The Greater Pine Area Endowment (GPAE), a component fund of the Initiative Foundation of Little Falls, Minnesota, serves as a philanthropic resource dedicated to strengthening the long-term strategic needs of the Greater Pine Area community. The fund’s purpose centers on promoting economic and community development initiatives that uplift the region within the physical boundaries of ISD 578, encompassing Pine City and surrounding areas. GPAE’s approach combines local stewardship with professional fund management, ensuring that community investments yield lasting impacts over time.
GPAE supports two principal funding categories: economic development and community development. Economic development grants are directed toward projects that facilitate quality job creation, aligning with the fund’s focus on strengthening the local workforce and enhancing economic vitality. Community development grants target initiatives that foster community pride, environmental stewardship, and beautification, while also addressing the housing, safety, and employment needs of vulnerable populations such as youth, the elderly, and low-income individuals.
Eligibility for GPAE grants is limited to nonprofit organizations, schools, and local government units located within ISD 578. Applicants must either hold IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or operate under a qualifying fiscal sponsor with appropriate documentation. Organizations must also have received no adverse tax-exempt determinations from the IRS. GPAE encourages grantees to prioritize local procurement, supporting the fund’s economic development goals. Grant applications should be project-specific, and the fund retains flexibility to provide capital support where appropriate.
Grants will not be awarded to individuals, private businesses, religious or political organizations, or for ongoing operating support, endowments, or pre-incurred expenses. GPAE also discourages multiple applications from a single organization within the same cycle and does not fund activities associated with standard K–12 programs.
To apply, applicants must submit proposals through the Initiative Foundation’s online portal by the published deadline. Proposals are reviewed biannually, with reviews occurring March 31 and August 31 each year. Funding decisions are made by the GPAE Advisory Board and ratified by the Initiative Foundation Board. Grantees are notified in writing. Following project completion, recipients must submit a final narrative report through the portal and present to the advisory board during GPAE’s annual meeting in December.
This grant program operates on a biannual cycle, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed twice yearly. The next submission deadline is August 31, 2025, with the subsequent cycle expected to open for review by March 31, 2026.
Support local businesses when possible; provide rationale if purchases are made outside ISD 578.
