Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

June 16, 2026

69 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Initiators Fellowship

Program Type: Two-year fellowship for emerging social entrepreneurs

Geographic Scope: Greater Minnesota (53 counties and 6 Native nations served by Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation, and West Central Initiative)

For Southwest Initiative Foundation specifically: Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties, plus Upper Sioux Community and Lower Sioux Indian Community

Focus Areas:

  • Social enterprises with socially beneficial and/or environmental outcomes

  • Rural entrepreneurship and business development

  • Leadership capacity building
  • Program Features:

  • Wrap-around support: Training, mentoring, and stipend provision

  • Two-year duration designed to move business ideas to the next level

  • Target Audience: Current and aspiring social entrepreneurs who reside and operate in the region
  • Eligibility:

  • Must reside in participating region

  • Must operate business in participating region

  • Business must include socially beneficial outcome
  • Contact:

  • Christine Metzo, Initiators Fellowship Program Manager

  • Program launched by Initiative Foundation in partnership with Minnesota Initiative Foundation partners
  • Background: Launched to engage the next generation of rural leaders in using entrepreneurial spirit to create change while building business and personal leadership capacity. Seeks to accelerate growth and success of social venture ideas in Greater Minnesota communities.

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Application Period: May 1 to June 16 (annual)

    Cohort: 2026-2027 cohort

    Application Requirements:
    Detailed application requirements not provided in source material. Applicants should contact the program manager for specific submission details.

    Contact for Application Questions:

  • Christine Metzo, Initiators Fellowship Program Manager

  • Email or call Southwest Initiative Foundation

  • Phone: (320) 587-4848
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    startupssocial-justiceyouth-leadershipminority-businesses

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Ready to apply for Initiators Fellowship?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.