Thriving Communities Initiative

The Initiative Foundation is reintroducing its Thriving Communities Initiative as a pilot program aimed at empowering smaller communities across Central Minnesota. With a mission to enhance economic vitality, community engagement, and a culture of generosity, the foundation is inviting up to five rural communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer to participate. The purpose of this initiative is to cultivate local leadership, foster inclusive community engagement, and implement tangible projects that contribute to long-term community vibrancy and belonging. Communities selected for participation will be required to assemble a local planning team consisting of three to five individuals. These individuals must represent diverse backgrounds and sectors within the community. The initial phase involves attending a two-day, in-person workshop scheduled for August 21–22. This workshop will provide training in inclusive facilitation, strategic planning, and leadership development. Following this event, communities will continue to engage in three virtual mini workshops that offer additional training and ongoing support. A central component of the initiative is the design and implementation of a local community engagement process. This will be carried out with the assistance of a regional expert and supported by an accountability coach who will help ensure progress on the community’s goals. Teams will also participate in up to three virtual cohort gatherings, providing a platform to share insights, reflect on challenges, and collaborate on strategies for continuous improvement. To support the efforts of participating communities, each will receive $2,500 for expenses related to workshops and engagement sessions, including costs for food, stipends, childcare, translation, and transportation. An additional $2,500 will be awarded to implement community projects developed through the initiative. Furthermore, communities that take the lead in hosting sessions or invest additional resources into their initiative efforts may qualify for supplemental funding of up to $10,000. Applicants must submit their applications by 4 p.m. on July 18. The selected communities will be finalized later in July. The two-day in-person workshop will be held on August 21–22, with virtual training and engagement taking place in September, October, and November. Throughout the program, participants will build critical skills in areas such as public engagement, collaborative strategy, inclusive facilitation, and conflict resolution. For questions or additional information, applicants are encouraged to contact Amy Trombley, Vice President for Community, at atrombley@ifound.org or (320) 631-2043. Alternatively, inquiries can be directed to Jessy Beto, Grantmaking Administrator, at jbeto@ifound.org or (320) 631-2057. The Initiative Foundation’s central office is located in Little Falls, Minnesota, with a secondary office in St. Cloud. The program is not offered on a rolling basis and is limited to Central Minnesota, with no indication of national availability.