Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grants

The Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grant is offered by the Initiative Foundation, a regional organization focused on strengthening Central Minnesota’s economy and community wellbeing. The foundation emphasizes generosity, economic vitality, and strong community structures. Through a variety of programs and funding opportunities, it supports initiatives that improve basic needs access, economic mobility, and social support in the region. This grant specifically aims to bolster the operational capacity of small nonprofit organizations working within the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service region. Eligible focus areas for services include food and housing support, job training and career readiness, support for individuals impacted by crime or discrimination, and non-clinical mental health and substance abuse services. Grants are designed to enhance internal infrastructure, such as board governance, strategic planning, process improvement, and marketing strategies, rather than support direct service delivery. Funding awards typically range between $1,000 and $10,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed twice per year, on April 1 and October 10, 2025. Applicants must submit their requests through the Initiative Foundation’s newly launched grant portal, which requires a new account setup. The foundation provides detailed guidance and instructional videos to assist applicants in navigating this portal. To qualify, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual operating budgets of $1 million or less. They must operate within one of the listed counties in Central Minnesota or within portions of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe. Fiscal sponsorships and organizations with primary missions in arts, culture, healthcare, environmental preservation, or similar areas are not eligible. Notably, participation in the Nonprofit Academy training within the last six months may provide an advantage during evaluation. The Initiative Foundation also seeks to maintain geographic balance in its funding decisions across its service region. For assistance, applicants may contact Jessy Beto, the Grantmaking Administrator, at [email protected] or (320) 631-2057; Nicole Clements, the Nonprofit Development Program Officer, at [email protected] or (320) 631-2048; or Amy Trombley, Vice President for Community, at [email protected] or (320) 631-2043. Additional support is available during business hours Monday through Friday. The grant cannot fund activities such as hiring staff, ongoing program costs, or capital expenses.