9.1. EDSR 08-11-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 23,2003 ! INITIATIVE FOUNDATION Patrick Klaers,Administrator City of Elk River 13065 Orono Pkwy Elk River,MN 55330-5600 RE: 2004 Budget Request for Initiative Foundation Support of$5,000. Dear Mr.Klapr,:i The Initiative Foundation was founded in 1986 to harness the strengths and assets of local citizens in a relentless effort to improve the quality of life in this Central Minnesota region. Our mission is to unlock the potential of the people of Central Minnesota to build and sustain healthy communities. The Foundation utilizes flexible grant and business loan programs to strengthen locally owned businesses, secure quality jobs that pay a livable wage and eliminate barriers to economic development in partnership with regional communities. We believe all communities deserve to have the key tools to economic prosperity including access to capital, strategic planning,basic technology infrastructure, and active community leadership. In addition to gap lending for business start up or expansion we selectively provide community training and extend grants to address barriers to economic development and mobilize the existing resources of communities. A healthy community with a vision and plan for future growth is one that attracts business growth and expansion. This may include funds for training, skills development,technical assistance,research, and projects that integrate new technology. • The Initiative Foundation Board and Staff are well aware of the challenging times facing our region's communities. Our philosophy at the Foundation is that the answers to the biggest challenges can be found at the local level. If ever there was a time for local units of government to support the Initiative Foundation it is now. We are part of the solution in these tough times. We have invested$1,902,600 in Sherburne County and helped create or retain 259 quality jobs. We think that's a great Return on Investment. In addition the communities of*Elk River,Big Lake, and Zimmerman have participated in our Healthy Communities Partnership Program; *Big Lake,Briggs Lake Chain,Lake Fremont, Lake Orono, and Little Elk Lake Improvement in our Healthy Lakes&Rivers Partnership Program; and'The Boys and Girls Club of Elk River in our Healthy Organizations Program. Here are examples of the Initiative Foundation programs that could directly impact your community in the coming year: 1. Healthy Community Partnership: This program trains citizen leaders to plan for the future by engaging the community as a whole in a visioning process,writing a plan,identifying projects to move the plan along. We provide on-going grant support and technical assistance. 2. Healthy Organizations Partnership: This is a time of significant challenge for not for profit organizations. Our HOP program increases the capacity and effectiveness of these organizations to better carry out their missions. We assist non profits with building a board,board governance, fund raising, grant writing,record keeping, strategic planning, etc. We provide grant support,training and technical assistance. •