Initiative Foundation

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Initiative Foundation Initiative Foundation
405 First St. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-9255
ifound.org
(4)

Since 1986, the Initiative Foundation has invested multiple millions in the region through targeted grants and business financing investments. Guided by a three-year strategic plan and focus areas, the Initiative Foundation awards about $1 million-plus annually in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, governments and schools that serve Central Minnesota residents.

🌟 How can technology, innovation and new partnerships help rural communities thrive?The 2026 AscendRural National Summit...
10/09/2026

🌟 How can technology, innovation and new partnerships help rural communities thrive?

The 2026 AscendRural National Summit, Nov. 30–Dec. 2 in Eagan, will bring together leaders and innovators from across the country to explore what's working in rural communities—and what's next.

Attendees will discover innovative approaches to rural challenges, connect with leaders across sectors and explore partnerships that can turn promising ideas into meaningful action.

A familiar face is in the speaker lineup! Brian Voerding, president of the Initiative Foundation, will join the conversation alongside national leaders working to strengthen rural communities.

Interested in fresh ideas, valuable connections and new possibilities for rural Minnesota? This is an event worth exploring!

👉 Learn more and register: https://www.ascendrural.org/upcoming-events/2026summit

Thank you, Nisswa—and thank you, Central Minnesota! Good ideas have shaped Central Minnesota for generations. And again ...
10/02/2026

Thank you, Nisswa—and thank you, Central Minnesota!

Good ideas have shaped Central Minnesota for generations. And again on Oct. 1, we had the chance to celebrate the people who keep bringing them to life.

Friends, partners and community leaders gathered at beautiful Nature Link in Nisswa to share stories, make connections and reflect on what can happen when people believe in their communities and work together to move ideas forward.

We were grateful to welcome Kathy Gaalswyk, founding president of the Initiative Foundation, and Tonya Allen, president of the McKnight Foundation, who helped us reflect on the people and ideas that have shaped our region over the past 40 years—and those that will shape what comes next.

We’re also grateful to the sponsors who helped make this gathering—and our 40th anniversary celebrations—possible. Their support created space for people from across the region to come together, connect and celebrate the good ideas strengthening Central Minnesota.

One highlight was recognizing Verna Toenyan as our fourth and final 2026 Good Neighbor Honoree. So many of Verna’s friends and supporters joined us to celebrate her decades of bringing people together and turning community needs into action. As part of the honor, Verna directed a $5,000 grant to Hilltop Regional Kitchen in Eagle Bend.

Nisswa marked the last of our four 40th anniversary gatherings. To everyone who joined us in Foley, Braham, Big Lake and Nisswa—and to everyone across Central Minnesota who keeps showing up with an idea, a solution or a willingness to help a neighbor—thank you.

After 40 years, one thing is clear: The best ideas start with people who care about the places they call home. And there are plenty more good ideas ahead. Watch for Initiative Foundation events in 2027!

Learn more about Verna Toenyan: https://ifound.org/news/verna-toenyan-named-2026-good-neighbor-honoree/

A great example of a Partner Fund at work! ☀️🚗The Sebeka School Foundation is one of many Initiative Foundation Partner ...
10/01/2026

A great example of a Partner Fund at work! ☀️🚗

The Sebeka School Foundation is one of many Initiative Foundation Partner Funds. Through Partner Funds, communities can raise charitable dollars for the causes and opportunities that matter most to them, while the Foundation provides administrative and philanthropic support.

Here, local generosity helped unlock additional funding and bring hands-on learning to Sebeka students.

Learn more about Partner Funds: https://ifound.org/giving/partner-funds/

Nonprofit board members and leaders: Strengthen the way you lead—together. Our upcoming Board Leadership Training is des...
09/25/2026

Nonprofit board members and leaders: Strengthen the way you lead—together. Our upcoming Board Leadership Training is designed to help board members and organizational leaders strengthen governance, clarify roles and responsibilities, increase engagement and accountability and build a stronger partnership for the future.

Choose from two upcoming sessions:

Oct. 14, Waite Park: https://ifound.org/trainings/board-leadership-training-2/

Nov. 12, Brainerd: https://ifound.org/trainings/board-leadership-training-brainerd/

Whether you’re welcoming new board members, looking to reenergize your board or simply want everyone on the same page, this practical, interactive training can help. Register today and invest in stronger leadership for your organization.

Thank you, Big Lake!We were honored to celebrate the Initiative Foundation's 40th anniversary Tuesday evening at Lupulin...
09/23/2026

Thank you, Big Lake!

We were honored to celebrate the Initiative Foundation's 40th anniversary Tuesday evening at Lupulin Brewing Company alongside friends, partners, supporters and community leaders from across the region.

The evening also gave us the opportunity to recognize our 2026 Good Neighbor Honoree, Heather Kliewer, executive director of CAER Food Shelf. Heather's dedication to helping others and strengthening the Elk River-area community exemplifies the spirit of the Good Neighbor Honor.

We're especially grateful to Lupulin Brewing Company, a past Initiative Foundation loan client, for being such a welcoming host and steadfast supporter of community and economic development.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the past 40 years and look ahead to what's possible when communities come together.

Learn more about Heather's recognition: https://ifound.org/news/community-aid-of-elk-rivers-heather-kliewer-named-2026-good-neighbor-honoree/

Storms are part of life in Central Minnesota—but so is what comes after.Time and again, communities across the region ha...
09/22/2026

Storms are part of life in Central Minnesota—but so is what comes after.

Time and again, communities across the region have weathered change, uncertainty and challenge by showing up for one another and looking ahead together. As we celebrate 40 years, we’re celebrating with a region that knows how to endure, adapt and keep moving forward.

40 years of investing in your good ideas.

We're delighted to celebrate 40 years of your good ideas. Don't miss our last 40th-anniversary gathering in Nisswa on Oct. 1. Learn more and RSVP: ifound.org/about/40th-year

If you're a current or former loan client, grantee, donor, partner fund advisor, program participant, elected or community leader, or anyone we've worked with or engaged with over the years, we'd love to see you and the friends and family you bring along!

What do the latest trends tell us about life in Central Minnesota?Find out Nov. 19 when the Greater Minnesota Roadshow c...
09/17/2026

What do the latest trends tell us about life in Central Minnesota?

Find out Nov. 19 when the Greater Minnesota Roadshow comes to St. Cloud. Hosted at Granite Partners, this free event from Minnesota Compass will feature regional data, interactive training, community discussion and a complimentary meal. As a trusted source for insights and action across Minnesota, Minnesota Compass helps communities turn information into informed decisions.

📍 St. Cloud
📅 Nov. 19
🕘 9 a.m. to noon
Register: eventbrite.com/cc/2026-greater-minnesota-roadshow-4864197

In March 2003, a new way to share Central Minnesota’s stories began with the launch of IQ Magazine.Since then, roughly 7...
09/15/2026

In March 2003, a new way to share Central Minnesota’s stories began with the launch of IQ Magazine.

Since then, roughly 75 editions have captured hundreds of stories from across the region’s 14 counties and two Native nations—stories about people, places, challenges and good ideas taking shape close to home. Twice each year, the magazine lands in about 18,000 mailboxes, making it one of the most widely circulated print publications in Central Minnesota.

What’s mattered most over the years isn’t the magazine itself, but the voices within it—the neighbors, leaders, entrepreneurs and communities whose stories reflect the strength and possibility of this region.

As we celebrate 40 years, we’re celebrating together the power of shared stories—and the many still waiting to be told.

Subscribe to IQ Magazine at ifound.org/iq-magazine/subscribe-to-iq to receive the fall edition, dropping in mid-October!

What helps people feel like they belong?That question brought about 50 people to Krewe in St. Joseph on Sept. 14 for the...
09/15/2026

What helps people feel like they belong?

That question brought about 50 people to Krewe in St. Joseph on Sept. 14 for the latest Rural Voice conversation. Returning to the restaurant where the series began five years ago, community members gathered for an honest and hopeful discussion about whether rural communities are welcoming enough.

Led by Minnesota Public Radio host Kerri Miller, the town hall explored community culture, the challenges of feeling accepted and the ways people can create space for themselves and others. Participants shared personal stories and ideas for building stronger connections across differences and helping more people feel at home in their communities.

Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and added their voice to the discussion. A special thanks to KREWE Restaurant and Flour & Flower for opening their space and feeding the community during this event.

A recording of the event will air on Minnesota Public Radio during the week of Sept. 21.

Some people see a need. Verna Toenyan sees a way forward.For decades, Verna has been a driving force for older adults an...
09/12/2026

Some people see a need. Verna Toenyan sees a way forward.

For decades, Verna has been a driving force for older adults and rural communities in Todd County—bringing people together, finding resources and turning good ideas into action.

Her leadership helped bring Hilltop Regional Kitchen in Eagle Bend to life, and today she continues to champion affordable senior housing and new community gathering space.

We’re proud to recognize Verna as a 2026 Good Neighbor Honoree! As part of the honor, she will direct a $5,000 grant to Hilltop Regional Kitchen, thanks to the support of Bell Bank and CTC.

Congratulations, Verna—and thank you for showing us what it means to be a good neighbor.

Read her story: ifound.org/news/verna-toenyan-named-2026-good-neighbor-honoree/

Address

405 1st Street SE
Little Falls, MN
56345

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 2:30pm

Telephone

+18776329255

Website

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