /> Profit Organizations <br /> While core values, ethical principles and lofty visions make great copy, they also serve to keep <br /> us grounded and focused. I hope you will agree, however, that above all else is the Initiative <br /> Foundation's demonstrated history of practicing what we preach. We live out our values in real <br /> time, in real communities and in the experiences of real people . . . all to the benefit of this <br /> beautiful region we are fortunate to call "home." I invite you to refer to the information enclosed <br /> with this mailing for a fuller picture of"who we are and what we do." <br /> Central Minnesota communities are in the midst of some very challenging times and by virtue of <br /> our strategic viewpoint, the Foundation Board and Staff are keenly aware of the issues you must <br /> face. Tightened budgets, balancing infrastructure with the pace of growth, the social impact of <br /> meth-labs, alternatives to "smokestack chasing" for rural community economic development, <br /> affordable housing issues . . . the list goes on. We continue to believe in the collective willpower <br /> and intellect of committed local citizenry as the answer to these and any issues that arise. "Local <br /> people know best. " The potential is here, and together we can unlock it! <br /> • <br />