Emerging Needs Grants

The Initiative Foundation's Emerging Needs Grants offer vital support to nonprofits in Central Minnesota facing unexpected challenges. These grants enable organizations to stabilize and adapt, ensuring they continue to meet pressing community needs. With a focus on immediate impact, the funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in the region, allowing them to address service gaps and enhance their operations during crises.

Facing an unexpected challenge or sudden funding loss? The Initiative Foundation’s Emerging Needs Grant provides rapid, flexible support to help Central Minnesota nonprofits stabilize, adapt and continue meeting urgent community needs. The Initiative Foundation will award grants that …
support work with a deep, immediate impactreach all 14 counties in our Central Minnesota service areareflect the Foundation’s commitment to strong, responsive local nonprofits.

Eligibility

501(c)(3) nonprofits currently serving the Initiative Foundation’s region, which includes: Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and Wright counties and portions of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe (fiscal sponsorships are not eligible)Have a minimum of three years of continuous programmingHave previous fiscal year actual expenses between $100,000 and $2 millionFunds may be used forgeneral operating support (staffing, rent, utilities and core services)expanding or adapting services due to a crisis or sudden increase in demandaddressing service gaps caused by funding cuts or unexpected events.