Initiative Foundation
The Initiative Foundation is a public charity headquartered in an individual recipient, Minnesota. Founded in 1986, it serves Central Minnesota by investing in people and places through grantmaking, business lending, community programs and philanthropic services.
Initiative Foundation at a glance
In short: Initiative Foundation gave $5.5M across 214 grants in 2024 (avg $26K), mostly in Minnesota. 76% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $5,542,491
- +53.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 214
- +55.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $25,899
- -1.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $24,500
- Total assets
- $114,684,187
- +5.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 76% first-time grantees (151 of 200, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (99% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Initiative Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Create an account in the Foundation’s community portal to access funding opportunities and submit an application. The Foundation says applicants can review grant history in the portal. Current grantees must submit a financial report; the 2024 filing says final grant reports must itemize grant expenses.
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 third round of Emerging Needs and Nonprofit Capacity-Building grants is scheduled for October 5 through November 6 at 4 p.m.
- Deadline
- The 2026 third round of Emerging Needs and Nonprofit Capacity-Building grants is scheduled for October 5 through…
- Contact
Mailing address: 405 First Street Se, Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: (320) 632-9255
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
22 open opportunities from Initiative Foundation
Albany Area Education Foundation Grant
Initiative Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Black Oak Getty Community Foundation Grant Program
Initiative Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Bluejacket Education Foundation Grant
Initiative Foundation
Amount
US $500 - US $2,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Initiative Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was City of Wadena ($146K). Together the top 10 received $844K.
Organizations only. It also paid 5 grants to individuals ($66,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,433 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,356 grants of 2,433 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s stated service area is Central Minnesota’s 14 counties and portions of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe. Its 2024 filing says grants are generally made locally within that 14-county service area. In the filing’s 2024 itemized grants, 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in Minnesota, 1% to North Dakota and less than 1% to Iowa.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 214 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Initiative Foundation open to new grantees?
76%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 151 of 200 grantees (76%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $28K; repeat grants $26K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $18K repeat.
- 15% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+18%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.5M (2019) to $10.0M (2022). In 2024 it made 214 grants totaling $5.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Wadena Wadena, MN | To Support the Wadena City Library Renovation | $146,160 |
| City of Princeton Rockford, MN | To Support Economic Development. | $111,008 |
| Community Health Service Inc Moorhead, MN | To support and enhance access to oral health services. | $75,000 |
| Red Lake Nation Red Lake, MN | To Support the Red Lake Homeless Shelter. | $75,000 |
| Relationship Safety Alliance Brainerd, MN | To Support Community-Based Advocacy and Domestic Violence Shelters. | $75,000 |
| United Community Action Partnership Inc Marshall, MN | To support programs which provide emergency services and youth development. | $75,000 |
| All Nations Rise Bagley, MN | To Support the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (Ipli). | $74,000 |
| Pearl Crisis Center Milaca, MN | To Support Victims of Domestic and Sexual Abuse. | $73,000 |
| Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Inc Zimmerman, MN | Construction of an amphitheater at the oak savana learning center. | $65,000 |
| Oasis Central Minnesota Little Falls, MN | To support emergency housing and housing stability services in central mn. | $60,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Initiative Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $114,684,187 | $15,215,240 | $15,713,243 | $5,542,491 | 214 | $3,681,994 |
| 2023 | $109,008,159 | $10,031,903 | $9,362,176 | $3,609,693 | 138 | $1,931,465 |
| 2022 | $98,819,361 | $18,836,412 | $16,266,746 | $10,034,975 | 764 | $2,402,917 |
| 2021 | $108,344,856 | $30,841,983 | $9,396,701 | $4,694,858 | 403 | $20,179,786 |
| 2020 | $95,633,483 | $21,753,358 | $15,318,248 | $9,418,466 | 914 | $2,807,126 |
| 2019 | $81,789,533 | $10,291,225 | $5,230,555 | $1,485,183 | 120 | $4,312,546 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to invest in the people and places of Central Minnesota to build thriving economies, vibrant communities and a shared culture of generosity. Its 2026–2028 strategic framework emphasizes growing thriving economies, building vibrant communities and fostering a shared culture of generosity.
Its website says grants support projects and programs such as nonprofit capacity-building, local government and school initiatives, and economic and workforce development. The Foundation also describes programs involving childcare solutions, community resiliency, nonprofit development, small-business support and workforce development. In its 2024 filing, it reported deploying 39 economic development and small-business loans totaling $5,679,497.
Examples of grantees show support for varied community needs. Relationship Safety Alliance describes its work as providing community-based advocacy and domestic violence shelters, while Community Health Service Inc. says it delivers patient-centered healthcare and works with community partners to promote health equity. All Nations Rise describes its mission as supporting and empowering Indigenous families, and Oasis Central Minnesota says it provides temporary shelter and connects people experiencing housing insecurity with community resources.
Grantmaking
The Foundation’s 2024 filing lists 214 itemized grants totaling $5,542,491. Grant amounts ranged from $5,176 to $146,160, with a median of $24,500. Separately, the filing reports that its 131 Partner Funds delivered 351 grants totaling more than $1.4 million, with an average award of $4,079.
Among the largest itemized grants in 2024 were $146,160 to the City of Wadena for a library renovation and $111,008 to the City of Princeton for economic development. Community Health Service Inc., Red Lake Nation, Relationship Safety Alliance and United Community Action Partnership each received $75,000. Other awards included $74,000 to All Nations Rise, $73,000 to Pearl Crisis Center, $65,000 to Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, and $60,000 each to Oasis Central Minnesota and Recovery Community Network.
The Foundation’s website says applications for its grants are accepted on a rolling basis and awards are made through competitive review. Eligible applicants for its general grants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts and local government units operating within its service area. Partner Funds have their own priorities and varying application periods. Its Emerging Needs and Nonprofit Capacity-Building opportunity offers two tracks: rapid-response or short-term support grants of up to $5,000, and nonprofit capacity-building grants of up to $10,000. Organizations may receive no more than one grant through that opportunity in a calendar year.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Foundation’s 2024 filing lists Brian Voerding as president and Michele Miller as CFO. Don Hickman is listed as vice president for community and workforce, with the title marked former. The trustees listed are David Monroy, chair; Kristi Westbrock, vice chair; Teri Hoggarth, treasurer; Brett Anderson; Carrie Willis; Dan Weber; and Jessica Bitz.
Initiative Foundation is led by Brian Voerding, President since 2023 (on filings since 2022); 3 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Brian Voerding
President
Vice President for Inclusive Entrepreneuership → President, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$109K (2022) → $166K (2024)
David Monroy
Trustee & Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Vice Chair, 2022
Trustee & Vice Chair → Trustee & Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brett Anderson
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Bitz
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Nayquonabe Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Nelson
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Ellingson
Trustee
Trustee & Vice Chair → Trustee & Chair, 2022
Trustee & Chair → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristi Westbrock
Trustee & Vice Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robbyn Wacker
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Santo Cruz
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Teri Hoggarth
Trustee & Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Nelson
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dan Weber
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Mulford
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carrie Willis
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mateo Mackbee
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Don Hickman
Vice President for Community & Workforce
Vice President for Community → Vice President for Communications, 2022
Vice President for Communications → Vice President for Community & Workforce, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$117K (2019) → $148K (2024)
Michele Miller
CFO
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$103K (2023) → $118K (2024)
Former officers (7)
- Former: Lynn Bushinger (2019–2023) — COO, CFO & Treasurer
- Former: Matt Varilek (2019–2023) — President
- Former: Rick Bauerly (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Charles Black Lance (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Traci Tapani (2019–2021) — Trustee & Chair
- Former: Jeff Wig (2019–2020) — Vice President for Entrepreneurship
- Former: Steve Shurts (2019) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $166K, to Brian Voerding (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Initiative Foundation
How much does Initiative Foundation give each year?
Initiative Foundation gave $5.5M across 214 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $3.6M across 138 grants.
What is Initiative Foundation's typical grant size?
Initiative Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $24,500, and its average grant was $25,899, across 214 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Initiative Foundation that year got $28K on average.
Where does Initiative Foundation give grants?
Initiative Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were St Cloud, MN (23 grants), Brainerd, MN (11 grants), Waite Park, MN (7 grants) and Little Falls, MN (6 grants).
Does Initiative Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 0% of Initiative Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 214) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Deed Promise Act Grant" (46 grants), "To Support the Mission of the Organization" (13 grants) and "To Support the Scholarship Program" (5 grants).
Who are Initiative Foundation's largest grantees?
Initiative Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include City of Wadena ($146,160), City of Princeton ($111,008) and Community Health Service Inc ($75,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 5 grants to individuals ($66,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 6% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Initiative Foundation?
Initiative Foundation reported $114.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $15.2M.
What does Initiative Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to invest in the people and places of Central Minnesota to build thriving economies, vibrant communities and a shared culture of generosity. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Initiative Foundation?
Create an account in the Foundation’s community portal to access funding opportunities and submit an application. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Initiative Foundation's EIN?
Initiative Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3451562. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 29, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 1, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS June 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 15, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Initiative Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Initiative Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/initiative-foundation-morg_419abc6ab3584b5998d3e3abbd5a50bc
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_363451562_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Initiative Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/initiative-foundation-morg_419abc6ab3584b5998d3e3abbd5a50bc},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-08. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Initiative Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Initiative Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?