The Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation is a partner fund of the Initiative Foundation. Its primary goal is to enhance community resources and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and organizations within the Staples and Motley communities, including the Staples-Motley School District. As a program under the Initiative Foundation, contributions to this community foundation are professionally managed to ensure long-term benefits for the community.
The foundation is guided by a set of core values emphasized by its advisory board. These include inclusivity across generations and cultures, community collaboration, respectful engagement, innovation, honesty, transparency, and responsible stewardship of resources. These principles direct the foundation’s operations and decision-making processes.
Grant applications to the Staples-Motley Area Community Foundation are accepted on a rolling basis, with formal review dates occurring twice a year, on April 15 and October 15. Award decisions are typically communicated approximately three weeks after the review dates. Applications must be submitted through an online grant system where applicants can also track their submissions and submit necessary follow-up reports.
To apply, organizations must first ensure eligibility and confirm that their project aligns with the foundation’s grant guidelines. The process requires account creation and an eligibility quiz. Support is available for those encountering issues with the application portal, including direct assistance via email or phone from foundation staff.
The foundation provides small-scale grants for a range of community initiatives, as evidenced by recent awards. For instance, in 2024, grant recipients included local schools, historical societies, faith-based groups, and civic organizations, with award amounts generally ranging between $750 and $5,000. Funded projects covered areas such as student support programs, recreational improvements, cultural festivals, and community service events.
For questions or support, applicants are encouraged to contact Amy Gray, Community Philanthropy Manager, at agray@ifound.org or (320) 631-2062, or Carl Newbanks, Vice President of Philanthropy, at cnewbanks@ifound.org or (320) 631-2042. The foundation emphasizes helping residents of Central Minnesota foster economic growth, vibrant community life, and enduring philanthropic engagement.
