West Central Initiative
West Central Initiative is a public charity based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Founded in 1986, it describes itself as a regional community foundation and economic development district serving west central Minnesota and White Earth Nation through funding, programs, and technical assistance.
West Central Initiative at a glance
In short: West Central Initiative gave $5.3M across 185 grants in 2025 (avg $29K), mostly in Minnesota. 55% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $5,286,099
- -23.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 185
- +27.6% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $28,574
- -39.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $96,470,939
- +8.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 55% first-time grantees (99 of 179, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (91% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to West Central Initiative
- How to Apply
-
The website describes a single application for organizations seeking West Central Initiative Grants across multiple focus areas; only one application per organization is considered. The 2026 round is closed.
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 West Central Initiative Grants application period ran January 20–February 26, 2026. The personally endowed fund application period is scheduled for October 12–November 12, 2026.
- Deadline
- The 2026 West Central Initiative Grants application period ran January 20–February 26, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 318, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0318
Phone: (218) 739-2239
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
9 open opportunities from West Central Initiative
Deloris Barnack Kenner Fund
West Central Initiative
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant
West Central Initiative
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Floyd and Harriet Miller Endowment Fund
West Central Initiative
Amount
US $500 - US $2,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who West Central Initiative funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Broadway Welding Inc ($200K). Together the top 10 received $1.7M.
Organizations only. It also paid 7 grants to individuals ($72,177), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,113 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,028 grants of 1,113 (92%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization says it serves west central Minnesota and White Earth Nation. Its 2025 filing data show that 91% of grant dollars went to Minnesota recipients, with 4% going to an individual recipient, 3% to Nebraska, and 1% to an individual recipient The website’s grant opportunities describe the West Central Initiative Grants as supporting work in west central Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 185 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is West Central Initiative open to new grantees?
55%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 99 of 179 grantees (55%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $34K; repeat grants $23K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $14K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). 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 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.5M (2023) to $6.9M (2024). In 2025 it made 185 grants totaling $5.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Broadway Welding Inc Lake Park, MN | Deed Main Street Revitalization Grant | $199,990 |
| Moorhead Center Mall Development LLC Moorhead, MN | Deed Main Street Revitalization Grant | $199,990 |
| Sterling Development Group Four LLC Moorhead, MN | Deed Main Street Revitalization Grant | $199,900 |
| Snirtstopper LLC Browns Valley, MN | Deed Main Street Revitalization Grant | $197,538 |
| American Sports Outfitters LLC Detroit Lakes, MN | Deed Main Street Revitalization Grant | $160,000 |
| Lau-Gilbertson Properties LLC Moorhead, MN | Deed Main Street Revitalization Grant | $158,858 |
| Atkinson Rural Fire Department Atkinson, NE | MSA Packs | $144,415 |
| Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Alexandria, MN | Ditch 23/Lake Ida AMA Wetland Project | $140,904 |
| City of Pelican Rapids Pelican Rapids, MN | 2024 eda mini grants; find your path project; aquatic center support; other project support | $136,786 |
| Valley Hardwood Supply Moorhead, MN | Deed Main Street Revitalization Grant | $135,000 |
Ready to take the next step with West Central Initiative?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The organization’s statement on its 2024 filing says it awarded just under $6.3 million in grants during the current year and added 14 component funds to its portfolio in FY25.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $96,470,939 | $16,024,793 | $11,792,919 | $5,286,099 | 185 | $4,996,465 |
| 2024 | $88,800,984 | $9,762,014 | $12,096,788 | $6,897,069 | 145 | $2,992,123 |
| 2023 | $87,078,134 | $9,220,682 | $7,282,692 | $2,539,422 | 85 | $1,652,626 |
| 2022 | $80,928,029 | $10,157,757 | $8,524,125 | $4,315,856 | 294 | $2,575,869 |
| 2021 | $88,146,550 | $16,496,170 | $8,812,042 | $5,734,473 | 404 | $7,400,933 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is “serving to improve west central Minnesota through funding, programs, and technical assistance.” Its stated vision is “a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable world” starting in west central Minnesota.
The 2026 West Central Initiative Grants identify environmental sustainability, social change that advances equity, and civic engagement as priority areas. The website describes support for community-led sustainability projects and nonprofits, organizations working with historically marginalized communities, and nonpartisan civic engagement organizations. Requests may be for general operating support or a specific project or program. Grant funds may not cover expenses incurred before approval, religious activities, lobbying, or political activities.
Examples of 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. The American Legion post in Lake Park described its mission as serving veterans and the community and supporting patriotic and youth activities. The Douglas County Car Care Program said it provides and repairs donated vehicles to help remove transportation barriers for county residents. Other recipients included the Children’s Discovery Center, which described its work as providing hands-on learning experiences for youth, and Laker Prep Early Childhood, which described its work as caring for and supporting the development of young children and their families.
Grantmaking
In the 2025 filing year, the organization reported 185 grants totaling $5,286,099. The itemized grants ranged from $5,500 to $199,990, with a median of $15,000. The largest listed awards included $199,990 to Broadway Welding Inc. and $199,990 to Moorhead Center Mall Development LLC, both for a DEED Main Street Revitalization Grant; and $197,538 to Snirtstopper LLC for the same purpose. Other listed grants supported projects such as a wetland project, school programs, and community initiatives.
The organization’s website reports that it awarded $600,000 to 72 organizations in fiscal year 2026 for work in environmental sustainability, social change, and civic engagement. It also lists personally endowed fund grants of $500–$2,500, with an application period scheduled for October 12–November 12, 2026. The 2026 West Central Initiative grant round is closed; its stated award range was $3,000–$25,000, with most grants expected to be $3,000–$10,000.
Other funding opportunities described by the organization include energy efficiency and conservation grants of $2,000–$20,000 for eligible local governments in small communities, and technical assistance for municipalities, nonprofits, utilities, and partnerships seeking infrastructure or clean-energy funding. The organization’s filing states that grant recipients must report on use of funds and that grants over $25,000 require board approval.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jackie Buboltz as chairperson, Laura JB Schmidt as vice chairperson, David Schornack as treasurer, and Nancy Huot as secretary. It also lists Corey Kratcha, Kari Kreft, Eric Newell, Elizabeth Pihlaja, Tyler Wirth, and Jacob McArthur as directors.
The website identifies Rebecca Lynn Petersen as director of development and philanthropic services and Amanda Quam as grants officer.
West Central Initiative is led by Anna Wasescha, President on every filing since 2021; 4 of 19 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Anna Wasescha
President
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$163K (2021) → $201K (2025)
Jackie Buboltz
Chairperson
Director → Vice Chairperson, 2023
Vice Chairperson → Chairperson, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Peterson
Director of Development
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$111K (2024) → $115K (2025)
Gregory Wagner
Director of Business & Economic Development
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$103K (2025)
Corey Kratcha
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Pihlaja
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eric Newell
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kari Kreft
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tyler Wirth
Director
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jacob McArthur
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Janice Tweet
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michele Staebler
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Trina Starker
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Tillotson
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ryan Rooney
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Trevor Gervais
CFO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$85K (2025)
Laura Jb Schmidt
Vice Chairperson
Director → Vice Chairperson, 2024
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Schornack
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Huot
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Nicole Fernholz (2021–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Yoke-Sim Gunaratne (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: John Dahlseng (2021–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Barbara J. Fabre (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Jane Vangsness Frisch (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Mark Malingen (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Steve Kent (2021–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Jonathan Judd (2021) — Director
- Former: Larry Doss (2021) — Director
- Former: Mark Helland (2021) — Chairperson
- Former: Sandra King (2021) — Vice President
- Former: Sue Heubsch (2021) — Director
- Former: Susan Bruer (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $201K, to Anna Wasescha (President). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about West Central Initiative
How much does West Central Initiative give each year?
West Central Initiative gave $5.3M across 185 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $6.9M across 145 grants.
What is West Central Initiative's typical grant size?
West Central Initiative's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $28,574, across 185 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from West Central Initiative that year got $34K on average.
Where does West Central Initiative give grants?
West Central Initiative gives mostly in Minnesota: 91% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Moorhead, MN (22 grants), Fergus Falls, MN (17 grants), Detroit Lakes, MN (14 grants) and Alexandria, MN (10 grants).
Does West Central Initiative give general operating support?
Yes: 11% of West Central Initiative's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (20 of 185) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Promise Act Grant" (42 grants), "Deed Main Street Revitalization Grant" (14 grants) and "Scholarships" (10 grants).
Who are West Central Initiative's largest grantees?
West Central Initiative's largest 2025 grantees include Broadway Welding Inc ($199,990), Moorhead Center Mall Development LLC ($199,990) and Sterling Development Group Four LLC ($199,900), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 7 grants to individuals ($72,177), which are not listed by name. Together they received 11% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is West Central Initiative?
West Central Initiative reported $96.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $16.0M.
What does West Central Initiative fund?
The organization’s mission is “serving to improve west central Minnesota through funding, programs, and technical assistance.” Its stated vision is “a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable world” starting in west central Minnesota. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from West Central Initiative?
The website describes a single application for organizations seeking West Central Initiative Grants across multiple focus areas; only one application per organization is considered. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is West Central Initiative's EIN?
West Central Initiative's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3453471. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS December 6, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 23, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 19, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 19, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in West Central Initiative's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
St. Paul, MN
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic opportunity, health and human services, youth and education, housing, and organizational capacity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000; listed programs offer up to $50,000 for eligible East Metro work and up to $15,000 for qualifying Minnesota organizations. It accepts applications through specific programs, including rolling application opportunities; the Community Solutions Grant Program serves Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,473
Total Given
$107.2M
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation funds civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education, health, the environment, arts, and human services, with most grant dollars going to Minnesota. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. It says no funding opportunities are currently open; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
The Barry Foundation
Fargo, ND
The Barry Foundation funds education, housing and human services, health, spirituality, the environment, and arts, with much of its giving in North Dakota and Minnesota. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $335,000, with a median of $1,325; it gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$54.9M
Grants
322
Total Given
$1.8M
Otter Tail Power Company Foundation
Fergus Falls, MN
The Otter Tail Power Company Foundation funds public charities and educational organizations working in community and cultural development, education, the environment, and health and human services in Otter Tail Power Company’s service area. Its 2025 grants ranged from $50 to $60,000, with a median award of $2,500; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$11.3M
Grants
156
Total Given
$882K
Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Corporation
Fargo, ND
The Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation supports nonprofits working in arts and culture, basic needs, community building, education, and women and children, primarily in Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota. Its annual Community Grant program awards $500–$15,000; 2024 grants had a median of $13,506. Eligible nonprofits and government entities may apply once per year to the Community Grant program; donor-advised and designated fund grants do not accept applications.
Assets
$126.6M
Grants
178
Total Given
$5.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Minnesota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). West Central Initiative funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/west-central-initiative-morg_e46b26667a5a4ca7a85aac1d1153dee9
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_363453471_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{West Central Initiative funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/west-central-initiative-morg_e46b26667a5a4ca7a85aac1d1153dee9},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. 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 West Central Initiative'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.
West Central Initiative down — hundreds of funders to go?